Save to Pins Pizza Pasta Casserole is a delightful fusion of two beloved comfort foods: pizza and baked pasta. This hearty, family-friendly dish brings together the savory flavors of melty cheese, Italian sausage, pepperoni, and fresh vegetables all baked to bubbly perfection. Perfect for weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd at potlucks, this casserole offers the familiar taste of pizza with the satisfying texture of pasta.
Save to Pins This casserole brings a warm, inviting aroma from the oven and a delicious harmony of textures from crispy pepperoni to tender pasta and sautéed vegetables. It's a versatile dish that can be adapted to your preferences, making it a reliable favorite in any home kitchen.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) rotini or penne pasta
- 8 oz (225 g) Italian sausage, casings removed
- 4 oz (115 g) sliced pepperoni
- ½ cup (60 g) diced cooked ham (optional)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup (120 g) sliced mushrooms
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups (700 ml) marinara or pizza sauce
- 2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup (30 g) sliced black olives (optional)
- 1 tsp dried oregano (optional)
- 1 tsp dried basil (optional)
Instructions
- 1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
- 2. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- 3. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Remove excess fat if needed.
- 4. Add onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, and garlic to the skillet. Sauté until vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.
- 5. Stir in marinara or pizza sauce and simmer for 2 minutes.
- 6. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, sausage mixture, half the pepperoni, ham (if using), and half the mozzarella cheese. Mix well.
- 7. Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella, pepperoni, and Parmesan. Add olives, oregano, and basil if desired.
- 8. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- 9. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Make sure to cook the pasta just until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy after baking. Removing excess fat from the sausage helps keep the casserole from being greasy. Feel free to sauté your vegetables to the desired softness before combining to deepen their flavors in the casserole.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a vegetarian version, simply omit the meats and add extra vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or artichokes. You can swap Italian sausage for ground beef or turkey for different protein options. Adjust the cheese amounts to suit your taste or dietary preferences.
Serviervorschläge
This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad and crusty garlic bread to round out the meal. For wine lovers, try a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Zinfandel to complement the robust flavors.
Save to Pins With its combination of familiar pizza flavors and hearty pasta, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Easy to prepare and perfect for sharing, it delivers the best of both worlds in one delicious dish.