Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe
There is nothing quite like the warm, melty goodness of a Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe to bring comfort and joy to your dinner table. This dish is a delightful combination of tender pasta, zesty marinara, and oozing layers of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, all sprinkled generously with mini pepperoni for that perfect savory kick. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting friends, this pasta bake delivers hearty satisfaction and crowd-pleasing flavor that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe lies in its simplicity, with ingredients that are staples in most kitchens but come together to create a deeply flavorful and vibrant dish. Each element plays a key role—pasta provides the hearty base, tomato sauce adds tangy richness, and the cheeses bring creamy, melty indulgence while pepperoni offers a deliciously spicy bite.
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or rotini): Choose shapes that hold sauce well for maximum flavor in every bite.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the onions and garlic, adding a subtle fruity warmth.
- 1 small onion, diced: Offers a natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for that aromatic punch that complements the sauce.
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce: The rich tomato base that binds the dish and infuses it with traditional Italian flair.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Adds herby notes that elevate the sauce beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a gentle heat mixed into their pasta bake.
- 1 cup mini pepperoni (plus extra for topping): The star protein that brings a spicy, savory pop to every forkful.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into a gooey, luscious layer that pasta bakes are famous for.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that perfectly balances the richness.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: To season and enhance all the other flavors.
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional): A fresh, vibrant touch to brighten the finished dish.
How to Make Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Cook the Pasta
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and ready when your bake is assembled. Cook the pasta in generously salted boiling water until it is just shy of tender—about 1 to 2 minutes less than the package instructions. This ensures it won’t get mushy during baking. Drain the pasta and set it aside for the next step.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Simmer Sauce
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the diced onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until soft and translucent, filling your kitchen with a cozy aroma. Toss in the minced garlic and stir for another 30 seconds to develop its fragrant flavor without browning. Pour in the marinara sauce along with the Italian seasoning and optional crushed red pepper flakes, then simmer gently for 5 minutes. This simmer allows the flavors to meld and intensify.
Step 3: Combine Pasta, Pepperoni, and Sauce
Stir the cooked pasta and mini pepperoni directly into the sauce, making sure every piece is beautifully coated in that rich, spiced tomato mixture. Season with salt and black pepper to taste—this step is key for bringing all flavors into perfect harmony.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Transfer the pepperoni pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese generously over the top, ensuring every corner is covered. If you’re feeling extra pepperoni love, add a few more slices on top before popping it into the preheated oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is gloriously melted, bubbling, and lightly golden around the edges. Let the bake rest for 5 minutes before serving—it helps everything set beautifully.
How to Serve Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
To add a fresh, colorful finishing touch, sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over the baked pasta. This not only brightens up the dish visually but also adds a light herbal contrast to the rich, cheesy flavors.
Side Dishes
Serve your Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance out the richness with some freshness and crunch. Garlic bread is also an irresistible choice for dipping into every cheesy, saucy forkful.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pasta bake in individual ramekins right out of the oven, making it feel extra special and perfect for dinner parties or cozy family meals. You could also sprinkle some extra grated Parmesan and a drizzle of chili oil over the top for a gourmet touch that surprises and delights.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store leftovers in an airtight container to preserve that fresh cheesy and pepperoni flavor, then simply reheat when ready to enjoy again.
Freezing
To save time on busy nights, assemble the pasta bake without baking and freeze it in a suitable container. When you’re ready, pop it straight into a preheated oven and bake for a longer time until warmed through and bubbly. This makes meal-prepping a breeze without sacrificing any flavor.
Reheating
Reheat portions in the microwave for a quick fix, or for better texture and melty cheese, rewarm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and the top looks freshly baked. This keeps the dish tasting as good as when it was first made.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for the bake?
Absolutely! While penne or rotini are ideal because they hold the sauce well, you can use fusilli, rigatoni, or even elbow macaroni. Just make sure to cook it al dente so it doesn’t get mushy in the oven.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! You can either omit the pepperoni altogether or replace it with vegetarian pepperoni or other plant-based sausage alternatives for a similar flavor and texture.
Can I add vegetables to the Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe?
Definitely. Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach make excellent additions, boosting the nutrition and giving the dish extra layers of flavor without overpowering the classic taste.
What cheese can I substitute if I don’t have mozzarella or Parmesan?
Provolone, fontina, or a good melting cheese like Monterey Jack can work well in place of mozzarella. Pecorino Romano can be swapped for Parmesan to add a sharper kick.
How spicy is this pasta bake with the red pepper flakes?
The 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes provides a mild warmth that complements the pepperoni’s spice. You can adjust the amount or leave it out entirely if you prefer a milder dish.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe that brings people together around the table with smiles and full bellies. It’s easy to make, endlessly comforting, and packed with flavors everyone loves. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and make it a beloved staple in your kitchen as well!
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Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A comforting and easy-to-make Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake featuring penne pasta tossed in a flavorful marinara sauce with mini pepperoni, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, baked to bubbly perfection. Perfect for a family-friendly weeknight dinner with customizable options to add extra veggies or swap proteins.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Meats and Cheese
- 1 cup mini pepperoni (plus extra for topping)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Garnish
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pasta casserole.
- Cook Pasta: Boil salted water and cook the pasta until just al dente, about 1–2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and set aside to prevent overcooking during baking.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 4–5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Simmer Sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
- Combine Pasta and Pepperoni: Add the cooked pasta and mini pepperoni to the sauce. Stir thoroughly to coat evenly. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly and pour in the pasta mixture, spreading it evenly.
- Add Cheese and Toppings: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the pasta. Add extra mini pepperoni slices if desired for a more pronounced pepperoni flavor.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and golden in spots.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove from oven and let the pasta bake rest for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley before serving to add a fresh herbaceous note.
Notes
- Swap mini pepperoni with spicy sausage or turkey pepperoni for a different protein twist.
- Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or other veggies for extra nutrition and flavor.
- This dish freezes well; you can assemble it ahead of time, freeze before baking, and bake directly from frozen with slightly extended cooking time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
