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Easy Cheesy Pizza Pasta Bake

A serving spoon lifts a cheesy, saucy portion of pizza pasta, showing extreme cheese pull over the baked dish.
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Combine the flavors of pizza and pasta into one simple, cheesy baked casserole. This recipe is quick to prepare and makes a satisfying family dinner.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound Italian sausage or ground beef (optional)
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 24 ounces marinara sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup sliced pepperoni
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
  3. If using meat, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage or ground beef and cook until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
  4. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  5. Stir in the marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
  6. Add the water to the sauce mixture and stir well.
  7. Add the drained pasta, pepperoni, and 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese to the skillet. Stir everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce and cheese.
  8. Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish.
  9. Top the mixture evenly with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and the Parmesan cheese.
  10. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
  11. Let the pizza pasta bake rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For a one-pot variation, cook the pasta directly in the sauce mixture, adding more water or broth as needed until the pasta is tender. Then top with cheese and bake.
  • You can substitute ground turkey or skip the meat entirely for a vegetarian option.
  • Add sliced bell peppers or mushrooms with the onion for extra vegetables.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://mdlatdmm.com/easy-cheesy-pizza-pasta-bake-recipe/