If you’re looking for a dish that combines the comforting flavors of pizza with satisfaction of pasta, try this Delicious Pizza Pasta Bake. This recipe is a game-changer for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or family gatherings. The best part? You can customize it with your favorite toppings, making it a versatile crowd-pleaser. Get ready to dive into a cheesy, savory delight with this simple pizza pasta bake recipe! You will also love this One Pot Sausage Pasta, Chicken with Noodle Casserole and Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Pizza Pasta Bake Recipe

This pizza pasta bake is not only easy to prepare but also offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. It’s perfect for busy nights when you need a filling meal that everyone will enjoy. With gooey cheese, savory sauce, and your choice of toppings, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients for Your Pizza Pasta Bake

To make this recipe you will need

• 12 oz penne or rotini pasta
• 1 lb Italian sausage (or ground beef, if you prefer)
• 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup sliced olives (optional)
• 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni (optional)
• Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add your pasta and cook until al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. This step is crucial for your pizza pasta bake recipe to have the right texture.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil. Once hot, add the Italian sausage (or ground beef). Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are soft, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for that classic pizza flavor.

Step 3: Combine the Sauces

In a large bowl, mix together the pizza sauce and marinara sauce. This combination will give your pizza pasta bake a rich and flavorful base. Pour in the cooked pasta and the sausage-vegetable mixture, stirring until everything is well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Pizza Pasta Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, pour half of the pasta mixture. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the top. Then, layer the remaining pasta mixture and top with the rest of the mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese. If you’re using olives or pepperoni, sprinkle them on top for added flavor.

Step 5: Bake

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (to prevent sticking) and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. The aroma of the pizza pasta bake will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired, before serving. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the deliciousness of your pizza pasta bake recipe!

Tips for the Perfect Pizza Pasta Bake

• Customize Your Toppings: The beauty of this pizza pasta bake is its versatility. Feel free to add your favorite pizza toppings, like mushrooms, jalapeños, or even cooked bacon.
• Use Leftover Chicken: If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, feel free to substitute it for the sausage. This will save you time and add extra flavor.
• Make It Ahead: You can assemble your pizza pasta bake recipe a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

Conclusion

This Delicious Pizza Pasta Bake is the perfect solution for busy nights or when you want to impress your family with minimal effort. With layers of pasta, meat, sauce, and cheese, this pizza pasta bake is a delightful combination that’s sure to satisfy.

Final Thoughts

Next time you’re craving pizza but want something a little different, give this pizza pasta bake recipe a try. It’s a delightful twist on a classic favorite, and I promise it will become a staple in your home. Gather your ingredients and enjoy the delightful flavors of this easy-to-make dish!

Print Recipe

Delicious Pizza Pasta Bake

Author: Balanced Healthy Meals

Difficulty: Beginner

Servings: 2

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

If you’re looking for a dish that combines the comforting flavors of pizza with satisfaction of pasta, try this Delicious Pizza Pasta Bake.

Ingredients

Servings

• 12 oz penne or rotini pasta

• 1 lb Italian sausage (or ground beef, if you prefer)

• ¹⁄₂ cup bell pepper, diced

• ¹⁄₂ cup onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can pizza sauce (15 oz)

• 1 cup marinara sauce

• 1 ¹⁄₂ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ¹⁄₂ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• ¹⁄₂ cup sliced olives (optional)

• ¹⁄₂ cup sliced pepperoni (optional)

• Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add your pasta and cook until al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. This step is crucial for your pizza pasta bake recipe to have the right texture.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil. Once hot, add the Italian sausage (or ground beef). Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are soft, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for that classic pizza flavor.
3. In a large bowl, mix together the pizza sauce and marinara sauce. This combination will give your pizza pasta bake a rich and flavorful base. Pour in the cooked pasta and the sausage-vegetable mixture, stirring until everything is well combined.
4. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, pour half of the pasta mixture. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the top. Then, layer the remaining pasta mixture and top with the rest of the mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese. If you’re using olives or pepperoni, sprinkle them on top for added flavor.
5. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (to prevent sticking) and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. The aroma of the pizza pasta bake will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist!
6. Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired, before serving. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the deliciousness of your pizza pasta bake recipe!

Keywords: pizza pasta bake