Super Easy Pizza Pasta Bake

I’ve included some videos I found relevant and helpful. 😍

Are you looking for a quick and tasty meal that combines two classic favorites? This Super Easy Pizza Pasta Bake is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a fun twist on dinner. You can have a delicious, cheesy dish ready in just 50 minutes.

The recipe uses simple ingredients like penne pasta, marinara sauce, pepperoni, and mozzarella cheese. You’ll love how the flavors of pizza blend with the comfort of pasta. It’s a dish your whole family will enjoy, and it’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings.

Exact Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make this yummy pizza pasta bake:

• 1 pound uncooked penne pasta
• 3 cups (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 10 ounces sliced pepperoni
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

That’s it! Just four simple ingredients create this tasty, family-friendly meal. The recipe serves 8, so it’s great for feeding a crowd.

You can use your favorite brand of marinara sauce. For extra flavor, try one with herbs or garlic. Feel free to add some Italian seasoning if you’d like.

For the pepperoni, regular or turkey both work well. You can even use mini pepperoni for a fun twist kids will love.

Pre-shredded mozzarella saves time, but freshly grated melts a bit better. Either option is delicious in this dish.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F and move the rack to the top third. This helps the cheese brown nicely.

Fill a big pot with water and add salt. Bring it to a boil. Cook 1 pound of penne pasta for 2 minutes less than the package says. This keeps it from getting mushy.

Drain the pasta and put it back in the pot. Pour in 3 cups of marinara sauce. Add about 3 ounces of pepperoni slices. Mix it all up.

Grab a 9×13 baking dish. Spread the pasta mix evenly in it.

Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella on top. Add the rest of the pepperoni slices.

Bake for 20 minutes uncovered. Then broil for a few minutes to make the top crispy. Watch it closely so it doesn’t burn!

Let it cool for a bit before you dig in. Enjoy your yummy pizza pasta bake!

Possible Substitutes List

You can easily switch up this pizza pasta bake with some tasty substitutes. Try these options:

Pasta:

• Rotini
• Fusilli
• Rigatoni
• Farfalle (bow-tie)

Sauce:

• Vodka sauce
• Arrabbiata sauce
• Creamy tomato sauce

Cheese:

• Cheddar
• Italian blend
• Provolone
• Parmesan (sprinkle on top)

Meat:

• Italian sausage
• Ground beef
• Bacon bits
• Ham

Veggies:

• Sliced mushrooms
• Bell peppers
• Onions
• Olives

Feel free to mix and match these ingredients to create your own unique pizza pasta bake. You can even add some fresh herbs like basil or oregano for extra flavor. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings!

Remember to adjust cooking times if you use raw meats or veggies that need more time to cook through. You might need to sauté them first before adding to the pasta mixture.

How To Make It Diabetes-Friendly

To make this pizza pasta bake more diabetes-friendly, you can make a few simple swaps. Start by using whole grain penne instead of regular pasta. This adds fiber and helps control blood sugar.

Pick a low-sugar marinara sauce or make your own with fresh tomatoes. Cut back on the amount of cheese and pepperoni to reduce saturated fat and calories.

Try these diabetes-friendly additions:

• Diced bell peppers
• Sliced mushrooms
• Chopped spinach

These veggies add nutrients without many carbs. You can also use turkey pepperoni as a leaner option.

For portion control, divide the dish into 8 servings. Pair a small serving with a big side salad to fill your plate with low-carb veggies.

Remember to check your blood sugar after trying this new recipe. Everyone responds differently to foods, so see how it affects you.

Tips, Tricks & Storing

For extra flavor, try adding some Italian seasoning or garlic powder to the marinara sauce. You can also mix in some grated Parmesan cheese for a richer taste.

To save time, use pre-shredded mozzarella cheese. If you prefer a vegetarian version, swap the pepperoni for sliced bell peppers and mushrooms.

Make sure not to overcook the pasta. It should be slightly firm when you drain it, as it will continue cooking in the oven.

Got leftovers? Let the dish cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.

You can also freeze this dish. Cover it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating in the oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes.

For a crispy top, broil the dish for a few extra minutes at the end of cooking. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.