Easy Pizza Pasta Bake

Hey there, pasta lovers!

Are you ready for a dish that combines two of your favorites?

Today, I’m excited to share my pizza pasta bake recipe!

It’s packed with cheesy goodness and zesty flavors.

Perfect for a family dinner or a fun night in.

Get ready to dig into comfort food at its best! Let’s dive in!

pizza pasta bake

Preparation Time 10-15 minutes
Cooking Time 25-30 minutes
Total Time 35-45 minutes
Level of Difficulty Easy

Ingredients

  • 1 pound raw penne
  • 3 cups marinara sauce (24 oz.)
  • 10 ounces pepperoni slices
  • 2 cups grated mozzarella cheese

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F and position the oven rack in the top third of the oven.

This will ensure that your dish cooks evenly and achieves a nice golden top during broiling.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Fill a large pot with water, add a generous amount of salt, and bring it to a boil.

Cook your pasta 2 minutes less than the package directions indicate.

This will ensure it’s slightly undercooked so it can absorb the flavors while baking.

Once the pasta is done, drain it and return it to the pot.

Stir in the marinara sauce and about 1/3 of the package of pepperoni slices.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture to a 9×13-inch baking/casserole dish.

Spread it out evenly to ensure consistent baking.

Next, evenly top the pasta mixture with the mozzarella cheese.

Arrange the remaining pepperoni slices over the top of the cheese.

Step 4: Bake and Broil

Bake the casserole, uncovered, in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

After baking, switch the oven setting to broil.

Broil the casserole for a few minutes until the pepperoni and cheese are crispy and slightly browned.

Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once perfectly broiled, carefully remove the casserole from the oven.

Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Enjoy your delicious, cheesy pepperoni pasta bake!

pizza pasta bake
pizza pasta bake

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