Welcome to the ultimate solution for family dinner dilemmas: Pizza Pasta! This incredible dish seamlessly blends two universally beloved comfort foods – pizza and pasta – into one mouthwatering meal. Imagine tender pasta enveloped in a rich, cheesy tomato sauce, generously studded with savory mini pepperoni. It’s a culinary fusion designed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters and transform any weeknight into a celebration. Get ready to discover your new favorite family recipe!
There’s something truly magical about pasta night. It’s a staple in homes around the world, known for its versatility, ease of preparation, and incredible ability to bring smiles to faces, especially those of little ones. Here at Taste and Tell, we’re huge proponents of delicious, family-friendly pasta dishes. Beyond this amazing Pizza Pasta, our kitchen frequently buzzes with excitement over classics like our Creamy Mac and Cheese, the hearty Baked Ravioli, and the uniquely flavorful Ham and Cheese Pasta with Ranch. Each of these recipes offers a different twist on a beloved theme, ensuring there’s always something new and exciting for your dinner table.
It’s no secret that both pizza and pasta hold a special place in our hearts (and stomachs!). Pizza, with its endless topping possibilities and satisfying crust, is the quintessential party food and a beloved weeknight treat. Pasta, on the other hand, is the ultimate comfort food, offering warmth and satiety in countless forms. So, when you bring these two culinary giants together, you don’t just get a meal – you get a masterpiece!
This pizza pasta recipe is more than just a dish; it’s an experience. Think of it as a creatively “pizza-fied” twist on classic mac and cheese, elevated with those distinctive Italian flavors we all adore. We start with a luxuriously creamy, homemade cheese sauce, built on a base of aromatic onions and garlic, and enriched with gooey mozzarella. To this indulgent foundation, we introduce bright tomato sauce and a medley of Italian spices, culminating in a generous scattering of savory pepperoni. Everything is then tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and baked to golden perfection with an extra layer of cheese on top. The result? A super easy, incredibly flavorful pasta bake that promises pure deliciousness.
If your household thrives on the magic of pizza and the comfort of pasta, prepare for this dish to become an instant hit. Kids will absolutely devour it, racing to clean their plates, while adults will appreciate the satisfying depth of flavor and nostalgic charm. It’s the perfect family-friendly dinner that caters to everyone, making mealtime a joyous occasion rather than a struggle. Whether it’s a cozy evening in or a casual gathering, this cheesy pasta bake is guaranteed to be a winner!
Key Ingredients for Your Perfect Pizza Pasta
Crafting this delightful pepperoni pasta bake requires a careful selection of ingredients that work in harmony to deliver that unmistakable pizza flavor. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is crucial:
- Pasta: For a dish that truly captures the essence of a comforting bake, a short-cut pasta is ideal. We highly recommend rotini for its wonderful spirals that capture and hold the cheesy sauce beautifully. However, feel free to experiment with other shapes like penne, fusilli, or even classic macaroni, ensuring they are sturdy enough to stand up to the baking process and thick sauce.
- Butter: The foundation of our rich and creamy sauce begins with butter. Opting for unsalted butter gives you precise control over the overall sodium content of the dish, allowing you to season to your exact preference. Butter not only adds a silky texture but also a subtle richness that enhances the flavor profile.
- Onion & Garlic: These aromatic powerhouses are non-negotiable for building deep, savory flavors. Diced onion softens and sweetens as it cooks, providing a mild foundational sweetness, while minced garlic adds a pungent, irresistible warmth that truly defines Italian-inspired cooking. Don’t skimp on these for maximum deliciousness!
- Flour: A crucial thickening agent, all-purpose flour creates a roux with the butter, which then forms the base for our velvety cheese sauce. It ensures the sauce is perfectly rich and coats every piece of pasta without being watery.
- Milk: To achieve the desired creaminess, milk is essential. We typically use 2% milk, which offers a good balance of richness without being overly heavy, allowing the cheese flavors to shine. Whole milk would make the sauce even more decadent, while skim milk might result in a slightly thinner consistency.
- Cheese: Sticking to our pizza theme, shredded mozzarella cheese is the star. Its superb melting qualities create that classic, stringy, irresistible cheese pull that makes pizza so enjoyable. Mozzarella also has a mild flavor that allows the tomato and pepperoni to come through. You can also add a touch of Parmesan for extra depth, or some provolone for a sharper, more authentic pizza parlor taste.
- Tomato Sauce: A plain canned tomato sauce is perfect here, serving as a blank canvas for our spices. This allows you to control the seasoning and achieve a pure tomato flavor that complements the cheese and pepperoni beautifully, avoiding the sometimes overly sweet or herbaceous notes of pre-made pizza sauces.
- Italian Seasoning: This blend is the secret to infusing our pasta with authentic pizza flavor. Typically containing oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram, Italian seasoning provides a convenient burst of Mediterranean herbs. If you don’t have it on hand, a combination of dried oregano and basil works wonderfully as a substitute.
- Pepperoni: No pizza pasta is complete without pepperoni! Mini pepperoni are fantastic for this recipe as they distribute evenly throughout the pasta, ensuring a savory bite in every spoonful. If you can only find full-sized pepperoni, simply chop them into smaller pieces to achieve a similar effect. The slight crispiness and spicy kick of pepperoni are essential to the pizza experience.
Crafting Your Delicious Pizza Pasta: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating this easy weeknight meal is straightforward and rewarding. Follow these steps for a perfectly cheesy and flavorful simple pasta dish:
- Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish: Begin by preheating your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly grease a 3-quart baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. This crucial first step ensures your pasta bake browns beautifully and releases easily from the dish.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen short-cut pasta (like rotini) and cook according to package directions until it’s al dente – meaning it’s still firm to the bite. Al dente pasta holds up best during baking and prevents it from becoming mushy. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside, reserving a small amount of the pasta water if you wish to adjust sauce consistency later.
- Sauté Aromatics: While your pasta is cooking, place a large, deep pot or pan over medium-high heat. Add the unsalted butter and allow it to melt completely. Once melted and shimmering, add the diced onions and cook them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become tender and translucent. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for just another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
- Create the Roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the cooked onions and garlic. Whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes, forming a smooth paste (a roux). This step is important for eliminating any raw flour taste and beginning the thickening process of your sauce.
- Whisk in Milk and Thicken: Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture begins to simmer and thickens slightly to a creamy consistency. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Melt the Cheese: Remove the pan from the heat. Add 2 cups of the shredded mozzarella cheese in three batches, whisking well after each addition until the cheese is completely melted and smoothly incorporated into the sauce. This staggered addition helps the cheese melt evenly and prevents it from clumping.
- Flavor the Sauce: Stir in the canned tomato sauce and Italian seasoning until well combined. The sauce should now have a rich, reddish-orange hue and a fragrant aroma reminiscent of your favorite pizza parlor.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the mini pepperoni (or chopped regular pepperoni) to the sauce, then gently fold in your cooked and drained pasta. Stir everything together until every piece of pasta is thoroughly coated in the luxurious, cheesy, pepperoni-studded tomato sauce.
- Assemble and Bake: Transfer the entire pasta mixture into your prepared 3-quart baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, golden, and bubbling joyfully. The edges of the pasta might even get slightly crispy – a delicious bonus!
Once out of the oven, let your baked pasta with pepperoni rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly and makes for easier serving. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired, for a vibrant touch of color and fresh herb flavor. Enjoy this comforting and utterly satisfying fusion meal!
Tips, Tricks, and Creative Variations for Your Pizza Pasta
This quick pasta recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing for numerous adjustments to suit your family’s tastes and preferences. Here are some tips and tricks to elevate your Pizza Pasta experience:
- Baking Dish vs. Individual Servings: While the original version of this recipe was sometimes prepared in individual serving bowls, we find that baking it all in one large baking dish is far simpler and just as delicious. This method reduces prep time and makes clean-up a breeze. However, if you’re hosting a dinner party or want a personalized touch, individual ramekins are a fun alternative.
- Enhance with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped, just before serving, adds a beautiful burst of color and a fresh, aromatic counterpoint to the rich sauce. Fresh parsley or a pinch of fresh oregano would also be wonderful additions.
- Customize with Your Favorite Pizza Toppings: This is where the “pizza” in pizza pasta truly shines! Don’t hesitate to incorporate any of your go-to pizza toppings. Consider adding:
- Vegetables: Sautéed bell peppers (any color), mushrooms, black olives, spinach (wilt it before adding), or finely diced zucchini.
- Meats: Cooked and crumbled Italian sausage, ground beef, shredded chicken, or even diced ham.
- Cheeses: A blend of mozzarella with provolone, white cheddar, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese can add complexity to the cheesy layers.
- Spices: A pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, or a dash of smoked paprika for depth.
Just be sure to precook any vegetables or meats that require it before mixing them into the pasta and sauce.
- Make-Ahead Instructions: This make-ahead pasta dish is perfect for busy schedules! You can prepare the entire dish, including mixing the pasta and sauce, and transfer it to the baking dish (without the final cheese topping). Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove from the fridge at least 30 minutes before baking, top with the remaining cheese, and bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
- Freezing Leftovers: Pizza Pasta reheats remarkably well, making it great for meal prep. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions or the entire dish (if unbaked, or baked and cooled). Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: To reheat, microwave individual portions until hot. For a larger batch, cover the baking dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through, about 20-30 minutes, removing the foil for the last few minutes if you want to re-crisp the cheese.
- Dietary Adjustments: For a gluten-free version, simply use your favorite gluten-free short-cut pasta. For a lighter option, you can use skim milk and turkey pepperoni.
More Pizza-Inspired Recipes to Love
If you adore the vibrant flavors of pizza as much as we do, you’ll love exploring other creative ways to bring that cheesy, saucy goodness into different dishes. Here are a few more pizza-inspired recipes that promise to deliver all the taste you crave in exciting new forms:
- Pizza Bagels: A quick and easy snack or light meal that’s perfect for kids and adults alike.
- Pepperoni Pizza Dip: The ultimate party appetizer, this hot, gooey dip is like a deconstructed pizza, served with your favorite dippers.
- Pizza Dogs: A fun twist on hot dogs, wrapped in pizza dough and baked with cheese and sauce.
- Pizza Grilled Cheese: Elevate your classic grilled cheese with pizza fillings for a supremely satisfying sandwich.
- Pizza Cups: Individual portion-sized pizza delights, perfect for parties or a grab-and-go snack.
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Pizza Pasta
Author: Deborah Harroun
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Italian
This Pizza Pasta is the ultimate kid-friendly pasta! Pasta is combined with a cheesy tomato sauce and mini pepperoni. This is the perfect blend of flavors that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients
- 1 pound rotini pasta or other short cut pasta
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 1/2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 (16-oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 6 ounces mini pepperoni (can also chop up full sized pepperoni)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Spray a 3-quart baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Salt generously, then add the pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and reserve.
- While the pasta is cooking, place a large pot or pan over medium-high heat. Add the butter and melt. Once melted, add in the onions and cook until the onions are tender. Add the garlic and cook another 30 seconds.
- Sprinkle the flour into the pan and whisk until there are no clumps. Cook for a minute or two, then slowly whisk in the milk. Cook the mixture until it is slightly thickened.
- Working in 3 batches, whisk in 2 cups of the Mozzarella, making sure all of the cheese is melted in between additions. Add in the tomato sauce and then the Italian seasoning. Stir in the pepperoni, then stir in the reserved pasta.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake the pasta until the cheese is melted and bubbling, 15-20 minutes.
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition information provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should be used as a general guide.
Nutrition Information
- Serving: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: 560 kcal (28%)
- Carbohydrates: 53g (18%)
- Protein: 25g (50%)
- Fat: 29g (45%)
- Saturated Fat: 15g (94%)
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 72mg (24%)
- Sodium: 907mg (39%)
- Fiber: 5g (21%)
- Sugar: 8g (9%)
Keywords: family friendly, kid-friendly, pasta recipe, pizza pasta, pizza recipe, easy weeknight meal, comfort food fusion