Pepperoni and Sausage Pizza Pasta

This cheesy, saucy pizza pasta is the ultimate comfort food mash-up! It’s packed with Italian sausage, melty cheese, and pepperoni—all baked together in one cozy dish.

 

Easy Pizza Pasta Recipe

• Super Simple. This recipe could not be easier! It cooks mostly in one pot – except the pasta that cooks in another pot – which makes for easy preparation and easy clean up!
• Amazing Flavor. This pepperoni pizza pasta is loaded with all those classic pizza flavors, combined with your favorite pasta casserole and plenty of melty cheese.

Ingredients for Pizza Pasta

• Pasta: Holds the sauce and cheese perfectly; Rotini, penne, or rigatoni are perfect for this pizza pasta.
• Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and depth; sub white onion or shallot if needed.
• Garlic: For bold, savory flavor. Use garlic paste or garlic powder in a pinch.
• Spices: Garlic powder and onion powder enhance the pizza flavor and boost the savory notes.
• Italian Sausage: Adds rich, meaty flavor. Ground beef or plant-based crumbles work too but add some Italian seasoning if you’re substituting.
• Pizza Sauce: The classic base—use your favorite jarred variety or homemade.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully for that pizza pull; use provolone if needed.
• Pepperoni: Classic pizza topping! Turkey pepperoni or chopped salami are good swaps.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty saltiness. Romano or Asiago work well too.

How to Make Pizza Pasta

Cook the Pasta: Cook rotini until al dente, then toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Set aside.

Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large pan. Add onion, salt, and pepper, and cook for about 4 minutes. Stir in garlic, garlic powder, and onion powder, cooking for another minute.

Cook the Sausage: Add Italian sausage and cook until browned and fully cooked through.

Stir in Sauce and Pasta: Add pizza sauce, water, and cooked pasta to the pan. Mix well to combine. Transfer to a 9×13 baking dish if your pan isn’t oven-safe.

Add Cheese and Pepperoni: Top evenly with mozzarella cheese and pepperoni.

Bake: Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Broil for 1–2 minutes to brown the top if desired.

Garnish and Serve: Top with fresh parsley, grated Parmesan, and red pepper flakes before serving.

Tips for Making Pizza Pasta

• Use a large cast iron skillet or oven-safe large saute pan to go straight from stovetop to oven. Otherwise just use a 9×13 white baking dish.
• Customize your toppings – try olives, mushrooms, bell peppers, or cooked bacon.
• Let the pasta rest a few minutes after baking for easier scooping and more flavor.

Make-Ahead Instructions

• Assemble the entire casserole up to the baking step, then cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
• When ready to bake, add 10-15 minutes to the bake time to account for the colder temperature.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing Pizza Pasta

• Freeze fully assembled but unbaked, or freeze leftovers.
• Wrap tightly and store for up to 2 months.
• Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking or reheating.

Reheating Pizza Pasta

• Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees, covered with foil, until warmed through (about 20–25 minutes).
• You can also microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

• easy garlic bread
• Caprese garlic bread
• cornbread casserole
• simple house salad
• olive cheese bread

Try these easy pasta recipes next!

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