Pepperoni Pizza Pasta is everything you love about pizza baked up in a comforting casserole. It's make-ahead and can be customized with your favorite toppings.
Everyone runs to the dinner table when this dish is on the menu. This pepperoni pizza pasta has no shortage of spicy pepperoni and cheesy goodness.
Jump to:
Why you will love this recipe
- It's a pasta bake, which means it can be prepped ahead of time and baked when ready to eat.
- This casserole uses readily available ingredients, including some pantry staples. It comes together easily with a little bit of chopping.
- It's customizable with your favorite pizza toppings - try black olives, cooked sausage, or sautéed mushrooms.
- Serve with a house salad and ciabatta garlic bread for a hearty meal the whole family will love!
Ingredient notes
- Pasta - Any short pasta will work. I love using a corkscrew shape with nooks and crannies that hold onto the other ingredients. Try cavatappi, rotini, farfalle, fusilli, or radiatore.
- Pepperoni - I use both regular and mini pepperoni. I use a combination of turkey and regular pepperoni so the dish isn't greasy.
- Mozzarella - Diced mozzarella creates cheese pockets throughout the casserole, and shredded mozzarella adds a cheesy layer. When buying a block of mozzarella, look for the low-moisture variety. Do not use fresh mozzarella, which has a high water content.
- Pizza sauce is a staple ingredient in my pantry. You can use your favorite variety of jarred pizza or marinara sauce.
How to make Pepperoni Pizza Pasta
See the recipe card for complete instructions and ingredient amounts.
Step 1: Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside. Meanwhile, cook the green pepper and onion until soft. Add seasonings and pepperoni (reserving some for the top) and cook for another 5 minutes.
Step 2: Stir in the cooked pasta and pizza sauce. Fold in the cubed mozzarella.
Step 3: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Cover and bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes.
Step 4: Top with the mozzarella cheese and reserved pepperoni and bake for another 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted.
Make-ahead, storing, and reheating
- This casserole can be prepared and frozen (unbaked) for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake according to directions.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days. They can be reheated in a 350-degree oven or microwaved in individual portions.
Save this recipe!
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
Expert Tips
- Cook pasta in well-salted water to flavor the pasta itself.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting quality. I prefer low-moisture, whole-milk mozzarella.
- Add salt sparingly. Pepperoni can be salty, so wait until the dish is fully assembled to adjust the salt as needed.
Craving more? Subscribe to My Casual Pantry and get the latest recipes and ideas sent directly to your inbox.
📖 Recipe Card
Pepperoni Pizza Pasta
EQUIPMENT
Ingredients
- 12 ounces short-cut pasta
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- ¾ cup diced green bell pepper (approx. 1 medium pepper)
- ¾ cup diced yellow onion (approx. ½ medium onion)
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 ounces sliced turkey pepperoni (or regular pepperoni)
- 5 ounces mini pepperoni
- 14 ounces jarred pizza sauce
- 8 ounces low-moisture mozzarella cheese (cubed)
- 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400℉.
- Cook the pasta in well-salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the green pepper and onion until soft, about 10 minutes. Season with oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the pepperoni (reserving some for the top) and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Stir in the pizza sauce and pasta. Fold in the cubed mozzarella. Transfer the mixture to a 9x13 casserole dish.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and top with the shredded cheese and reserved pepperoni. Bake for another 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the exact amounts and specific ingredients used.
Comments
No Comments