Easy Pizza Pasta Bake

$- 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini) - 1 cup marinara sauce - 1 cup pizza sauce - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - 1 cup pepperoni slices - 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced - 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced - 1/4 cup black olives, sliced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional) To create a tasty pizza pasta bake, you need simple but flavorful ingredients. Start with 2 cups of cooked pasta. I like using penne or rotini. They hold sauce well and give great texture. Then, grab 1 cup each of marinara and pizza sauce. These add a rich, tangy flavor to the dish. Cheese is vital, so don't skip the 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. It melts beautifully and gives that gooey, cheesy texture we all love. For that classic pizza taste, use 1 cup of pepperoni slices. You can also add veggies like 1/2 cup of diced bell peppers and 1/2 cup of sliced mushrooms. They not only add color but also a fresh taste. Don't forget the 1/4 cup of black olives for a salty kick. Season with 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. A little salt and pepper will enhance all the flavors. If you want a pop of green, add fresh basil leaves as a garnish when serving. Gather these items and get ready to make a delightful meal that your family will love. For the full recipe, check out the details above. - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). - Grease the baking dish. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This sets the stage for a warm, bubbly dish. Next, grab your baking dish and lightly grease it. This step helps the pasta bake come out easily after cooking. - Combine cooked pasta with marinara and pizza sauce. - Fold in cheese, meats, and veggies. In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of cooked pasta with 1 cup of marinara sauce and 1 cup of pizza sauce. Use a spatula to stir it well. The pasta should be coated in sauce. Now, add 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 cup of pepperoni slices, 1/2 cup of diced bell peppers, 1/2 cup of sliced mushrooms, and 1/4 cup of sliced black olives. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon each of dried oregano and garlic powder. Add salt and pepper to taste. Gently fold everything together until it's evenly mixed. - Pour mixture into the baking dish and add cheese topping. - Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake additional 10-15 minutes. Now, pour your pasta mixture into the greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly. For a cheesy topping, add a bit more mozzarella cheese on top. If you want, place some extra pepperoni slices on the surface for fun. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to keep it moist while baking. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. After that, carefully remove the foil. Bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden. Once it’s done, let it cool for a few minutes. This makes it easier to serve and lets the flavors mix. Enjoy your Easy Pizza Pasta Bake! - Cover your dish with foil. This keeps moisture in while baking. - Watch the dish closely. You want perfect melting and browning. - Add extra herbs or spices. This gives your bake more flavor. - Feel free to swap ingredients. Use what you like best. - Pair your pasta bake with a fresh salad. Garlic bread also makes a great side. - For a nice look, add fresh basil on top. It adds color and flavor. Make sure to check out the Full Recipe for more details! {{image_4}} You can easily change up your Easy Pizza Pasta Bake. Start by using different pasta types or shapes. Spiraled fusilli or bow-tie pasta can add fun. Each shape holds sauce differently. Next, think about your toppings. Want a twist? Try BBQ sauce instead of marinara. You can also swap out meats. Use chicken or turkey instead of pepperoni for a lighter dish. If you want a vegetarian version, you have great options. Replace pepperoni with mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. These veggies add flavor and color. You can also use plant-based cheese alternatives. They melt well and keep the dish creamy. This version is just as tasty and suits many diets. For a gluten-free option, you can still enjoy this dish. Use gluten-free pasta and sauces. Many brands offer great flavors that work well. Just check the labels to ensure they fit your needs. This way, everyone can enjoy a slice of comfort without worry. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide. After enjoying your pizza pasta bake, let it cool completely. This step helps keep the texture nice. Once cool, transfer it to airtight containers. These containers keep your dish fresh and tasty for later. To reheat, I suggest using the oven. This method gives the best texture and keeps the cheese melty. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the pasta in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to avoid drying out. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. If you need a quick fix, you can use a microwave. Just place a portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat in short bursts. Stir in between to ensure even heating. You can freeze this dish before or after baking. If freezing before baking, cover the dish tightly with foil. If you freeze after baking, let it cool first. Use freezer-safe containers and label them clearly with the date. This way, you won’t forget what’s inside! Yes, you can prep this dish ahead of time. Just prepare everything and store it in the fridge. This makes it easy to bake later. The flavors will blend nicely, making your dish even better. To add some heat, include red pepper flakes. You can also use spicy sausage. Both options will kick up the flavor. Adjust the spice level to your taste. I recommend using penne or rotini. These shapes hold sauce well and add a nice bite. They make every forkful packed with flavor. This recipe combines pasta, sauces, cheese, and toppings for a tasty dish. You learned the key ingredients, kitchen tools, and how to bake it perfectly. Remember to experiment with flavors and variations. You can even make it vegetarian or gluten-free. Store leftovers properly for later enjoyment. This is a fun meal, great for any get-together. Try it out and make it your own! Happy cooking!$

Indulge in a delightful Cheesy Pizza Pasta Bake, the perfect fusion of your favorite pizza and pasta! This dish combines cooked pasta, marinara, pizza sauce, and loads of cheese, pepperoni, and colorful veggies for a hearty meal the whole family will love. Easy to make and packed with flavor, this recipe is a must-try! Click through to explore the full recipe and bring this cheesy goodness to your dinner table tonight!

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Ingredients

2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini)

1 cup marinara sauce

1 cup pizza sauce

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

1 cup pepperoni slices

1/2 cup bell peppers, diced (a mix of red and green for color)

1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced

1/4 cup black olives, sliced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.

In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of cooked pasta with 1 cup each of marinara sauce and pizza sauce. Use a spatula to stir the mixture until it is thoroughly combined and the pasta is evenly coated.

To the bowl, add 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 cup of pepperoni slices, 1/2 cup of diced bell peppers (both red and green), 1/2 cup of sliced mushrooms, and 1/4 cup of sliced black olives. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon each of dried oregano and garlic powder, along with salt and pepper to taste. Gently fold all ingredients together until they are evenly mixed.

Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil. Pour the pasta mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly across the bottom.

For an extra cheesy topping, sprinkle an additional layer of mozzarella cheese over the pasta. If desired, arrange a few extra pepperoni slices on top for a delightful presentation.

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture while baking, then place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes.

After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil and return the dish to the oven. Continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.

Once finished, take the pasta bake out of the oven and allow it to cool for 5-10 minutes. This will make serving easier and allow flavors to meld.

Serve warm, and if desired, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a touch of freshness and vibrant color.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 50 mins | Serves 6

- Presentation Tips: Serve the pasta bake directly from the baking dish for a homey feel. For an enhanced presentation, decorate with fresh basil leaves on top and consider pairing the dish with a crisp side salad for a complete balanced meal. Enjoy!