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For a tasty pizza pasta bake, you need: - 12 oz penne pasta - 1 cup marinara sauce - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - 1 cup pepperoni slices - ½ cup green bell pepper, diced - ½ cup black olives, sliced - ¼ cup red onion, diced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - ½ teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish These ingredients work together to create a rich and cheesy dish. The penne pasta acts as the base, soaking up all the flavors. The marinara sauce adds a nice tomato taste. Mozzarella cheese melts beautifully and gives that gooey texture we all love. You can customize your pizza pasta bake with extra toppings. Here are some fun ideas: - Cooked sausage for more meatiness - Mushrooms for an earthy flavor - Spinach for added greens - Jalapeños for a spicy kick - Different cheeses like cheddar or parmesan Feel free to mix and match based on what you like. This way, every bake can be unique! Adding a few spices can enhance the taste of your pizza pasta bake. I recommend: - Italian seasoning for classic flavor - Garlic powder to add depth - Crushed red pepper for heat - Oregano for a fresh touch Using these seasonings can elevate your dish. They help create a well-rounded flavor profile. Don't hesitate to adjust the amounts to suit your taste. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms, boil water in a pot. Add 12 ounces of penne pasta to the pot. Cook it until it is al dente, which takes about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside. It is key to not overcook the pasta. It will bake more in the oven. Grab a large mixing bowl. Combine the cooked penne with 1 cup of marinara sauce. Next, add half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Then, toss in 1 cup of pepperoni slices. Add in ½ cup of diced green bell pepper, ½ cup of sliced black olives, and ¼ cup of diced red onion. For flavor, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and ½ teaspoon of garlic powder. Finish with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until the pasta is coated well. Now, transfer the pasta mix into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Top the pasta with the remaining mozzarella cheese. Make sure to cover it well. Bake this in the oven for 25-30 minutes. Look for the cheese to be bubbly and golden brown. Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Enjoy your cheesy pizza pasta bake! To cook pasta just right, use plenty of water. Boil it before adding the penne. Follow the package time for al dente, which means firm to the bite. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t get mushy. After cooking, drain the pasta well. You want it dry for the bake. For a cheesy topping, use fresh mozzarella cheese. Shred it yourself for the best melt. Spread it evenly over the pasta to cover every bite. This ensures that each scoop has gooey cheese. You can also add more cheese if you're feeling adventurous. Try mixing in some cheddar for extra flavor. Layering is key to a great bake. Start with the pasta mixture at the bottom. Then, add half the cheese directly on top. Next, sprinkle on any extra toppings like pepperoni and veggies. Finally, finish with the rest of the cheese. This method locks in all the flavors and keeps everything moist. Pro Tips Cook Pasta Al Dente: Make sure to cook the penne pasta until just al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven and absorb some of the sauce, preventing it from becoming mushy. Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to personalize your pizza pasta bake by adding your favorite toppings, such as diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even cooked sausage for extra flavor. Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh vegetables and high-quality cheese to enhance the overall taste of your dish and achieve a richer flavor profile. Let It Rest: Allow the pasta bake to cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the cheese set and makes it easier to cut into portions without falling apart. {{image_2}} You can easily make a vegetarian pizza pasta bake. Skip the pepperoni and add more veggies. Try using mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. These options bring a fresh taste and color. You can also add artichokes or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor. Just mix them with the pasta and sauce as you normally would. For a gluten-free pizza pasta bake, use gluten-free penne pasta. Many brands offer great options that taste just as good. Check the package for the right cooking time. You can also use gluten-free marinara sauce. This makes it simple for those who avoid gluten. Cheese is key in a pizza pasta bake. While mozzarella is a classic choice, feel free to experiment. Try using provolone or gouda for a rich flavor. You can even mix cheeses for a unique taste. As for toppings, consider spicy sausage, bell peppers, or even fresh herbs. Each choice adds its own twist to this dish. To store your pizza pasta bake, let it cool first. Place the leftovers in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it longer, freezing is a great option. When it's time to reheat, I recommend using the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place your pasta bake in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until it's warm all the way through. If you're in a hurry, the microwave works too! Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot. To freeze, cut the pasta bake into portions. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. You can store it in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. This keeps the flavors fresh and tasty! Yes, you can make Pizza Pasta Bake ahead of time. Just follow the recipe steps until you get to the baking part. After mixing the pasta and sauce, cover the dish and store it in the fridge. You can keep it there for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to eat, bake it as usual. This makes it easy for busy days. If you want to change up the flavor, you can use different sauces. Try pizza sauce or Alfredo sauce for a creamy twist. You can also use pesto for a fresh taste. Just make sure the sauce you choose matches your toppings and spices. To add some heat, mix in red pepper flakes or hot sauce. You can also use spicy pepperoni or add jalapeños. If you really love spice, consider using a spicier cheese, like pepper jack. Adjust the spice level to fit your taste! Pizza Pasta Bake combines tasty ingredients, easy steps, and fun variations. This dish is perfect for families or gatherings. You can mix in any toppings you love, and you'll enjoy cooking it with these tips. Remember, storing leftovers properly makes for quick meals later. Don't hesitate to try new spices or cheese options. Experiment and find what works best for you! Now, grab your ingredients and start creating your own pizza pasta bake masterpiece.

Cheesy Pizza Pasta Bake

A delicious and hearty pasta bake with cheesy goodness and pizza flavors.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup pepperoni slices
  • 0.5 cup green bell pepper, diced
  • 0.5 cup black olives, sliced
  • 0.25 cup red onion, diced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • for garnish Fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta, marinara sauce, half of the mozzarella cheese, pepperoni slices, green bell pepper, black olives, diced red onion, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
  • Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • Top the pasta with the remaining mozzarella cheese, spreading it evenly across the top.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  • Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh basil leaves.
  • Serve warm and enjoy your delicious cheesy pizza pasta bake!

Notes

Let it cool slightly before serving for better slicing.
Keyword bake, cheesy, pasta, pizza