Description
This Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is a comforting and cheesy baked pasta dish that combines penne pasta, crispy pepperoni, marinara sauce, and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect as a hearty family meal, this casserole offers all the flavors of a classic pepperoni pizza in a warm, satisfying layered bake.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz penne pasta (or any pasta you prefer)
Sauce and Toppings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 lb pepperoni, sliced (or more, depending on preference)
- 1/2 onion, diced (optional)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Pepperoni and Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced pepperoni and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly crispy. Remove about 1/4 of the pepperoni slices and set aside for topping later. If using onion, cook the diced onion in the same pan for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Combine the Sauce: Add the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder to the skillet with the remaining pepperoni. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
- Assemble the Casserole: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, pepperoni sauce mixture, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir well to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Bake the Casserole: Pour the pasta and sauce mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese for a golden, melty crust.
- Bake: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and top with the reserved crispy pepperoni slices. Garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious pepperoni pizza casserole!
Notes
- You can substitute penne with other pasta shapes like rigatoni or rotini for variety.
- If you prefer, use homemade marinara sauce for a fresher flavor.
- Onion is optional but adds a nice sweetness; you can omit it for a simpler taste.
- For extra heat, add red pepper flakes to the sauce while simmering.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
- To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
