Super Easy Pizza Pasta Bake
A delightful fusion of cheesy pizza and hearty pasta, this Super Easy Pizza Pasta Bake is comfort food at its best, perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta or any pasta of your choice
- 24 ounces marinara sauce store-bought or homemade
- 1 cup ricotta cheese can substitute with cottage cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded divided for layering
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese for topping
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or a mix of dried herbs
- 1 cup pepperoni slices can use any preferred toppings
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a pot of boiling salted water, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Stir until everything is well blended.
- Add the cooked penne pasta into the sauce mixture. Toss until the pasta is fully coated with the sauce.
- In a greased baking dish, pour half of the pasta mixture. Top with half of the pepperoni or your desired toppings. Repeat with the remaining pasta and finish with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
Baking
- Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let it cool for a few minutes, garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve hot!
Notes
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes to maintain texture.