Print

One Pot Cheesy Pizza Pasta Bake

A spoonful of cheesy, saucy pizza pasta being lifted from a white baking dish.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make this easy pizza pasta bake for a satisfying, cheesy weeknight dinner. This recipe combines classic pizza flavors with pasta in one pot, minimizing cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound rotini or penne pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound Italian sausage or ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (24 ounce) jar pizza or marinara sauce
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage or ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
  3. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the pizza sauce, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  5. Add the cooked, drained pasta to the sauce mixture. Stir well to combine. Add 1 cup of water to ensure enough liquid for the final bake.
  6. Stir in 1/2 cup of the mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
  7. Transfer the pasta mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish. Top evenly with the pepperoni slices.
  8. In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the pasta.
  9. Bake in a preheated oven at 375 degrees F for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.
  10. Let the pizza pasta bake rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For a make-ahead option, assemble the casserole completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5-10 minutes to the bake time if baking directly from the refrigerator.
  • You can substitute the Italian sausage with cooked ground turkey or omit the meat for a vegetarian version.
  • Use your favorite pizza toppings, such as sliced mushrooms or black olives, added before the final layer of cheese.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://hearthbite.com/pizza-pasta-one-pot-cheesy-bake/