Craving the ultimate comfort food fusion? Look no further than Pasta Pizza—a family-friendly dish that combines the hearty satisfaction of baked pasta with the irresistible flavors of a classic pizza. This easy recipe features tender penne tossed in a rich marinara sauce, generously layered with gooey mozzarella, savory parmesan, and everyone’s favorite pizza toppings like pepperoni, black olives, and colorful bell peppers. Enhanced with garlic, oregano, and optional chili flakes for a zesty kick, this dish bakes to perfection, creating a golden, cheesy crust that’s impossible to resist. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, Pasta Pizza is not only quick to prepare but also a surefire way to delight kids and adults alike. Serve it warm, garnished with fresh basil, for a crowd-pleasing meal that delivers all the flavors of pizza in every comforting bite.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch round baking dish or oven-safe skillet with a bit of olive oil and set it aside.
Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with marinara sauce, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the pasta is evenly coated.
Transfer the pasta into the greased baking dish or skillet and spread it into an even layer.
Sprinkle 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of the parmesan cheese evenly over the pasta layer.
Add the toppings: Arrange pepperoni slices, diced bell pepper, and black olives on top of the cheese layer.
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese over the toppings.
If desired, sprinkle a light pinch of red chili flakes for extra heat.
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden on top.
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired, then slice and serve warm. Enjoy your Pasta Pizza!
Calories |
2333 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 109.2 g | 140% | |
| Saturated Fat | 48.8 g | 244% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 264 mg | 88% | |
| Sodium | 6615 mg | 288% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 229.2 g | 83% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 19.4 g | 69% | |
| Total Sugars | 24.8 g | ||
| Protein | 110.2 g | 220% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 2178 mg | 168% | |
| Iron | 10.1 mg | 56% | |
| Potassium | 1261 mg | 27% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.