1 pound of your favorite pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni work well)
1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 tablespoon sugar
1 pound ground sausage, cooked and drained
1 package (6 ounces) pepperoni slices
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Your choice of pizza toppings (e.g., bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, olives, etc.)
Garlic salt
Salt for pasta water
Non-stick cooking spray or oil for greasing the casserole dish
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If you are preparing this dish ahead of time and using a cold filling, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente (almost done). This usually takes about 8-10 minutes, but check the package instructions for the exact time.
Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
Prepare the Sauce:
In a large bowl, combine the marinara sauce with a tablespoon of sugar. Mix well.
Add the cooked ground sausage and pepperoni slices to the sauce. Stir to combine.
Mix Pasta and Sauce:
Toss the cooked pasta with a portion of the marinara sauce mixture until well coated.
Grease a casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray or oil. Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it out evenly.
Assemble the PizzaPasta:
Spread the remaining sauce mixture over the top of the pasta, covering it like you would a pizza.
Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
Add your choice of pizza toppings evenly over the cheese. For a half-and-half option, place veggies on one side and leave the other side plain or add toppings for picky eaters.
Lightly sprinkle the top with garlic salt for extra flavor.
Bake the PizzaPasta:
Cover the casserole dish with foil and poke a few holes to allow steam to escape.
Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This usually takes about 25 minutes if the dish is warm, or 45 minutes if the filling was cold.
Remove the foil and continue baking until the cheese is browned to your liking, about 5-10 additional minutes.
Cool and Serve:
Allow the PizzaPasta to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Enjoy your delicious creation!
Tips:
For an extra flavor boost, add a teaspoon of Italian seasoning or dried oregano to the sauce mixture.
If you like a crispy top, broil the dish for a minute or two after baking to brown the cheese further.
Serve with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.