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.
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
- 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.
Step 2 >> Cook sausage, stirring to break up, until heated through but not browned. Drain fat and return to pan.
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.
Step 4 >> Stir in half pepperoni, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and seasonings.
Simmer until thickened, about 10 minutes.
Step 5 >> Stir cooked pasta into sauce along with 1 cup mozzarella cheese; toss to combine.
Step 6 >> Top with remaining half pepperoni slices and half mozzarella cheese.
Step 7 >> Broil 1-2 minutes, or until cheese has melted.
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
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.
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.
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!
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Pizza Pasta
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
Originally published 3/1/18. Updated with new photos, tips, and information on 2/21/22.
Kat Jeter
I'll take pizza any way I can get it! This looks amazing!
Kate
Thank you!
Tara
Oh yum! I love one dish meals and this one looks cheesy and divine!
Kate
Thank you!
Bec at It's Yummi
If there's anything I love more than pizza, it's cheesy pasta. I love that I can have both at once. Thanks, Kate!
Kate
Thank you, Bec!