Print

Easy Weeknight Cheesy Pizza Pasta Bake

Close-up of a serving of pizza pasta bake featuring rotini pasta, meat sauce, melted mozzarella, and pepperoni slices.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make this easy pizza pasta bake for a family favorite dinner. This cheesy pizza casserole combines classic pizza flavors with comforting pasta, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound rotini or penne pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound Italian sausage or ground beef
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 24 ounces marinara sauce (or pizza sauce)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
  3. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage or ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
  4. Add the onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  5. Stir in the marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and water. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
  6. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the cooked pasta and 1/2 cup of the mozzarella cheese until everything is combined.
  7. Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  8. Top the pasta evenly with the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese and the Parmesan cheese. Scatter the pepperoni slices over the top.
  9. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.
  10. Let the pizza pasta bake rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • You can prepare this make ahead pasta bake up to 24 hours in advance. Cover the unbaked casserole and refrigerate. Add 10 to 15 minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.
  • For a freezer option, cover the unbaked casserole tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, or bake from frozen by adding about 30 minutes to the total cook time.
  • This recipe works well as a budget friendly family meal.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbycarla.com/pizza-pasta-bake-recipe-easy-casserole/