Ingredients
- 1 (16 oz) box pasta (penne, rotini, or any short pasta you prefer)
- 1 ½ cups marinara or pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 (6 oz) package pepperoni slices
- Optional: Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes for extra flavor
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, mix together the cooked pasta, marinara or pizza sauce, 1 ½ cups of mozzarella cheese, and about half of the pepperoni slices.
- Season with a dash of Italian seasoning and garlic powder if desired.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Pour the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or cake pan.
- Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and arrange the rest of the pepperoni slices on top.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling.
- Broil (Optional):
- For a crispy top, switch to the broiler for an additional 2-3 minutes, keeping an eye on it to prevent burning. This will give the cheese a nice golden-brown finish.
- Serve:
- Let the dish sit for a couple of minutes before serving.
Tips
- Add Veggies: Try adding diced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to sneak in some veggies.
- Extra Toppings: Sprinkle with parmesan cheese, chopped fresh basil, or crushed red pepper flakes for added flavor.
This Pepperoni Pizza Hot Dish is quick to put together, full of pizza flavors, and loved by both kids and adults. Enjoy!