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    Home » Dinners » Pizza Pasta

    Pizza Pasta

    Published: Feb 21, 2022 · Modified: Feb 21, 2022 by Kate · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Pizza pasta takes the best of both pizza and pasta and turns those flavors into an easy pasta casserole. This kid-friendly dinner recipe can be on the table in about 30 minutes. 

    A wooden spoon lifting a scoop of pizza pasta from a skillet.

    Pizza and pasta are two of the most popular foods, so it only makes sense to combine them into one easy casserole recipe.

    This pizza pasta casserole recipe tastes like supreme pizza - Italian sausage, pepperoni, green pepper, onions - combined with pasta in one gooey, cheesy dish!

    Feel free to adjust and change the ingredients according to your tastes. I've added some suggestions under "variations" below.

    No matter what ingredients you go with, you'll have an easy dinner that's perfect for busy weeknights.

    Why you'll love this recipe

    • It's quick! It only takes about 30 minutes to make.
    • It's flexible! It's easy to vary the recipe depending on your tastes and the ingredients that you have on hand.
    • It's kid-friendly! This recipe combines the flavors of pizza in an easy pasta dish. So it's perfect for kids or kids at heart.

    Ingredient notes

    Ingredients for pizza pasta in dishes with labels on the photo.
    • Italian sausage - Hot or mild Italian sausage will work. You can also use ground beef if you prefer.
    • Onion - White or yellow onion works best.
    • Green bell pepper - Feel free to use another color of bell pepper.
    • Pepperoni - I recommend using regular pepperoni, not a reduced-fat pepperoni, like turkey pepperoni. The flavor of reduced-fat pepperoni tends to get lost in the casserole.
    • Tomato sauce - Tomato sauce is canned tomato puree.
    • Rotini pasta - Another type of pasta, like penne pasta or mafalda, can be used.
    • Mozzarella cheese - Use more or less to taste.

    How to make pizza pasta

    Step 1 >> Boil pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, heat a deep 12-inch broiler-safe skillet over medium heat.

    Browned Italian sausage in a skillet.

    Step 2 >> Cook sausage, stirring to break up, until heated through but not browned. Drain fat and return to pan.

    Diced green peppers and onions with Italian sausage in a skillet.

    Step 3 >> Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic to skillet. Season with salt and pepper.

    Cover, and cook over medium heat until veggies are soft, about 4 minutes.

    Tomato sauce crushed tomatoes and pepperoni in a skillet.

    Step 4 >> Stir in half pepperoni, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and seasonings.

    Simmer until thickened, about 10 minutes.

    Cooked pasta on top of tomato sauce in a skillet.

    Step 5 >> Stir cooked pasta into sauce along with 1 cup mozzarella cheese; toss to combine.

    Shredded mozzarella cheese on top of pizza pasta in a skillet.

    Step 6 >> Top with remaining half pepperoni slices and half mozzarella cheese.

    Pizza pasta in a pan next to a wooden spoon.

    Step 7 >> Broil 1-2 minutes, or until cheese has melted.

    Pizza pasta on a blue plate.

    Pizza pasta variations

    This pizza pasta can easily be changed up to suit your tastes.

    • Veggies: Feel free to add more veggies - like a can of drained diced tomatoes or more bell pepper - to the pasta.
    • Other pizza toppings: You can add other pizza toppings like olives or mushrooms.
    • More cheese: Add extra mozzarella for even more melty goodness. Or add another type of cheese, like Parmesan, for more flavor.
    • Add some spice: Make a spicier version with hot Italian sausage and some red pepper flakes in the sauce.
    • Make it healthier: Using chicken or turkey Italian sausage is a great way to cut some calories.

    Recipe FAQs

    Unbaked pizza pasta in a baking pan.
    What if I don't have an oven-safe skillet?

    If you don't have an oven-safe skillet, you can use a baking pan. Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared pan after step 9. Top with remaining mozzarella and sliced pepperoni, and broil as directed.

    Can I freeze pizza pasta?

    You can! Prepare the recipe as directed. Be sure to use a freezer-safe container and cook the pasta for 1 minute less. Let the baked pasta cool to room temperature. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and then with aluminum foil. Freeze.

    Serving suggestions

    A green salad makes an easy side for this pasta casserole. Other sides that go well are garlic knots or garlic breadsticks.

    A wooden spoon in a pan of pizza pasta.

    Storage

    Leftover pasta should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pasta will keep for up to 4 days when properly stored.

    More easy pasta recipes!

    • Homemade Hamburger Helper
    • Skillet Meatball Pasta
    • Easy One-Skillet Lasagna
    • One-Skillet Baked Ziti

    If you’ve tried this pizza pasta recipe, don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave me a comment below. I love to hear from people who've made my recipes!

    You can SUBSCRIBE to receive my latest recipe newsletters or follow me on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST for even more delicious food.

    A wooden spoon lifting a scoop of pizza pasta from a skillet.

    Pizza Pasta

    Pizza meets pasta in this easy casserole dinner recipe.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Italian
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 22 minutes
    Total Time: 32 minutes
    Servings: 10 servings
    Calories: 380kcal
    Author: Kate @ I Heart Eating

    Ingredients

    • 1 pound ground Italian sausage
    • 1 medium yellow or white onion chopped
    • 2 green bell peppers seeded and chopped
    • 4 cloves garlic minced
    • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
    • 1 teaspoon dried sweet basil
    • Salt and pepper
    • 4 ounces sliced cooked pepperoni divided
    • 2-14.5 ounce cans crushed tomatoes
    • 8 ounce can tomato sauce
    • 6 ounce can tomato paste
    • 12 ounces dry rotini pasta
    • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided

    Instructions

    • Boil pasta according to package directions.
    • Meanwhile, heat a deep 12-inch broiler-safe skillet over medium heat.
    • Cook sausage or ground beef, stirring to break up, until heated through but not browned. Drain fat and return to pan.
    • Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic to skillet. 
    • Season with salt and pepper.
    • Cover, and cook over medium heat until veggies are soft, about 4 minutes.
    • Stir in half pepperoni, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and seasonings.
    • Simmer until thickened, about 10 minutes.
    • Stir cooked pasta into sauce along with 1 cup mozzarella cheese; toss to combine.
    • Top with remaining half pepperoni and half mozzarella cheese.
    • Broil 1-2 minutes, or until cheese has melted. 

    Notes

    • Italian sausage - Hot or mild Italian sausage will work. You can also use ground beef if you prefer.
    • Onion - White or yellow onion works best.
    • Green bell pepper - Feel free to use another color of bell pepper.
    • Pepperoni - I recommend using regular pepperoni, not a reduced-fat pepperoni, like turkey pepperoni. The flavor of reduced-fat pepperoni tends to get lost in the casserole.
    • Tomato sauce - Tomato sauce is canned tomato puree.
    • Rotini pasta - Another type of pasta, like penne pasta or mafalda, can be used.
    • Mozzarella cheese - Use more or less to taste.
    • Nutrition values are estimates.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 380kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 60mg | Sodium: 634mg | Potassium: 591mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 620IU | Vitamin C: 26.2mg | Calcium: 158mg | Iron: 2.9mg
    Tried this recipe? Rate it below. Mention @i_heart_eating on Instagram & tag #ihearteating!

    Originally published 3/1/18. Updated with new photos, tips, and information on 2/21/22. 

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    About Kate

    Kate got her first cookbook when she was five years old, and she hasn't stopped cooking since then! Her delicious recipes have been featured on Food Network, MSN, Better Homes & Gardens, Buzzfeed, The Huffington Post, and more. When she's not cooking or baking, she can be found on her mini farm with her husband and her five kids.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Kat Jeter

      March 01, 2018 at 9:10 am

      5 stars
      I'll take pizza any way I can get it! This looks amazing!

      Reply
      • Kate

        March 01, 2018 at 11:20 am

        Thank you!

        Reply
    2. Tara

      March 01, 2018 at 8:18 am

      5 stars
      Oh yum! I love one dish meals and this one looks cheesy and divine!

      Reply
      • Kate

        March 01, 2018 at 11:20 am

        Thank you!

        Reply
    3. Bec at It's Yummi

      March 01, 2018 at 6:26 am

      If there's anything I love more than pizza, it's cheesy pasta. I love that I can have both at once. Thanks, Kate!

      Reply
      • Kate

        March 01, 2018 at 11:20 am

        Thank you, Bec!

        Reply

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