Easy Pepperoni Pasta Bake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pasta bake is a crowd-pleaser that’s quick to assemble and requires only a few pantry staples. It delivers all the flavor of pizza in a cozy, cheesy pasta form that kids and adults alike will enjoy. It’s also customizable, freezer-friendly, and great for making ahead—ideal for feeding a group or having leftovers ready to go.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

pasta (penne, rotini, or ziti)
marinara or pizza sauce
sliced pepperoni
shredded mozzarella cheese
grated Parmesan cheese
Italian seasoning
olive oil
garlic (minced)
red pepper flakes (optional)
fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes, then stir in half of the pepperoni.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, sauce mixture, and half of the mozzarella cheese.
6. Pour into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Top with remaining mozzarella, pepperoni slices, and Parmesan cheese.
7. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Garnish with chopped basil or parsley if desired. Let cool slightly before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 to 8 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Meat Lovers: Add cooked sausage, ground beef, or bacon for extra protein.
• Vegetarian: Skip the pepperoni and add mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or spicy pepperoni.
• Extra Cheesy: Mix in ricotta or cream cheese for a creamy texture.
• Low-Carb Option: Use a low-carb pasta alternative or baked zucchini noodles.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the pasta bake up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Can I use jarred pizza sauce?

Absolutely! Pizza sauce works great and adds that familiar pizzeria flavor.

What type of pasta works best?

Short pasta like penne, rotini, or ziti holds the sauce well and bakes evenly.

Can I freeze this pasta bake?

Yes, freeze before or after baking. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.

Do I need to cover it while baking?

No, bake it uncovered so the top becomes golden and bubbly.

Can I use turkey pepperoni?

Yes, turkey pepperoni is a lighter alternative and works just as well.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Definitely! It’s like pizza and pasta rolled into one—kids love it.

What can I serve with it?

Serve with a green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Can I add more veggies?

Yes, sautéed onions, mushrooms, spinach, or peppers make great additions.

How do I keep the pasta from drying out?

Don’t overbake, and make sure the pasta is well coated with sauce before baking.

Conclusion

Easy Pepperoni Pasta Bake is a flavorful, family-friendly dish that brings the cheesy, comforting goodness of pizza to your pasta bowl. Simple to make and endlessly adaptable, it’s the perfect recipe for when you want something warm, filling, and guaranteed to please. Bake it once, and it just might become a new weeknight favorite.

Easy Pepperoni Pasta Bake

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Easy Pepperoni Pasta Bake is a cheesy, comforting casserole that brings together the bold flavors of pepperoni pizza and baked pasta in one satisfying dish. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 to 8 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or ziti)
• 2 cups marinara or pizza sauce
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni, divided
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir in half of the pepperoni. Simmer for 5 minutes.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, sauce mixture, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix well.
6. Transfer to prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Top with remaining mozzarella, pepperoni slices, and Parmesan cheese.
7. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• Assemble up to a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
• Use pizza sauce for a stronger pizzeria flavor.
• Add veggies like mushrooms, peppers, or spinach for extra nutrition.
• Great for freezing—wrap tightly and freeze before or after baking.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1.5 cups
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 19g
• Cholesterol: 45mg