Print

Ultimate Cheesy Pizza Pasta Bake

A serving of cheesy pizza pasta being lifted out of a dish, showing long, stretchy mozzarella cheese pulls.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This recipe combines the familiar flavors of pizza with comforting pasta in a simple, baked casserole. It is a satisfying, family-friendly dinner perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound rotini pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 24 ounces marinara sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup sliced pepperoni
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup grated 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. Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
  3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
  4. Add the chopped 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, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the sauce to a simmer.
  6. Stir in the water and the cooked pasta. Remove the skillet from the heat.
  7. Stir in the pepperoni, 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese, the Parmesan cheese, and the cubes of cream cheese until the cream cheese is mostly melted and incorporated.
  8. Spread the pasta mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  9. Top the mixture with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
  10. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground beef or ground turkey for the Italian sausage.
  • For a make-ahead option, assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 10 minutes to the bake time if cooking straight from the refrigerator.
  • Use your favorite pizza toppings, such as sliced mushrooms or green peppers, added with the pepperoni.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://gourmetgaze.com/easy-pizza-pasta-recipe-one-pot/