Cheesy Two-Favorites Pizza Pasta Recipe for Dinner Joy

Comfort meets culinary magic in this irresistible pizza pasta that blends two beloved favorites into one mouthwatering dish.

Melted cheese, zesty tomato sauce, and perfectly seasoned noodles dance together in a symphony of flavors.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this simple yet delectable creation.

Each forkful promises a delightful mix of classic pizza toppings and hearty pasta goodness.

The recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy home cooks seeking a crowd-pleasing meal.

Crispy pepperoni, gooey mozzarella, and al dente pasta create a combination that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to savor every single bite of this ultimate comfort food mashup.

What You’ll Love About Pizza Pasta

• Combines the best of two beloved dishes – pizza and pasta – creating an irresistible meal that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.
• Easily swap ingredients or adjust spice levels to suit different tastes, making it a versatile recipe that adapts to your family's preferences.
• Minimizes cleanup with a single baking dish, offering maximum flavor and minimum kitchen mess for home cooks looking for convenient meal solutions.

Pizza Pasta Ingredients

• Ground Beef: Provides a rich, meaty base for the dish.
• Sausage: Adds extra depth of flavor and savory richness.

• Penne Pasta: The hearty pasta that serves as the foundation of the recipe.
• Marinara Sauce: Brings a classic Italian tomato flavor to the dish.
• Pizza Sauce: Enhances the pizza-like taste and complexity.

• Onions, Bell Peppers: Add sweetness and texture to the meat mixture.
• Garlic: Provides a robust and aromatic flavor profile.

• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor to the sauce.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Creates a melty, stretchy topping reminiscent of pizza.

• Beef Broth: Helps deglaze the pan and adds depth to the sauce.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Brings a tangy, umami element to the dish.
• Hot Sauce: Provides a subtle kick of heat.

• Pepperoni Slices: Gives the classic pizza topping feel.
• Fresh Parsley: Offers a fresh, bright garnish.

Pizza Pasta Cooking Steps

Step 1: Prepare Cooking Station

Gather all your ingredients and cooking tools.

Set up a clean, organized workspace that makes cooking a breeze.

Having everything ready means less stress and more fun in the kitchen.

Step 2: Heat Water for Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil.

Add a generous pinch of salt to the water.

The salt will infuse flavor into the pasta as it cooks, creating a more delicious base for your dish.

Step 3: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

A preheated oven ensures your dish will cook evenly and develop those mouthwatering golden-brown edges.

Step 4: Brown the Meats and Vegetables

• Ground beef
• Sausage
• Onions
• Bell peppers

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Toss in the meats and onions, letting them sizzle and brown for about 4 minutes.

Add bell peppers and continue cooking for another 5 minutes.

Drain any excess grease to keep the dish light and tasty.

Step 5: Build Flavor Base

• Beef broth
• Garlic
• Worcestershire sauce
• Hot sauce
• Seasonings

Reduce heat to medium.

Pour in beef broth and scrape up those delicious browned bits from the pan.

Add garlic, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and seasonings.

Let everything simmer and mingle for a minute, creating a flavor explosion.

Step 6: Sauce It Up

Stir in marinara and pizza sauces.

Let the mixture simmer gently, partially covered.

This allows the flavors to develop and create a rich, mouth-watering sauce.

Step 7: Cook the Pasta

Boil penne pasta until just before al dente.

This ensures the pasta will finish cooking perfectly in the oven without becoming mushy.

Step 8: Combine and Cheese It

Lower the heat and stir in Parmesan cheese.

Drain the pasta and fold it into the sauce, making sure every piece is gloriously coated.

Step 9: Transfer to Baking Dish

Move the pasta mixture to a greased 9 x 13-inch casserole dish.

This sets you up for the final delicious transformation.

Step 10: Add Topping Pizzazz

• Mozzarella cheese
• Pepperoni slices

Sprinkle mozzarella generously over the top.

Lay pepperoni slices across the cheese for that classic pizza look and taste.

Step 11: First Bake Cycle

Cover the dish and bake for 10 minutes.

Pro tip: Spray the foil with non-stick spray to prevent cheese from sticking.

Step 12: Final Bake and Crisp

Uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes.

The cheese should bubble and turn golden.

For extra crispiness, a quick broil works magic – but watch carefully to avoid burning.

Step 13: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh parsley and extra Parmesan on top.

Serve piping hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement!

Pizza Pasta Tips

• Measure and organize all ingredients before starting to cook for a smooth, stress-free cooking experience.
• Add a generous amount of salt to boiling water to enhance the overall flavor of the pasta and dish.
• Cook ground beef and sausage on medium-high heat, drain excess grease to keep the dish delicious and not overly fatty.
• Deglaze the skillet with beef broth, scrape up browned bits, and add garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings to create a rich, deep taste.
• Stir Parmesan into the sauce and top with mozzarella for a creamy, gooey finish that mimics the best pizza experience.

Pizza Pasta Storage Info

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air before sealing to prevent freezer burn. Pasta can be frozen for up to 2 months, maintaining its flavor and texture.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place pasta in an oven-safe dish, cover with aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss. Warm for 15-20 minutes, adding a splash of water or extra marinara sauce to keep the dish moist and prevent sticking.

What to Serve with Pizza Pasta

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Complement the rich, savory flavors of the pizza pasta with a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, cutting through the dish's hearty cheese and meat elements.
• Create a Fresh Side Salad: Toss together a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the heavy pasta, adding a bright, zesty contrast that refreshes the palate between bites.
• Match with Craft Beer Companion: Select an amber ale or hoppy IPA to enhance the dish's robust meat and cheese profile, providing a malty, slightly bitter counterpoint to the rich sauce.
• Serve with Garlic Bread Sidekick: Prepare crusty garlic bread to soak up extra sauce, offering a crunchy texture that complements the pasta's softness and adds an additional layer of flavor.

Pizza Pasta Flavor Options

• Vegetarian Pizza Pasta: Swap ground beef and sausage with plant-based meat alternatives like crumbled tofu, tempeh, or vegetarian sausage crumbles. Add extra vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach for protein and texture.
• Gluten-Free Pizza Pasta: Replace penne pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa. Use gluten-free marinara sauce and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free. Check pepperoni labels for gluten content.
• Low-Carb Pizza Pasta: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Use lower-carb pizza sauce and reduce cheese quantity. Choose lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter protein option.
• Dairy-Free Pizza Pasta: Replace mozzarella and Parmesan with dairy-free cheese alternatives made from nuts or soy. Use nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor. Select dairy-free pepperoni or omit for a completely dairy-free version.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute penne with other short pasta like rigatoni or ziti. Just ensure the pasta shape can hold the sauce well and has a similar cooking time.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The combination of pasta, cheese, and meat makes it appealing to children. You can adjust the hot sauce to make it milder for younger palates.

• Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Definitely! Replace ground beef and sausage with plant-based meat alternatives or add more vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini to maintain protein content and flavor.

• How spicy is this recipe?

The recipe has a mild to moderate heat level from hot sauce. You can control the spiciness by reducing or increasing the amount of hot sauce to suit your preference.

Pizza Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Hearty Italian pizza pasta blends classic comfort with delightful culinary creativity. Cheesy, zesty layers combine familiar flavors, promising a satisfying meal you’ll savor with every delicious forkful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 0.5 pounds ground beef
• 0.5 pounds ground Italian sausage (mild, sweet, or hot)
• 25 slices pepperoni

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 1 small green bell pepper, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes

Sauces and Cheese:

• 0.5 cup beef broth
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 32 ounces (907 grams) marinara sauce, high quality
• 8 ounces (227 grams) pizza sauce
• 0.75 pounds (340 grams) penne pasta
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2.5 cups whole milk/low moisture mozzarella cheese, shredded from a block

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Instructions

1. Organize all ingredients on the countertop, ensuring everything is measured and ready for seamless cooking preparation.
2. Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil, adding a generous pinch of salt to enhance pasta flavor during cooking.
3. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), creating the ideal temperature for baking the dish to perfection.
4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high temperature, combining ground beef, sausage, and diced onions. Cook for approximately 4 minutes, then incorporate bell peppers and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes until meat browns thoroughly.
5. Drain excess grease from the skillet, then reduce heat to medium. Pour beef broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up all caramelized bits for maximum flavor development.
6. Introduce minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and selected seasonings to the skillet. Stir and allow ingredients to meld for one minute, creating a robust flavor profile.
7. Blend marinara and pizza sauces into the meat mixture, simmering gently and partially covered to develop a rich, cohesive sauce.
8. Cook penne pasta in boiling salted water until slightly under al dente, ensuring it will finish cooking in the oven without becoming mushy.
9. Reduce skillet heat to low and fold in Parmesan cheese, creating a creamy sauce texture. Drain pasta and incorporate into the skillet, coating each piece thoroughly.
10. Transfer pasta mixture to a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish if the skillet is not oven-safe.
11. Distribute shredded mozzarella generously over the surface, then arrange pepperoni slices for that classic pizza-inspired topping.
12. Cover the dish and bake for 10 minutes, using foil sprayed with non-stick cooking spray to prevent cheese from sticking.
13. Remove cover and continue baking for 15 additional minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbly. Optional: Broil for one minute for extra crispiness.
14. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese before serving hot, presenting a delightful fusion of pizza and pasta flavors.

Notes

• Customize the spice level by adjusting hot sauce or adding red pepper flakes to match your heat preference.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian version of the dish.
• Use gluten-free pasta and check sauce ingredients to make this recipe celiac-friendly and allergen-sensitive.
• Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process and reduce kitchen stress during meal preparation.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 660
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 1100 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg