Pizza Pasta Casserole
If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that combines the best of two beloved meals—pizza and pasta—then look no further! This Pizza Pasta Casserole is hearty, cheesy, and packed with all your favorite pizza toppings. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or just a cozy night in, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your home. Made with rotini pasta, marinara sauce, gooey mozzarella, and your choice of toppings, it’s an easy, one-dish meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
– Cheesy Goodness: With three cups of mozzarella cheese, this casserole is a cheese lover’s dream.
– Customizable: You can personalize it with your favorite pizza toppings, making it perfect for picky eaters.
– Easy Preparation: This dish comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
– Leftover Friendly: It reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy it for days.
Ingredient Breakdown
- 16-ounce box of rotini pasta – Any pasta shape will work, but rotini holds the sauce beautifully.
- 24-ounce jar of marinara sauce – Choose your favorite brand or homemade version for the best flavor.
- 3 cups of mozzarella cheese – Shredded cheese melts wonderfully and creates that gooey texture we all love.
- 1 pound of bulk Italian sausage (optional) – For a hearty protein boost; feel free to use turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option.
- 1 cup of pepperoni (optional) – Classic pizza topping that adds flavor and crunch.
- 8 ounces of sliced black olives (optional) – Adds a briny flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- 1 green bell pepper, diced – Fresh vegetables add color and a bit of crunch.
Equipment Breakdown
- Large pot – For boiling the pasta.
- Colander – To drain the pasta.
- Large mixing bowl – For combining all the ingredients.
- 9×13-inch baking dish – Perfect size for baking the casserole.
- Aluminum foil – Helps cover the casserole while it bakes.
Pizza Pasta Casserole: From Prep to Plate
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole bakes evenly.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
Step 3: Brown the Sausage
In the same pot, add the bulk Italian sausage over medium heat. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. If you’re opting for a vegetarian version, feel free to skip this step.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, cooked sausage (if using), diced green bell pepper, pepperoni, and sliced black olives. Stir in two cups of mozzarella cheese until everything is well combined.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Grease your 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil. Pour the pasta mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly. Top with the remaining one cup of mozzarella cheese.
Step 6: Bake
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Once baked, allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy every cheesy, savory bite!
Healthier Substitutions
- Pasta: Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier option.
- Cheese: Opt for part-skim mozzarella to reduce fat content.
- Sausage: Choose turkey sausage or a plant-based sausage for a leaner alternative.
- Veggies: Add more vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to boost nutrition.
Chef’s Notes
- Feel free to mix and match your favorite pizza toppings—mushrooms, onions, or jalapeños can all make delicious additions.
- If you prefer a bit of spice, consider adding red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce.
- For a creamy twist, stir in a cup of ricotta cheese before baking.
Meal Prep & Storage Notes
This Pizza Pasta Casserole is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble it a day in advance and store it in the fridge before baking. Just remember to adjust the cooking time if baking from cold. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven until warmed through.
Questions People Ask
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to a day ahead. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake it.
Can I freeze Pizza Pasta Casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well! Just be sure to cool it completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, bake directly from the freezer at 350°F until heated through.
What can I serve with Pizza Pasta Casserole?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or garlic bread. A side of steamed vegetables could also balance out the meal nicely.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the sausage and pepperoni, and add more vegetables for flavor and texture. You can also use plant-based sausage as a substitute.
Similar Recipes
- Baked Ziti – A classic Italian-American dish that’s cheesy and comforting.
- Cheesy Pasta Bake – Another delicious pasta dish with a cheesy twist.
- Lasagna Casserole – Layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese come together in this hearty meal.
- Vegetable Pasta Bake – A great way to use up leftover veggies in a cheesy pasta dish.
Final Bite
This Pizza Pasta Casserole is more than just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a dish. With its endless customization options and delightful flavors, it’s not just another casserole—it’s a celebration of two iconic comfort foods. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or enjoying it as leftovers, this casserole will surely bring smiles to the table. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let the aroma of this delightful dish fill your kitchen. Your taste buds will thank you!
Pizza Pasta Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole bakes evenly.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the bulk Italian sausage over medium heat. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. If you’re opting for a vegetarian version, feel free to skip this step.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, cooked sausage (if using), diced green bell pepper, pepperoni, and sliced black olives. Stir in two cups of mozzarella cheese until everything is well combined.
- Grease your 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil. Pour the pasta mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly. Top with the remaining one cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Once baked, allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy every cheesy, savory bite!
Notes
- You can assemble the casserole a day ahead and store it in the fridge before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
- This casserole freezes well; cool completely before wrapping tightly to freeze.
