Pepperoni Pizza Pasta

If you love pizza and pasta, this Pepperoni Pizza Pasta is the perfect fusion dish for you! It combines tender pasta, savory marinara sauce, gooey mozzarella cheese, and the irresistible flavor of pepperoni for a hearty and satisfying meal. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s a family-friendly dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Skillet or saucepan for the sauce
• Large mixing bowl
• Baking dish (if making a baked version)
• Cheese grater

Ingredients Overview

• Pasta: Short pasta like penne, rotini, or rigatoni works best to hold the sauce and cheese.
• Marinara Sauce: The base of the dish, delivering rich tomato flavor.
• Pepperoni: Classic pizza topping for a smoky, savory punch.
• Cheese: Mozzarella for meltiness and Parmesan for a touch of salty nuttiness.
• Seasonings: Italian seasoning, garlic, and red pepper flakes for that authentic pizza flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add 12 oz of your favorite pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions.
3. Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the Sauce

1. In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté 2 minced garlic cloves until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Stir in 3 cups of marinara sauce, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (optional). Simmer for 5 minutes.

3. Combine the Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the marinara sauce until evenly coated.
2. Fold in 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese and 1 cup sliced pepperoni (reserve some for topping).

4. Optional: Bake the Dish

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Top with the reserved pepperoni and an additional ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese.
4. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

5. Serve and Enjoy

1. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley if desired.
2. Serve hot with a side of garlic bread or a green salad.

Recipe Tips

• Add veggies: Mix in sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or black olives for extra flavor and texture.
• Switch up the protein: Substitute or add cooked sausage, chicken, or turkey pepperoni.
• Make it spicier: Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a kick.

What to Serve With This Recipe

• Garlic bread or breadsticks
• Caesar salad or a simple green salad
• Steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the pasta up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.

Can I freeze this pasta?
Absolutely. Assemble, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 45–50 minutes.

What other cheeses can I use?
Feel free to use provolone, cheddar, or a pizza cheese blend for variety.

Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni)
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (plus ½ cup for topping)
• 1 cup sliced pepperoni (reserve some for topping)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside.
2. Sauté garlic in olive oil, then stir in marinara sauce and seasonings. Simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Combine pasta, sauce, mozzarella, and pepperoni in a large bowl.
4. Transfer to a baking dish, top with reserved pepperoni and cheese, and bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes.
5. Garnish with Parmesan and parsley, then serve hot.

This Pepperoni Pizza Pasta is a crowd-pleasing, comforting dish that’s as fun as it is delicious!

pizza and pasta

If you love pizza and pasta, this Pepperoni Pizza Pasta is the perfect fusion dish for you! It combines tender pasta, savory marinara sauce, gooey mozzarella cheese, and the irresistible flavor of pepperoni for a hearty and satisfying meal. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s a family-friendly dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

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Equipment

• Kitchen Equipment Needed:
• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Skillet or saucepan for the sauce
• Large mixing bowl
• Baking dish (if making a baked version)
• Cheese grater

Ingredients

  

• 12 oz pasta penne, rotini, or rigatoni
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese plus ½ cup for topping
• 1 cup sliced pepperoni reserve some for topping
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Grated Parmesan cheese optional, for garnish

Instructions

 

• Cook pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside.
• Sauté garlic in olive oil, then stir in marinara sauce and seasonings. Simmer for 5 minutes.
• Combine pasta, sauce, mozzarella, and pepperoni in a large bowl.
• Transfer to a baking dish, top with reserved pepperoni and cheese, and bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes.
• Garnish with Parmesan and parsley, then serve hot.
• This Pepperoni Pizza Pasta is a crowd-pleasing, comforting dish that’s as fun as it is delicious!