Description
This Pepperoni Pasta Bake is a delicious and easy-to-make pasta dish that combines the flavors of pizza with the comfort of pasta. Cheesy, saucy, and loaded with pepperoni slices, this bake is a crowd-pleaser for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 12 ounces uncooked pasta (penne or rotini)
Sauce and Cheese:
- 2 cups marinara or pizza sauce
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Toppings:
- 1½ cups sliced pepperoni (regular or mini)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook Pasta: Cook pasta until just al dente, drain, and toss with olive oil.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix pasta with sauce, seasonings, half of the cheeses, and half of the pepperoni.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Add Toppings: Top with remaining cheese and pepperoni.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Garnish: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with basil or parsley.
Notes
- Add cooked ground beef, sausage, or sautéed veggies for a heartier dish.
- For extra crispy pepperoni, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking.
- This dish freezes well—assemble ahead and bake when ready.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American-Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1â…“ cups
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
