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This pizza pasta bake is the answer when you crave the coziness of a casserole and the bold taste of pizza in one bubbling dish Tender penne pasta soaks up rich marinara while layers of gooey mozzarella and crispy pepperoni guarantee everyone at the table will ask for seconds
I whipped this up on a busy Wednesday night and the kids were actually excited for leftovers the next day That never happens
Ingredients
- Penne pasta: Brings the right bite and shape holds sauce well For the best texture choose a high-quality brand that stays firm after boiling
- Marinara sauce: Loads the dish with tomato richness Look for a jarred sauce with no added sugar and a balance of herbs for more flavor
- Pepperoni: Gives classic pizza taste and a satisfying chew Thicker cut pepperoni browns nicely and keeps its shape Use pre-sliced for convenience
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts well and creates the beloved stretchy cheese family look for whole milk versions for best creaminess and flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous amount of salt This is your chance to get flavor inside each piece of pasta Bring to a rapid boil Add penne and stir Occasionally check for doneness Cook for 2 minutes less than the package says so the pasta stays slightly firm Drain completely but do not rinse the pasta
- Mix with Sauce and Pepperoni:
- Return drained pasta to the pot Pour in the full amount of marinara sauce and about one third of the pepperoni slices Stir gently until every piece of pasta is coated and some pepperoni is mixed through
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Lightly grease a 9 by 13 inch baking or casserole dish Pour the sauce coated pasta mixture into the dish Spreading evenly matters so every bite gets the right ratio of noodle and sauce
- Add Cheese and Pepperoni Layers:
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the pasta for a complete cheesy layer Arrange the remaining pepperoni slices over the cheese placing them so almost every part gets a little crispy pepperoni flavor
- Bake and Broil:
- Slide the casserole dish uncovered into your oven set to 375 degrees Fahrenheit Place the oven rack in the upper third Let it bake for about 20 minutes or until the edges bubble and the cheese is melted
- Broil to Finish:
- Switch the oven to broil Stay right by the oven Broil for 2 to 3 minutes until the pepperoni crisps and cheese develops golden brown spots Watch closely so nothing burns
- Rest and Serve:
- Remove from the oven Let the dish rest for about 5 minutes so the cheese sets a bit Use a firm spatula to scoop out portions Serve piping hot and savor the stretchy cheese with every forkful
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Mozzarella is always the highlight for me I love how it bubbles and browns into a savory crust on top My kids beg for the end corner pieces every time That cheesy edge is a little slice of comfort food magic
Storage Tips
Keep leftover pasta bake in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days When you reheat add a spoonful of marinara on top to keep it moist You can freeze squares of the casserole wrapped tightly and reheat them in the oven covered with foil
Ingredient Substitutions
Try turkey pepperoni or vegetarian pepperoni if you want a lighter or meat free option Use rotini or rigatoni if you are out of penne Swap out mozzarella for provolone or cheddar if that is what you have Just know that the melt will be a bit different
Serving Suggestions
Pair this pizza pasta bake with a simple green salad tossed with a vinegar based Italian dressing and fresh breadsticks For a fun twist offer a few toppings on the side like sliced olives sauteed mushrooms or a drizzle of hot honey for adventurous eaters
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Cultural Historical Context
Italian American cuisine has always celebrated adaptability and comfort Dishes like this pizza pasta bake bring together beloved Italian ingredients in ways that are pure cozy crowd pleasers In the US casseroles have long meant hospitality and shared family tables This bake captures that spirit beautifully
Recipe Questions
- → Can I use a different pasta shape for this bake?
Absolutely! Penne is classic, but ziti or rigatoni also work well, holding sauce and cheese beautifully.
- → How do I get the cheese golden and bubbly?
After baking, broil for 2-3 minutes to brown the cheese and crisp the pepperoni. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- → Can I add vegetables for extra flavor?
Yes, sautéed onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms can be stirred in for added taste and texture.
- → How can I make it extra saucy?
If you like a saucier bake, simply add an extra half cup to one cup of marinara sauce before baking.
- → Can it be made ahead of time?
Assemble the dish in advance, refrigerate, and bake just before serving for a convenient meal option.
- → Is there a vegetarian option?
You can substitute pepperoni with vegetarian slices or add more vegetables for a meat-free variation.