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Maya

Pizza Pasta Bake: Discover the Ultimate Comfort Dish!

Pizza Pasta Bake is a comforting dish that combines the flavors of pizza and pasta into a delicious baked meal.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces penne pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound Italian sausage casings removed
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 bell pepper diced
  • 1 can 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 can 8 ounces tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 1 cup sliced pepperoni
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish optional

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Add the diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta, sausage and vegetable mixture, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix well.
  7. Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and sliced pepperoni.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  9. Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 24gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4g

Notes

  • For a vegetarian option, substitute the Italian sausage with a plant-based sausage or omit it entirely and add extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.
  • Experiment with different cheese blends, such as provolone or cheddar, for a unique flavor twist.

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