Print

One Pot Cheesy Pizza Pasta Bake: Your New Favorite Comfort Dinner

Close-up of a square slice of baked pizza pasta topped with melted mozzarella, pepperoni, and herbs.
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make this easy Pizza Pasta Bake for a satisfying, cheesy weeknight dinner. It combines all the best pizza flavors into one simple, comforting casserole that your whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound rotini pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed (or ground beef)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 24 ounces marinara sauce
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain excess grease.
  3. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, oregano, basil, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the marinara sauce, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  5. Stir in the uncooked rotini pasta. Return the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover the pot and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is almost tender.
  6. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the cubed cream cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce. Mix in 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese and the Parmesan cheese until combined.
  7. Fold in the pepperoni slices. Taste the mixture and add salt and pepper if needed.
  8. Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
  9. Bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
  10. Let the Pizza Pasta Bake rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For a make-ahead option, assemble the casserole completely (steps 1-6), cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking. Add 10 minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.
  • You can substitute the Italian sausage with ground beef or ground turkey for a different flavor profile.
  • This recipe is a great base; feel free to add other favorite pizza toppings like sliced mushrooms or black olives before the final layer of cheese.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookerycourier.com/pizza-pasta-one-pot-cheesy-bake/