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Baked Pizza Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 80 reviews
  • Author: Lauren
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Description

This Baked Pizza Pasta is a comforting and easy-to-make family favorite that combines the flavors of classic pizza with hearty rotini pasta. Ground beef and pepperoni bring savory richness, while plenty of mozzarella cheese melts into a bubbly topping. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe offers a satisfying meal that tastes like a pizza and pasta fusion.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat & Protein

  • 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage)
  • 36 slices pepperoni, divided use

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1/2 onion, diced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced

Seasoning & Sauces

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 14 ounce jar pizza sauce

Pasta & Dairy

  • 3 cups rotini pasta (measured before cooking)
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese, divided use

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Prepare 3 cups of rotini pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly to remove excess water and set aside.
  2. Brown the meat and aromatics: In a large skillet, cook 1 pound of ground beef with 1/2 diced onion, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning over medium heat. Brown and crumble the meat evenly. Drain off any excess grease for a healthier dish.
  3. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to preheat while assembling the dish.
  4. Mix sauce and pasta: In a large mixing bowl, combine the 14-ounce jar of pizza sauce with 3/4 cup water. Stir in the cooked pasta, browned ground beef mixture, 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, and 20 slices of pepperoni (each slice halved). Mix everything together well for even flavor distribution.
  5. Prepare the baking dish: Lightly coat a 9×9-inch or 11×7-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Pour the pasta mixture into the dish and spread evenly.
  6. Add topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese over the pasta mixture. Arrange the remaining pepperoni slices on top for a visually appealing finish.
  7. Bake covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven at 350°F for 20 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
  8. Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese on top is fully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.

Notes

  • This recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy the flavors of pizza and pasta in one dish, making it ideal for weeknight family meals.
  • You can substitute ground beef with Italian sausage for a spicier, more robust flavor.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and pepperoni and add your favorite vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives.
  • Feel free to add extra cheese on top or mix in some parmesan for added richness.
  • Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 497 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 846 mg
  • Fat: 29 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg

Find it online: https://tastyrates.com/baked-pizza-pasta-recipe/