Baked Pizza Pasta Recipe

Baked Pizza Pasta is a delicious and comforting dish that perfectly combines the timeless flavors of pizza with the satisfying heartiness of baked pasta. This dish brings together tender penne pasta, savory ground beef and sausage, a medley of sautéed vegetables, and layers of rich tomato sauces topped with melty mozzarella and pepperoni slices, all baked to bubbly perfection. It’s like a pizza party inside your casserole dish, making it an ideal crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers. Dive into this cheesy, flavorful delight that effortlessly satisfies both pasta and pizza cravings at once.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the first step to creating that perfect balance of taste, texture, and color in the Baked Pizza Pasta. Each component plays a role, from juicy meats to fresh veggies and aromatic herbs, ensuring your dish bursts with genuine pizza-inspired flavors.

• 12 ounces penne pasta: A sturdy shape that holds sauce well and crisps just right around the edges.
• 8 ounces ground beef: Adds rich, savory depth and hearty texture that complements the sausage.
• 8 ounces Italian sausage: Brings a spicy, seasoned kick, making the pasta truly pizza-like in flavor.
• 1 large yellow onion (diced): Offers sweetness and a touch of crunch after being sautéed.
• 1 large green bell pepper (diced): Adds fresh, vibrant color and a slightly sweet crunch.
• 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses a wonderful aromatic base and enhances all the other flavors.
• 2 cups marinara sauce: A tomatoey backbone that’s both tangy and rich.
• 1 cup pizza sauce: Intensifies that pizza-specific flavor with its special seasoning blend.
• 1/2 cup beef broth: Keeps things moist and adds umami complexity to the sauce.
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (grated): Sprinkled in for a savory, nutty layer of flavor.
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded): Melts into gooey, stretchy goodness that’s essential for any pizza-inspired creation.
• 25 slices pepperoni: The classic pizza topping that adds a salty, spicy punch on top.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Provides that unmistakable herbaceous note found in traditional pizza seasoning.
• 1 teaspoon dried basil: Offers a sweet, slightly peppery flavor to round out the sauce.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt: Enhances the garlic flavor while seasoning the entire dish.
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adds a gentle heat that wakes up your taste buds without overpowering.

How to Make Baked Pizza Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by boiling the penne pasta in a large pot of salted water until it reaches just al dente—meaning it still has a slight bite because it will continue cooking in the oven. Drain well and set it aside to avoid overcooking and mushy texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat and Veggies

In a spacious skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage together until fully cooked and nicely caramelized. As the meats cook, toss in the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic; sauté until the vegetables soften and release their sweet and savory aromas. This combination creates the flavorful foundation reminiscent of a pizza’s toppings.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Now stir in the marinara sauce, pizza sauce, and beef broth to the skillet. Sprinkle in oregano, basil, garlic salt, and red pepper flakes to season the sauce expertly. Let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes, allowing all those flavors to mingle and intensify into that classic pizza taste.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Transfer the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and stir thoroughly to coat every piece with the savory meat and vegetable sauce. After mixing, fold in the grated Parmesan cheese, which adds a sharp, nutty punch that elevates the recipe further.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake the Pizza Pasta

Lightly grease a baking dish and pour in the pasta mixture, spreading it evenly. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese, then arrange the pepperoni slices on the surface. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbly crown and the pepperoni edges get delectably crispy.

How to Serve Baked Pizza Pasta

Garnishes

To enhance the presentation and taste, sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley over the top once it comes out of the oven. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a squeeze of red pepper flakes can also add subtle layers of flavor.

Side Dishes

A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs beautifully to balance the richness of the Baked Pizza Pasta. Garlic bread or crunchy breadsticks are the perfect companions for scooping up any leftover sauce, turning the meal into a full pizza-inspired feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the pasta in individual oven-safe ramekins for an elegant touch at dinner parties, or sprinkle assorted pizza toppings like sliced olives, mushrooms, or even fresh cherry tomatoes on top before baking for personalized variations that everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Baked Pizza Pasta in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This lets you enjoy all the flavors again without losing the texture or taste.

Freezing

This dish freezes wonderfully. Simply cool it completely, then transfer portions into freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2 months, so you have an easy, comforting meal ready whenever convenience calls.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to preserve that delightful baked texture. Alternatively, microwave on medium power, covering loosely, to avoid drying out the pasta and cheese.

FAQs

Can I use different pasta shapes for Baked Pizza Pasta?

Absolutely! While penne works great for holding sauce, rigatoni, ziti, or fusilli are also excellent choices. Just make sure to cook them al dente so they don’t become mushy after baking.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can skip the meats and add vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant, and perhaps a plant-based sausage substitute. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep all flavors rich and satisfying.

How spicy is the Baked Pizza Pasta?

The recipe calls for a small amount of red pepper flakes, providing a gentle warmth but nothing too intense. You can adjust this up or down based on your spice preference.

Can I prepare Baked Pizza Pasta ahead of time?

Definitely! Assemble everything and refrigerate the unbaked pasta for a day before baking, then bake when ready. This makes it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeknights.

What cheese alternatives can I use?

Mozzarella is key for its meltiness, but you can mix in provolone, fontina, or even cheddar to introduce new flavor notes while keeping that cheesy appeal.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something that combines the best parts of pizza and pasta, Baked Pizza Pasta is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s comforting, packed with flavor, and perfect for sharing with family or friends. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the satisfying blend of hearty pasta, savory meat, melty cheese, and classic pizza goodness—all in one delicious bake.

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