Pizza Pasta Bake
A comforting and cheesy dish that blends pizza and pasta, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta (e.g., penne or rotini) Pasta should be cooked to al dente
- 2 cups marinara sauce Can substitute with BBQ sauce for variations
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni or your favorite pizza toppings Alternative toppings can include bell peppers and olives
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Reserve half for layering
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish Optional
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Fold in your pepperoni and half of the mozzarella cheese.
- Spread the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish or similar-sized oven-safe dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese over the top.
Cooking
- Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Optionally, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes for a crispy top.
- Remove from the oven, let it sit for a few minutes, and garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
Cook pasta to al dente to maintain texture. Feel free to mix in different cheeses for a unique taste. You can prepare the dish in advance, just add extra baking time if it's refrigerated.