Description
This Pepperoni Pasta Bake is a comforting, cheesy casserole perfect for easy weeknight dinners. Featuring al dente pasta baked in a flavorful marinara sauce with mozzarella, Parmesan, and plenty of pepperoni, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s both filling and delicious. The dish is simple to prepare, reheats well, and can be customized with additional proteins or lighter pepperoni options for a versatile meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or pasta sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Cheese and Toppings
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 20–25 slices of pepperoni
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Cook Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Simmer Sauce: Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet and stir in dried oregano, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 5–7 minutes to develop flavors. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese: In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the prepared sauce, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and the grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly. Pour the pasta mixture evenly into the dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese on top, then evenly layer the pepperoni slices over the cheese.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your hearty, cheesy pepperoni pasta bake.
Notes
- You can add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the sauce for extra protein and heartiness.
- For a lighter option, substitute regular pepperoni with turkey pepperoni or veggie pepperoni.
- This pasta bake reheats well, making it an excellent dish for meal prep and leftovers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 790mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
