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Ultimate One-Pot Cheesy Pizza Pasta Bake

A hearty slice of baked pizza pasta topped with melted cheese and crispy pepperoni slices.
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This recipe combines the familiar flavors of pizza with pasta in a simple, cheesy baked casserole. It is designed to be a satisfying, low-cleanup weeknight dinner for your family.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound rotini pasta
  • 4 cups water or broth
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup sliced pepperoni
  • 1 cup cooked, crumbled Italian sausage (optional)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup cream cheese, cut into small cubes

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the rotini pasta, water or broth, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  4. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the pasta is nearly tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir halfway through the simmering time.
  5. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the pepperoni, cooked sausage (if using), 1/2 cup of the mozzarella cheese, the Parmesan cheese, and the cream cheese cubes until the cream cheese melts and the mixture is creamy.
  6. Spread the pasta mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  7. Top the pasta with the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese.
  8. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
  9. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For a make-ahead option, assemble the casserole completely, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5 to 10 minutes to the covered baking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.
  • You can substitute rotini with penne or shells.
  • If you skip the sausage, add 1/2 cup of sliced mushrooms or bell peppers with the pepperoni for extra vegetables.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbycarla.com/pizza-pasta-one-pot-cheesy-bake-recipe/