Description

This Pizza Pasta recipe combines two all-time favorites—pizza and pasta—into one irresistible dish! With savory Italian sausage, melty cheese, and classic pizza toppings like pepperoni and black olives, it’s a meal the whole family will devour. Perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd, this dish brings the flavors of your favorite pizza in a hearty, cheesy pasta bake.

Pair it with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal, or enjoy it on its own for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Ingredients

• 1 lb pasta of your choice (penne, rotini, or rigatoni work well)
• 1 lb ground Italian sausage
• 1 jar (24 oz) of your favorite pasta sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup sliced pepperoni
• ½ cup sliced black olives
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation Method

Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain it and set it aside.

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground Italian sausage until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. This takes about 7-8 minutes. Once the sausage is cooked, stir in the pasta sauce and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sausage and sauce, stirring to coat the pasta evenly.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare the dish for baking.

Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Top it with shredded mozzarella cheese, pepperoni slices, black olives, and grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle Italian seasoning over the top for that classic pizza flavor.

Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden around the edges.

Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a burst of flavor and color.

Tips and Conclusion

For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the sausage mixture. You can also customize the toppings—add mushrooms, bell peppers, or even diced ham for your favorite pizza-style combination!

Pizza Pasta is a family-friendly dish that’s as fun to eat as it is easy to make. With gooey cheese, savory sausage, and pepperoni-packed goodness, this pasta bake will quickly become a regular on your dinner table. Serve it with garlic bread and a salad for a complete Italian-inspired meal.

Looking for more comfort food ideas? Try our Cheesy Baked Ziti or Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake for more crowd-pleasing recipes. Enjoy!