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- 12 oz penne pasta - 1 cup marinara sauce - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - 1 cup pepperoni slices - ½ cup green bell pepper, diced - ½ cup black olives, sliced - ¼ cup red onion, diced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - ½ teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish When you gather your ingredients, start with the penne pasta. It’s the base of this dish and holds all the flavors well. Next, grab the marinara sauce. This sauce adds depth and richness to your bake. Mozzarella cheese is a must for that gooey, cheesy goodness. Pepperoni slices bring that classic pizza flavor. For vegetables, you’ll need green bell pepper, black olives, and red onion. They add great texture and color. Italian seasoning and garlic powder give your dish the perfect kick. Don’t forget salt and pepper for taste. Finally, fresh basil leaves are the cherry on top. They add a fresh pop when you serve. These ingredients create a warm, comforting meal that everyone will love. Enjoy the process of cooking and get ready for a delightful dinner! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This makes sure the oven is hot enough. - Cook 12 oz of penne pasta in a pot of salted boiling water. Follow the package instructions. Aim for al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside. - In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained penne pasta with 1 cup of marinara sauce. - Add half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 cup of pepperoni slices, ½ cup of diced green bell pepper, ½ cup of sliced black olives, and ¼ cup of diced red onion. Include 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. - Stir the mixture well. Ensure the pasta is fully coated in sauce and cheese. - Carefully transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly across the bottom. - Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top. This creates a delicious cheesy layer. - Place the dish in your preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for bubbly cheese and a golden crust. - Once baked, let it cool for a few minutes. This helps the flavors blend. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Enjoy your warm, cheesy pizza pasta bake! To cook pasta al dente, boil it in salted water. This means the pasta should be firm but not hard. Check the package for cooking times. Taste it a minute before the time ends. This prevents mushy results. Overcooking pasta makes it soft and sad. For extra flavor, use Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. These spices give a nice kick to the dish. You can also try fresh herbs like basil for more flavor. When it comes to cheese, mozzarella is a great choice. It melts well and adds creaminess. You can mix in provolone or cheddar for added depth. These choices create layers of taste in your bake. Serve your pizza pasta bake hot from the oven. It tastes best warm and cheesy. Pair it with a fresh salad or garlic bread. This adds a nice crunch and balance to your meal. For the best experience, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to serve. Enjoy your delicious and comforting pizza pasta bake! Pro Tips Perfect Pasta: Cook the penne pasta until al dente, as it will continue to cook while baking, preventing it from becoming mushy. Cheese Layering: For an extra cheesy finish, consider adding a mix of mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top for added flavor and texture. Veggie Variations: Feel free to customize the vegetables according to your preference. Spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini would be great additions. Garnish for Freshness: Always garnish with fresh herbs, like basil or parsley, just before serving to enhance flavor and presentation. {{image_4}} Gluten-free options You can make a gluten-free pizza pasta bake easily. Use gluten-free penne pasta. This swap works well with the same sauce and toppings. Just check the labels to ensure all ingredients fit your needs. Vegetarian adaptations For a vegetarian version, skip the pepperoni. Instead, add more veggies like mushrooms or spinach. You can also use plant-based cheese for the same creamy texture. Different cheese and meat combinations You can change the cheese to suit your taste. Try cheddar or gouda for a richer flavor. For meat lovers, swap pepperoni for sausage or diced chicken. Each option adds a unique twist. Additional vegetable options Mix in vegetables like zucchini or broccoli for added nutrition. These veggies blend well with the sauce and cheese. You can also try artichokes or sun-dried tomatoes for a gourmet touch. Spicy versions with jalapeños Want some heat? Add sliced jalapeños to your mix. They give a nice kick and pair well with cheese. You could also use spicy sausage if you want a meat option. Sweet versions with pineapple If you enjoy sweet and savory, try adding pineapple chunks. They add a fun taste and balance the flavors. This twist makes your pizza pasta bake stand out at any meal. After you bake your pizza pasta, let it cool for about 30 minutes. This step helps keep the flavors intact. Once cooled, place the leftovers in an airtight container. I recommend using glass or BPA-free plastic for safety. Make sure to seal it well to avoid air. This keeps your dish fresh and tasty. Store it in the fridge and enjoy within three to four days. You can freeze your pizza pasta bake either before or after baking. If you freeze it before baking, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. This helps prevent freezer burn. When you are ready to bake it, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. For freezing after baking, allow it to cool completely first. Then, store it in an airtight container. Reheat it straight from frozen or thaw it first, then bake at 375°F (190°C) until heated through. To keep your pizza pasta bake fresh, it’s best to consume it within four days when stored in the fridge. If you freeze it, aim to eat it within two to three months. Signs of spoilage include a sour smell, mold, or changes in texture. If you see any of these signs, it’s best to throw it away. Always trust your senses to keep your meals safe! To add heat, you can include crushed red pepper flakes. Mix them into the marinara sauce. You can also add sliced jalapeños or spicy sausage. These will give your bake a nice kick. Try adding pepper jack cheese for more spice and flavor. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference. Yes, you can use other pasta shapes. Bowtie, rotini, or ziti work well too. Each shape holds sauce differently, giving a new texture. Just adjust cooking times based on the pasta type. Always aim for al dente to keep your bake from getting mushy. You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. If you want it to last longer, freeze it. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge before reheating. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad. A side of garlic bread also complements it nicely. You can also serve it with a light soup for a complete meal. Feel free to get creative with your sides! Absolutely! You can prepare the dish a day in advance. Just cover it and keep it in the fridge. When you're ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cook time. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights! Yes, kids usually love this dish! The cheesy, saucy flavors appeal to them. You can let them help with toppings for more fun. This makes it a great way to get them involved in cooking! To make it vegetarian, simply remove the pepperoni. You can add more veggies like mushrooms or spinach. This keeps the dish hearty and flavorful without meat. You can even use a plant-based cheese for a vegan option! To reheat, use an oven for best results. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and bake until hot. You can also use a microwave, but it may not keep the texture. If using a microwave, cover the dish to keep moisture in. This blog post covered how to make a tasty Pizza Pasta Bake. We explored the main ingredients, like penne pasta, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese. I shared step-by-step instructions to prep, mix, and bake the dish. Tips like cooking pasta al dente help avoid mushiness. Try different veggies or cheeses for variety. Proper storage keeps your bake fresh. Enjoy your cooking and feel free to experiment with flavors. Happy cooking!

Cheesy Pizza Pasta Bake

A comforting and delicious pasta bake loaded with cheese, pepperoni, and vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup pepperoni slices
  • 0.5 cup green bell pepper, diced
  • 0.5 cup black olives, sliced
  • 0.25 cup red onion, diced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it's hot enough for baking.
  • Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions, aiming for an al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
  • In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the drained penne pasta with the marinara sauce. Add in half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, the pepperoni slices, diced green bell pepper, sliced black olives, diced red onion, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined, ensuring the pasta is coated in sauce and cheese.
  • Carefully transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
  • Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese generously over the top of the pasta mixture, creating a luscious cheesy layer.
  • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and has formed a beautiful golden crust.
  • Upon removing the dish from the oven, allow it to cool for a few minutes to let the flavors meld. Before serving, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a touch of vibrant color and freshness.
  • Serve your warm and delicious cheesy pizza pasta bake directly from the oven and enjoy this comforting meal!

Notes

Garnish with fresh basil for added flavor.
Keyword bake, cheesy, comfort food, pasta, pizza