👉PizzaPasta – Recipes on a Budget

Pizza Pasta Recipe

This Pizza Pasta recipe is the perfect fusion of two beloved dishes: pizza and pasta! It’s easy to make, cheesy, and full of classic pizza flavors that the whole family will love. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal, this recipe fits the bill!

Ingredients:

1 lb pasta of your choice (penne, rotini, or rigatoni work great)
1 lb ground Italian sausage
1 jar (24 oz) of your favorite pasta sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup sliced pepperoni
1/2 cup sliced black olives
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Cook the sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground Italian sausage until browned and fully cooked, about 7-8 minutes. Break it apart as it cooks.
Add the pasta sauce: Stir in the pasta sauce with the sausage. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.
Combine the pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and sausage. Stir to ensure all the pasta is coated in the sauce.
Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Assemble the dish: Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese, pepperoni slices, black olives, grated Parmesan cheese, and sprinkle Italian seasoning over the top.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Remove from the oven and serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired.

Cooking Time:

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Storage & Reheating Tips:

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool the pasta completely before refrigerating.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes per serving or in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture.

Variations:

Vegetarian Pizza Pasta: Skip the sausage and pepperoni, and add a variety of vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions.
Spicy Pizza Pasta: Add red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the pasta sauce for an extra kick.
Chicken Pizza Pasta: Replace the sausage with diced cooked chicken breast for a lighter, leaner version.
BBQ Pizza Pasta: Use barbecue sauce instead of pasta sauce and add grilled chicken and red onions for a smoky flavor.
Cheese Lovers’ Pizza Pasta: Add ricotta or a combination of other cheeses like provolone, gouda, or cheddar for an extra cheesy experience.

Serving Tips:

Serve with a side of garlic bread or crusty breadsticks to soak up the sauce.
Pair it with a simple salad of mixed greens and a vinaigrette dressing for a balanced meal.
Add extra fresh basil or oregano on top just before serving for a fresh, aromatic boost.
For a hearty meal, serve alongside roasted vegetables or a bowl of soup.

20 FAQ:

Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes! Feel free to use any pasta shape you like—penne, rigatoni, fusilli, or spaghetti work great.
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and bake it when ready to serve.
Can I freeze this recipe? Yes, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked pizza pasta. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding extra time.
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage? Yes, turkey sausage is a great leaner option for this recipe.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free? Use gluten-free pasta and make sure your pasta sauce and sausage are gluten-free.
Can I add other meats? Yes! Feel free to add cooked bacon, ground beef, or sausage links for more variety.
Can I use homemade pasta sauce? Absolutely! If you prefer to make your own sauce, go ahead and use it in place of jarred sauce.
Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe? Yes, use dairy-free cheese alternatives and ensure your sausage doesn’t contain dairy.
How do I make this spicier? Add red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or spicy sausage to give this dish some heat.
Can I make this without baking it? Yes! After combining the pasta and sauce mixture, you can serve it as is without baking, though baking gives it a nice cheesy, bubbly texture.
How long does this dish last in the fridge? This pizza pasta will last for up to 3 days in the fridge when stored properly in an airtight container.
Can I use pre-cooked sausage? Yes, if you have pre-cooked sausage, just heat it through with the sauce.
Can I make this vegetarian? Yes, simply omit the sausage and pepperoni and use extra vegetables or even vegetarian sausage.
Can I use pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella? Yes, using pepper jack cheese will add a spicy kick to the dish!
How can I make this a one-pot dish? Use a large skillet to cook the sausage, then add the sauce, pasta, and cheese all in the same skillet, covering with foil to melt the cheese.
Can I use a different kind of cheese? Yes! You can use cheddar, provolone, or gouda as a substitute for mozzarella, though mozzarella provides that classic pizza flavor.
What should I serve with this dish? A simple side salad, roasted veggies, or garlic bread are great accompaniments to this cheesy pasta.
Can I make this dish ahead of time and freeze it? Yes, just assemble it, freeze it (before baking), and bake it later. Add extra baking time when cooking from frozen.
What if I don’t like olives? You can leave the black olives out or substitute them with other toppings like bell peppers, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes.
Can I use vegan sausage for a plant-based version? Yes, you can use vegan sausage and dairy-free cheese for a completely plant-based version of this dish.

20 Best Tips to Make It:

Don’t overcook the pasta—slightly undercook it (al dente) to avoid it becoming mushy when baked.
Cook the sausage thoroughly to avoid any raw meat flavors in the final dish.
Use high-quality pasta sauce for the best flavor.
Don’t skimp on the cheese—it’s what makes the dish so gooey and comforting!
Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top of the dish before baking for extra flavor.
Add fresh basil as a garnish after baking for a fresh and aromatic finish.
Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set and make serving easier.
Use a greased baking dish to ensure the pasta doesn’t stick.
Mix the pasta and sauce thoroughly to ensure every noodle is coated with flavor.
Top with extra pepperoni before baking for even more pizza flavor.
Use an oven-safe skillet for easy one-pan cooking.
Add extra veggies like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms for more flavor and nutrition.
Layer cheese—mix some inside the dish and reserve some for topping.
Season the sausage with additional Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or red pepper flakes for more flavor.
Use a combo of mozzarella and provolone for extra cheese pull and flavor.
Be generous with the sauce—you don’t want your pizza pasta to be dry.
Make sure the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden before removing it from the oven.
Use a high-heat oven (around 350°F) to ensure the cheese melts and browns nicely.
If you like crispier edges, bake the pasta uncovered for the last few minutes.
Feel free to add a drizzle of olive oil or balsamic glaze after baking for extra richness.