This Pizza Pasta Bake combines everything you love about pizza with the comfort of a cheesy baked pasta. Loaded with marinara sauce, gooey mozzarella, and crispy pepperoni, this easy casserole is a guaranteed family favorite. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights when you need something everyone will love.
Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 35–45 minutes
Servings: 6
Difficulty: Easy
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Pizza Pasta Bake
✔ Tastes just like pepperoni pizza
✔ Super cheesy and comforting
✔ Kid-approved
✔ Easy pantry ingredients
✔ Perfect for leftovers
✔ Great make-ahead dinner
Ingredients
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 3 cups marinara sauce (Rao’s or your favorite)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (freshly shredded melts best)
- 10 oz pepperoni slices
Optional Add-Ins:
- Italian sausage
- Mushrooms
- Black olives
- Bell peppers
- Red pepper flakes
How to Make Pizza Pasta Bake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Place rack in the top third of the oven.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook pasta 2 minutes less than package directions (slightly undercooked).
Drain and return pasta to the pot.
Stir in marinara sauce and about 1/3 of the pepperoni slices.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer pasta mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Spread evenly.
Top with shredded mozzarella.
Arrange remaining pepperoni over the cheese.
Step 4: Bake and Broil
Bake uncovered for 20 minutes.
Switch to broil for a few minutes until cheese is bubbly and pepperoni is slightly crispy.
Watch carefully to prevent burning.
Step 5: Serve
Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Slice and enjoy your cheesy pizza pasta bake!
Pro Tips
• Undercook pasta slightly so it finishes cooking in the oven
• Shred your own mozzarella for better melt
• Broil at the end for that pizza-style crisp
• Let rest before serving for cleaner slices
What to Serve With Pizza Pasta Bake
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted broccoli
- Simple green salad
- Italian antipasto platter
FAQs
Can I make pizza pasta bake ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze it?
Yes. Freeze before or after baking for up to 3 months.
Can I use a different pasta?
Yes. Rotini, rigatoni, or ziti work great.
How do I make it meatless?
Skip pepperoni and add vegetables instead.
Print
Pizza Pasta Bake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Pizza Pasta Bake loaded with marinara, mozzarella, and pepperoni. An easy cheesy dinner ready in 40 minutes.
Ingredients
1 lb penne pasta
3 cups marinara sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
10 oz pepperoni slices
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook pasta 2 minutes less than package directions.
3. Drain and mix with marinara and 1/3 of pepperoni.
4. Transfer to 9×13 baking dish.
5. Top with mozzarella and remaining pepperoni.
6. Bake 20 minutes.
7. Broil until golden and bubbly.
8. Let cool slightly before serving.