Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pizza Pasta Casserole is the perfect fusion of two favorite comfort foods: pizza and pasta. This hearty, cheesy casserole is packed with savory flavors, including Italian sausage, pepperoni, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella. It’s easy to customize with your favorite pizza toppings, making it a crowd-pleaser for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

pasta (such as rotini or penne)Italian sausagemarinara or pizza sauceshredded mozzarella cheesepepperonisliced black olivesgreen bell pepper (optional)oniongarlicItalian seasoningsalt and pepperolive oilparmesan cheese (optional for topping)

directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened.

Add Italian sausage to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Stir in the marinara or pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for a few minutes.

Combine the cooked pasta and sauce mixture in a large bowl. Stir in half of the shredded mozzarella.

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella, pepperoni slices, black olives, and diced green bell pepper.

Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Optional: Sprinkle with parmesan cheese before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 25 minutesTotal time: 40 minutes

Variations

Swap Italian sausage for ground beef, turkey, or vegetarian crumbles.

Add mushrooms, jalapeños, or banana peppers for extra flavor.

Use a white garlic sauce instead of marinara for a twist.

Incorporate different cheeses like provolone or cheddar for a richer taste.

Make it spicy by adding crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.

storage/reheating

Store Pizza Pasta Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes.For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

What type of pasta works best?

Short pasta like rotini, penne, or rigatoni hold the sauce well and are ideal.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely! Bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and spinach all work great.

Is it necessary to cook the pasta beforehand?

Yes, cooking the pasta beforehand ensures it doesn’t turn out hard after baking.

Can I use homemade pizza sauce?

Yes, homemade or store-bought pizza sauce both work well.

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and check your sauces and toppings for gluten-free labels.

What cheese alternatives can I use?

Try dairy-free shredded mozzarella alternatives for a vegan version.

Can I add more meat?

Definitely! Add cooked bacon, ham, or extra sausage for a meat-lovers’ version.

Is it kid-friendly?

Yes, kids love the familiar pizza flavors combined with pasta.

Can I cook it in a slow cooker?

You can assemble it and warm it in a slow cooker on low for 2-3 hours instead of baking.

Conclusion

Pizza Pasta Casserole brings together the best of both worlds with its comforting, cheesy goodness and endless customization options. Whether you stick to classic toppings or get creative with new flavors, this easy casserole is sure to become a family favorite for weeknight dinners and special occasions alike.