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Easy Cheesy Pizza Pasta Bake

A hand lifts a cheesy, bubbling slice of pizza pasta bake topped with pepperoni and black olives.
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Make this simple and satisfying pizza pasta bake for a quick weeknight dinner that tastes like your favorite pizza, baked with layers of cheese and pasta.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound Italian sausage or ground beef (optional)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 24 ounces marinara sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices
  • 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
  3. If using meat, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage or ground beef and cook until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
  4. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
  5. Stir in the marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and water. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
  6. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the cooked pasta, 1/2 cup of the mozzarella cheese, and the Parmesan cheese until everything is well combined.
  7. Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top evenly with the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese, pepperoni slices, and black olives, if using.
  8. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
  9. Let the bake rest for 5 minutes before you serve it.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and add 1 cup of chopped mushrooms or bell peppers with the onion.
  • You can make this make ahead pasta bake up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate before baking; add 10 minutes to the bake time if cooking straight from the refrigerator.
  • Use your favorite pizza toppings, such as cooked ham, sliced mushrooms, or green peppers.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookincorner.com/easy-cheesy-pizza-pasta-bake/