What do you get when you take all the gooey, cheesy, saucy flavors of a pepperoni pizza and mix them into a hearty pasta dish? Pure weeknight magic! This Pepperoni Pizza Pasta is the ultimate comfort food loaded with melty cheese, zesty pepperoni, and tender pasta, all baked together in one irresistible dish. It’s one of those meals that makes the whole kitchen smell amazing, and trust me, everyone will be lining up for seconds!

Why You’ll Love Pepperoni Pizza Pasta

Name: Pepperoni Pizza Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini); 2 cups marinara or pizza sauce; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup sliced pepperoni; 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers (optional); 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Works as a quick dinner, potluck dish, or even a fun weekend lunch.
Budget-Friendly: Uses inexpensive pantry staples and stretches easily to feed a crowd.
Quick and Easy: Comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy nights.
Customizable: Add veggies, swap the pepperoni for sausage, or use your favorite pasta shape.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients in Pepperoni Pizza Pasta

Here’s the magic of this dish it combines the best pizza flavors with hearty pasta for a complete meal. Let’s break it down:
Pasta: Any short shape like penne, rotini, or rigatoni works great.
Pizza Sauce: The tangy, herby base that ties everything together.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into ooey-gooey perfection.
Pepperoni: Adds that signature pizza flavor and a little spice.
Parmesan Cheese: For extra cheesy goodness and a golden crust.
Italian Seasoning: Gives the pasta that authentic pizzeria vibe.
Optional Veggies: Bell peppers, mushrooms, or black olives can be added for more flavor and texture.

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until just al dente, then drain and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with pizza sauce, half the mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning, and half the pepperoni slices.
Assemble the Dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella, pepperoni, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Cook to Perfection: Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Finishing Touches: Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving so the flavors meld together.
Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and enjoy every cheesy bite!

Nutrition Facts: Servings: 6 Calories per serving: 410
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve Pepperoni Pizza Pasta

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Serve with garlic bread or breadsticks to soak up the sauce.
Pair with a crisp green salad for balance.
Top each portion with red pepper flakes or fresh Parmesan for a little extra flair.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Undercook the pasta slightly before baking so it doesn’t become mushy.
If you like crispy pepperoni, add a few extra slices on top before baking.
Use part-skim mozzarella for a slightly lighter version.
This recipe is freezer-friendly! Assemble it ahead of time and freeze for up to 2 months.
Leftovers taste even better the next day—just reheat in the oven or microwave.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use different meat instead of pepperoni?
Yes, sausage, ham, or even shredded chicken would work beautifully.
2. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely just skip the pepperoni and load up on veggies.
3. Can I use homemade pizza sauce?
Yes, homemade sauce adds a fresh, vibrant flavor.
4. Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Definitely, just cook according to the package instructions.
5. Can I add more cheese?
Of course! This is a cheese-lover’s dream dish.
6. Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the dish and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
7. What’s the best pasta shape to use?
Short shapes like penne or rotini hold the sauce and cheese best.
8. Can I make it spicy?
Add red pepper flakes or spicy pepperoni for a kick.
9. How long does it keep in the fridge?
Up to 4 days in an airtight container.
10. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.

Conclusion

Pepperoni Pizza Pasta is everything you love about pizza, baked into a cheesy, saucy pasta dish that the whole family will devour. It’s easy, versatile, and just plain fun to make and eat! Whether you’re serving it up for a busy weeknight or a weekend get-together, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. Make it once, and it’ll become a regular in your dinner rotation!

Pepperoni Pizza Pasta

Author: Isabella
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop, Baking
Cuisine: American, Italian
Diet: Halal

Print Recipe

Description

This Pepperoni Pizza Pasta is a cheesy, comforting dish that combines all the flavors of pepperoni pizza with hearty pasta for a family-friendly dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
2 cups marinara or pizza sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup sliced pepperoni
1/2 cup chopped bell peppers (optional)
1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 3-4 minutes.
Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to combine. Stir in half the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted.
Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella, Parmesan, and pepperoni slices. Add optional peppers and olives if desired.
Broil in the oven for 2-3 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden. Serve warm.