Comfort food doesn’t get much better than Pizza Pasta Casserole—a feel-good, family-friendly favorite that combines all the best flavors of pizza and pasta in one bubbly bake. Imagine twirly noodles snuggled under a cheesy, golden top, filled with hearty meat, pepperoni, and that crave-worthy marinara goodness. This casserole is everything you love about a Friday night pizza party, but in a cozy, scoopable form perfect for sharing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s the beauty of Pizza Pasta Casserole: the ingredients are easy to find, and each one brings something essential to the party. These staples layer in flavor, texture, and that satisfyingly melty finish everyone looks forward to.
- Pasta (12 oz rotini or penne): The base that soaks up the sauce and holds every bite together—choose a shape with nooks for maximum flavor.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and helps the beef brown beautifully.
- Ground beef or Italian sausage (1 pound): For hearty, savory depth—pick sausage for classic pizza vibes, or beef for comfort food nostalgia.
- Onion (1 small, diced): Gives a subtle sweetness and aromatic boost to the filling.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): A little goes a long way for that irresistible, mouthwatering aroma.
- Marinara or pizza sauce (24 oz): The soul of this dish—a robust, tomatoey layer that binds it all together.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A blend that instantly makes the whole dish taste, well, like pizza.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Just a sprinkle wakes up all the flavors with a gentle kick.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): The essential ingredient for that pizza-pull moment—don’t skimp!
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Brings a nutty, salty hit you’ll crave in every forkful.
- Pepperoni slices (20–25): A classic finishing touch that brings that pizzeria look and flavor to your pasta bake.
- Chopped parsley or basil (for garnish, optional): A sprinkle of green not only looks pretty, but also brings a fresh pop of color to your casserole.
How to Make Pizza Pasta Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures nothing sticks and makes cleanup later a breeze. Having your dish ready means you can layer and bake with no fuss.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta just shy of al dente, about 1–2 minutes less than the package says. You want the noodles slightly underdone, as they’ll finish cooking in the oven and soak up all that saucy flavor without getting mushy. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Meat and Veggies
In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle in the olive oil. Add your ground beef or sausage and diced onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is well browned and the onion is soft—usually about 6–8 minutes. Toss in the garlic for the last minute and sauté until fragrant, so you don’t lose any of that aromatic punch.
Step 4: Build the Saucy Base
Now pour in your marinara or pizza sauce, sprinkle over the Italian seasoning, and, if you’re in the mood for a little heat, add the red pepper flakes. Let this simmer together for around 5 minutes—just enough time for the flavors to mingle. Stir in the cooked pasta and make sure everything is coated in sauce.
Step 5: Layer and Assemble
Scoop half of the pasta mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle with half the mozzarella and Parmesan, then add the rest of the pasta mixture on top. The grand finale: scatter the remaining cheese generously and crown it all with those pepperoni slices. It should already look irresistible!
Step 6: Bake to Bubbly Perfection
Pop your Pizza Pasta Casserole in the oven uncovered and bake for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is gorgeously golden and bubbling around the edges. Let it cool for a few minutes, then finish with a sprinkle of parsley or basil if you’d like, for that fresh pizzeria finish!
How to Serve Pizza Pasta Casserole
Garnishes
The finishing touches truly make the casserole feel restaurant-worthy. Try tossing on freshly chopped basil or parsley for a burst of color and freshness, or a quick dusting of extra Parmesan if you’re feeling extra cheesy.
Side Dishes
A crisp green salad or some simply dressed arugula cuts through the richness and rounds out your meal beautifully. Add a side of warm garlic bread or toasty baguette slices for sopping up any saucy bits left on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
You can scoop the casserole into individual ramekins for personal mini-bakes, or pile it high into a pasta bowl and let guests serve themselves from the center of the table. For a playful twist, offer a “toppings bar” of sliced olives, sweet peppers, or even a drizzle of hot honey for custom creations!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Pizza Pasta Casserole is a gift for future-you—just cool leftovers completely, cover the baking dish tightly (or transfer to airtight containers), and refrigerate for up to 4 days. It reheats beautifully and tastes just as dreamy the next day.
Freezing
If you’re prepping ahead, assemble the casserole but hold off on baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed, adding 5–10 minutes to the baking time if it’s still cold.
Reheating
To reheat, pop portions into the microwave (cover to keep moisture in), or place the whole dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through and bubbly. If it seems a bit dry, sprinkle on a little extra sauce or cheese before you warm it up—no one’s complaining about more cheese!
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Rotini and penne hold onto the sauce best, but ziti, rigatoni, or even shells work great in Pizza Pasta Casserole. Just avoid thin or delicate shapes, as they may get too soft during baking.
How can I make it vegetarian?
Simply swap in your favorite plant-based sausage or cooked vegetables—bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini all taste delicious and keep the casserole hearty and satisfying.
Is it possible to prepare in advance?
Yes, and it’s such a lifesaver! Assemble everything up to 24 hours ahead, refrigerate, and then bake when you’re ready. Add an extra 5–10 minutes to the baking time if you’re starting from cold.
Can I add extra toppings?
Yes! Treat this like your dream pizza. Toss in sliced black olives, sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or even a sprinkle of feta or provolone for extra layers of flavor in your Pizza Pasta Casserole.
What’s the best way to prevent soggy pasta?
Make sure to cook your pasta just short of al dente—it will finish cooking and absorb sauce in the oven, resulting in a perfect bite every time. Draining the pasta well before mixing it with the sauce also helps keep things just right.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that’s fun, utterly comforting, and ready to please a crowd, Pizza Pasta Casserole deserves a spot at your table. Gather your favorite people, dig in, and get ready for requests to make it again and again—your new go-to tradition awaits!
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Pizza Pasta Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of pizza and pasta in one delicious dish with this easy-to-make Pizza Pasta Casserole. It’s a family-friendly meal that combines the best of both worlds!
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 oz rotini or penne pasta
Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or pizza sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Cheese:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Toppings:
- 20–25 pepperoni slices
- Chopped parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the pasta: Boil pasta until just shy of al dente; drain and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: Sauté beef, onion, and garlic. Add marinara sauce, seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer and mix with pasta.
- Assemble: Layer pasta, cheeses, and pepperoni in the baking dish.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Let cool slightly, garnish, and enjoy!
Notes
- You can customize with additional pizza toppings.
- Prepare in advance and refrigerate before baking.
- Add extra bake time if cooking from cold.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
