This Pizza Pasta recipe combines the best of both worlds—pizza and pasta—for a hearty, delicious meal. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the process to ensure you get all those wonderful flavors combined perfectly!

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Pizza Pasta

Serves: 6-8
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10-20 minutes
Total Time: 30-40 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1 box (16 oz) penne or rotini pasta:
  • Both pasta shapes hold sauce well, making each bite flavorful.
  • 1 lb Italian sausage:
  • Use sweet or spicy Italian sausage depending on your preference. You can also use ground beef, turkey, or chicken for a different protein option.
  • 1 green pepper, diced:
  • Adds a slight sweetness and crunch to balance the dish.
  • 1 white onion, diced:
  • White onions give a slightly sharp flavor, but yellow onions work if you prefer something milder.
  • 1-2 tsp minced garlic:
  • Fresh minced garlic brings a punch of flavor, but you can use garlic powder (about 1/2 tsp) as a substitute if you don’t have fresh garlic on hand.
  • 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional):
  • Mushrooms add an earthy taste and enhance the pizza-like feel of the dish.
  • 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce or pizza sauce:
  • Marinara sauce gives it a more traditional pasta flavor, while pizza sauce adds that classic pizza taste. Choose based on your preference.
  • 1 package (6 oz) pepperoni:
  • Use about half in the pasta and the rest to top the casserole. Turkey pepperoni is a leaner alternative.
  • 1 1/2 to 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese:
  • You’ll mix some into the pasta for a gooey interior and use the rest for a melty, cheesy top.
  • 1-2 tsp Italian seasoning:
  • Italian seasoning is a blend of herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary that boosts the overall flavor.
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano, for sprinkling on top:
  • Adds extra pizza flavor, especially when paired with pepperoni.
  • Non-stick cooking spray:
  • This prevents the casserole from sticking to the dish during baking.

Detailed Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when you are.
  • Lightly spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Add the box of penne or rotini and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (firm but not hard). This should take around 8-10 minutes.
  • Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.

Step 3: Cook the Italian Sausage

  • While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the 1 lb Italian sausage, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks.
  • Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until it’s browned and no longer pink.

Step 4: Add Veggies and Garlic

  • To the cooked sausage, add the diced green pepper, diced onion, and minced garlic (and sliced mushrooms if using).
  • Continue cooking everything together for about 5 minutes, until the veggies soften and the garlic becomes fragrant.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Ingredients

  • In the pot with the drained pasta, add the cooked sausage and veggie mixture.
  • Pour in the jar of marinara or pizza sauce and stir to coat the pasta evenly.
  • Add 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese and half of the pepperoni slices, stirring to combine.
  • Season with 1-2 tsp Italian seasoning and taste to adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6: Assemble the Casserole

  • Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 7: Top with Cheese and Pepperoni

  • Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
  • Arrange the remaining pepperoni slices evenly across the top of the casserole.
  • Lightly sprinkle with dried oregano and a little more Italian seasoning for extra flavor.

Step 8: Bake

  • Place the casserole in the oven and bake at 350°F for 10-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden brown.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

  • Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a couple of minutes before serving.
  • Slice or scoop out portions and enjoy with a side salad or garlic bread for the full Italian experience!

Tips for Success:

  1. Make it Vegetarian:
    Omit the sausage and load up on extra veggies like zucchini, spinach, or olives for a vegetarian-friendly version.
  2. Spice it Up:
    If you like heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes or use a spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick.
  3. Customize Your Pizza Pasta:
    Just like pizza, this recipe is flexible. Add your favorite toppings like black olives, diced ham, or even pineapple chunks!
  4. Prep Ahead:
    You can assemble the entire casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
  5. Storing Leftovers:
    Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Enjoy this fun, hearty twist on classic pizza and pasta with your family or friends! This dish is not only flavorful but also versatile, so feel free to tweak it to your preferences.

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