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Nothing beats the comfort of a pizza pasta bake when a busy night calls for something hearty and family-approved. Penne pasta, tangy marinara, spicy slices of pepperoni and lots of gooey mozzarella come together with minimal fuss. Pop it all in the oven and you get bubbling cheese and crispy edges everyone races back for seconds.
I first whipped up this dish when I needed to feed a crowd fast and it has since become my daughter’s birthday dinner request every year.
Ingredients
- Penne pasta: because its ridges grab and hold the sauce perfectly so nothing gets left behind look for pasta with a smooth firm surface when choosing
- Marinara sauce: supplies the signature pizza flavor pick a brand with olive oil and real tomatoes for the richest taste
- Pepperoni slices: add a punch of savory flavor you can go classic or use a turkey version for a lighter bite check for minimal added fillers
- Mozzarella cheese: because it melts to a stretchy gooey topper grate it fresh for extra melt and flavor over pre-shredded bags
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set the oven to 375 degrees and move the rack to the top third of the oven to get even browning on the cheese and pepperoni
- Boil and Drain the Pasta:
- Fill a large pot with water and generously salt it Heat to a rolling boil then add the penne and stir well Cook for two minutes less than package directions so the pasta finishes baking in the oven Drain the pasta carefully
- Combine Pasta Marinara and Some Pepperoni:
- Return the pasta to your big pot Pour in all the marinara sauce and add about a third of the pepperoni Stir until all pasta is coated This helps distribute the pepperoni flavor throughout
- Assemble the Bake:
- Spoon the saucy pasta into a 9 by 13 inch baking dish and spread out evenly Top the pasta with all of the shredded mozzarella Sprinkle every corner so no bite misses the cheese Lay the remaining pepperoni slices on top in an even layer
- Bake then Broil to Finish:
- Place the dish uncovered in your oven Bake for twenty minutes until cheese is bubbling and melted Turn the oven to broil and toast the cheese and pepperoni for two to three minutes Stand by and watch closely so the topping gets crisp but not burnt
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The combination of pepperoni and cheese reminds me of Friday pizza nights at my grandparents house and my favorite part is sneaking a crispy pepperoni off the edge before the dish is served
Storage Tips
Let leftovers cool then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days Reheat in the oven or microwave for best flavor The crisp topping returns if you reheat uncovered in the oven
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap in cooked Italian sausage meatballs or even rotisserie chicken if you do not have pepperoni Non dairy cheese blends work well for a dairy free option Gluten free penne holds up just as well for allergy needs
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a tossed Caesar salad and garlic bread for a kid friendly meal A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top right before serving brings extra color and freshness You can add sautéed mushrooms peppers or spinach for more veggies
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Cultural Context
This dish celebrates the Italian American tradition of pizza inspired bakes Popular since the seventies in US home kitchens pizza pasta bakes blend the craveable qualities of both pizza and a cozy casserole for family meals
Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe
- → How do I prevent soggy pasta in the bake?
Be sure to cook the pasta for 2 minutes less than the package suggests; it continues cooking in the oven, so this keeps the texture ideal.
- → Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, ziti or rigatoni also work well. Choose sturdy shapes that hold sauce and bake nicely.
- → Is it necessary to broil at the end?
While optional, broiling gives the cheese and pepperoni a deliciously crisp finish. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- → Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Assemble the dish up to a day in advance, refrigerate, then bake just before serving. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
- → How can I make this dish more saucy?
Simply stir in an extra 1/2 to 1 cup of marinara before baking for a juicier casserole.
- → What can I substitute for pepperoni?
Try cooked sausage, cooked vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers, or turkey pepperoni for a lighter option.