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Easy One Pot Cheesy Pizza Pasta Bake

A serving spoon lifts a portion of cheesy, saucy pizza pasta, showing dramatic cheese pulls.
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Make this comforting Pizza Pasta Bake for a simple weeknight dinner. It combines classic pizza flavors with pasta in a cheesy, satisfying casserole format with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound rotini or penne pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed, or ground beef
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 24 ounces marinara sauce
  • 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup mini pepperoni slices
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Cook the sausage or ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off excess grease.
  3. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, oregano, basil, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the marinara sauce, broth, and water. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  5. Stir in the dry pasta and the pepperoni slices. Return the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring often to prevent sticking. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is mostly tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  6. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the cubed cream cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce.
  7. Stir in 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese and all of the Parmesan cheese until combined. Taste and add salt and pepper if needed.
  8. Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top evenly with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
  9. Bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
  10. Let the pizza pasta bake rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For a make ahead dinner, assemble the casserole completely, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking. Add 10 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the refrigerator.
  • You can substitute the pepperoni with cooked, crumbled Italian sausage or other favorite pizza toppings like sliced mushrooms or black olives.
  • If you prefer a less soupy texture, reduce the broth and water by 1/2 cup total.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://blissbatter.com/pizza-pasta-easy-one-pot-cheesy-bake/