If you’re craving something hearty, cheesy, and utterly comforting, this Pizza Pasta Casserole is going to become your new weeknight hero. It’s loaded with all the bold, savory flavors of your favorite pizza but wrapped up in a cozy, baked pasta dish. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make and flexible enough to fit whatever toppings you love — ready to hit your table in just about 40 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Family-Friendly: Perfect for those busy nights when you need dinner on the table fast and everyone’s a little bit picky.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With gooey cheese, saucy pasta, and plenty of customizable toppings, it’s nearly impossible for anyone to resist.
- Super Versatile: Easily switch up the toppings and ingredients based on what’s in your fridge or what your family loves.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This casserole stores and reheats beautifully, making it a dream for meal prep or leftover lunches.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to create this melty, crave-worthy Pizza Pasta Casserole:
- Pasta: Choose a sturdy pasta like penne or rotini — something that can really hold onto that delicious sauce without getting mushy.
- Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite jarred sauce for simplicity or go homemade if you’re feeling extra fancy. It brings all the rich, tomatoey goodness.
- Pepperoni Slices: A classic pizza topping that adds a wonderful smoky, spicy bite.
- Italian Sausage: For extra savory depth; brown it first to release all those amazing flavors.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Nothing beats the melty, stretchy magic of mozzarella here.
- Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkled in for that salty, nutty sharpness that complements everything.
- Bell Peppers: Add a little sweetness and color to balance the richness.
- Black Olives: For a briny pop — totally optional if you’re not an olive fan.
- Seasonings: Oregano, basil, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for that true pizza flavor.
- Olive Oil: Just a touch to sauté the sausage and veggies and deepen their flavors.
Variations
- Meat Lovers: Add bacon bits, ground beef, or even diced ham along with the sausage and pepperoni.
- Veggie Supreme: Load it up with mushrooms, spinach, onions, zucchini, or artichoke hearts.
- Spicy Version: Toss in some hot Italian sausage or drizzle with a little chili oil before serving.
- Cheese Explosion: Mix mozzarella with provolone, fontina, or even gouda for extra gooeyness.
How to Make Pizza Pasta Casserole
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling the pasta in salted water until just al dente. You want it slightly firm because it will cook more in the oven. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Meaty Mixture
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and cook the Italian sausage until browned. Toss in the bell peppers and cook until they’re just tender. Stir in the marinara sauce and season with oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes.
Step 3: Combine Everything
In a big mixing bowl (or directly in the baking dish for less cleanup!), mix the pasta with the sauce and sausage mixture. Stir in a generous handful of mozzarella and some Parmesan.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with more mozzarella cheese, pepperoni slices, black olives, and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan for good measure.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F until the cheese is bubbling and golden, about 20-25 minutes. Let it rest a few minutes before serving so everything holds together nicely.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Undercook Your Pasta Slightly: This keeps the pasta from becoming too soft after baking.
- Layer the Cheese: Mix some cheese into the pasta and then layer more on top for ultimate cheesiness.
- Use High-Quality Marinara: Since the sauce is a main flavor, a good-quality sauce will make a big difference.
- Don’t Overload the Toppings: Too many toppings can weigh down the casserole. Keep it balanced for the best texture.
How to Serve
This Pizza Pasta Casserole is a full meal on its own, but if you want to round it out:
Garnishes:
Sprinkle with fresh basil, parsley, or crushed red pepper flakes just before serving for a fresh pop.
Side Dishes:
Pair it with a crisp Caesar salad or a simple green salad with a vinaigrette to balance the richness. Some garlic breadsticks or a buttery focaccia wouldn’t hurt either!
Fun Serving Idea:
Spoon the casserole into individual ramekins for personal “mini pizzas” — a big hit with kids and adults alike!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the casserole cool completely, then cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making leftovers absolutely mouthwatering!
Freezing
Freeze the unbaked or fully baked casserole. Wrap tightly with foil and store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Add a little extra cheese on top if you want to freshen it up!
FAQs
Can I make Pizza Pasta Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble it up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. You might need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
What pasta shape works best for this casserole?
Short, sturdy pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or rigatoni are ideal. They hold onto the sauce beautifully and keep their shape after baking.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Definitely! Just skip the sausage and pepperoni, and load up on your favorite veggies like mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini. You can even toss in some plant-based meat alternatives if you like.
How can I make it healthier?
Use whole wheat pasta, a lower-fat cheese blend, and lean turkey sausage. You can also sneak in extra veggies like finely chopped spinach or broccoli.
Final Thoughts
This Pizza Pasta Casserole is everything you love about pizza and pasta in one glorious, cheesy dish. It’s hearty, satisfying, endlessly customizable, and practically foolproof — exactly what busy weeknights call for. Give it a try, play around with your favorite toppings, and watch it become a regular star on your dinner table!
Print
Pizza Pasta Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
A hearty and cheesy casserole combining all the best flavors of pizza and pasta, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pizza sauce
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté until fragrant.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, beef sauce, half of the pepperoni, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix well.
- Transfer mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Top with remaining mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, Parmesan cheese, and diced green bell pepper.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from oven, let it rest for 5 minutes, then serve.
Notes
- Use turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version.
- Add mushrooms, black olives, or other favorite pizza toppings.
- Can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking.
- Freeze leftovers for up to 3 months.