Description

The Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake is a comforting and flavorful baked pasta dish featuring tender penne pasta tossed in a creamy marinara sauce, layered with plenty of mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and spicy pepperoni. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or family gathering, this dish offers a deliciously cheesy and satisfying meal with a golden, bubbly topping and optional fresh herb garnish.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Sauce

12 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
2 cups marinara sauce
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Cheese and Pepperoni

1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup sliced pepperoni, divided

Other Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne or rigatoni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the marinara sauce and stir in the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes if using. Let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to blend the flavors.
Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Stir in 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and half of the sliced pepperoni. Mix thoroughly until the pasta is evenly coated and the cheese begins to melt.
Assemble the bake: Transfer the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices over the top.
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 golden brown.
Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired before serving warm.

Notes

Feel free to mix in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra veggies.
You can swap in turkey pepperoni or use a different cheese blend to suit your taste preferences.
For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 480
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 65mg