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Pepperoni Pasta Bake

If you’re looking for a dish that combines cheesy goodness, savory pepperoni, and perfectly baked pasta, then this Pepperoni Pasta Bake is exactly what you need. It’s quick to prepare, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy family dinner.

The first time I made this, I was craving something that was part pizza, part pasta, and completely comforting. My husband took one bite and immediately declared it a “must-make again” dish. Now, it’s a family favorite that we keep in our dinner rotation!

What makes this dish stand out is the rich tomato sauce, gooey melted cheese, and crispy edges of pepperoni that give every bite a perfect balance of flavor. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for leftovers that taste just as good the next day, this Pepperoni Pasta Bake never disappoints!

So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and let’s get baking!

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Why You’ll Love This Pepperoni Pasta Bake

Why This Recipe is a Must-Try

  • Cheesy & Comforting: A blend of gooey mozzarella and parmesan makes this dish irresistible.
  • Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love the combination of pasta and pepperoni.
  • Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this a great weeknight meal.
  • Perfect for Leftovers: It reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day.
  • Customizable: Add veggies, different meats, or spice it up to make it your own.

Cuisine: Italian-American Comfort Food

What You Need for Pepperoni Pasta Bake

Ingredients

For the Pasta Bake:

  • 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
  • 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage for extra flavor)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
  • 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

For Garnish (Optional):

  • 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Extra parmesan cheese

How to Make Pepperoni Pasta Bake

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  1. Boil the Pasta: Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce

  1. Cook the Meat: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef (or sausage) and cook until browned.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
  3. Add Tomatoes & Seasoning: Stir in marinara sauce, drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let simmer for 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Assemble the Pasta Bake

  1. Mix Pasta & Sauce: Combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce, stirring until well coated.
  2. Layer the Dish: Spread half the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  3. Add Cheese & Pepperoni: Sprinkle half the mozzarella and parmesan over the pasta, then layer with half the pepperoni slices.
  4. Repeat Layers: Add the remaining pasta, then top with the rest of the cheese and pepperoni.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

  1. Preheat Oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bake the Pasta: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  3. Remove Foil & Brown the Cheese: Uncover and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

  1. Garnish: Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top.
  2. Let It Rest: Allow the pasta bake to cool for 5 minutes before serving.
  3. Dig In & Enjoy: Serve hot and enjoy this cheesy, pepperoni-loaded delight!

Tips for the Best Pepperoni Pasta Bake

  • Use a Good Quality Marinara: A flavorful sauce makes all the difference.
  • Cook Pasta Al Dente: It continues cooking in the oven, so don’t overboil it.
  • Crisp Up the Pepperoni: Broil for 2 minutes at the end for extra crispy pepperoni.
  • Let It Rest Before Serving: This helps the layers set and makes slicing easier.
  • Make It Ahead: Assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Substitutions and Variations

  • Swap the Meat: Use ground turkey, chicken, or even a meatless alternative.
  • Make It Spicier: Add extra red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños.
  • Try a Different Cheese: Mix in gouda, provolone, or fontina for extra flavor.
  • Add More Veggies: Mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach make great additions.
  • Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your marinara is GF-friendly.

Make a Healthier Version

  • Use Whole Wheat Pasta: Adds more fiber and nutrients.
  • Reduce Cheese: Cut back on cheese or use part-skim versions.
  • Skip the Pepperoni: Replace with turkey pepperoni or leaner protein options.
  • Add More Veggies: Increase the veggie-to-pasta ratio for extra nutrients.

Closing Thoughts

And there you have it! This Pepperoni Pasta Bake is an easy, cheesy, and crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your home. Whether you’re serving it for a casual weeknight dinner or a potluck, it’s always a hit. Try it out and let us know how it turns out!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

2. How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

3. Can I freeze this pasta bake?

Yes! Freeze before or after baking for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

4. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes or in the microwave until warmed through.

5. Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Skip the meat and add more veggies or plant-based protein.

6. What’s the best pasta for this recipe?

Penne, rigatoni, or ziti work best to hold the sauce and cheese.

7. How do I make it extra cheesy?

Mix extra shredded cheese into the pasta before baking.

8. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes! Use about 2 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes.

9. What other toppings can I add?

Try black olives, mushrooms, or banana peppers for a twist.

10. Can I use a different sauce?

Yes! Alfredo, pesto, or a vodka sauce can be used for a unique flavor.

Pepperoni Pasta Bake

0 from 0 votes
Recipe by Alexandra Course: All Word Recipes
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Calories

300

kcal
Total time

0

minutes
Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

  • For the Pasta Bake:
  • 12 oz 12 penne or rigatoni pasta

  • 1 lb 1 ground beef (or Italian sausage for extra flavor)

  • 1 small 1 onion, diced

  • 3 cloves 3 garlic, minced

  • 1 jar 1 marinara sauce

  • 1 can 1 diced tomatoes, drained

  • 1 tsp 1 Italian seasoning

  • 1/2 tsp 1/2 salt

  • 1/2 tsp 1/2 black pepper

  • 1/4 tsp 1/4 red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)

  • 2 cups 2 shredded mozzarella cheese

  • 1/2 cup 1/2 grated parmesan cheese

  • 1/2 cup 1/2 pepperoni slices

  • 1 tbsp 1 olive oil

  • For Garnish (Optional):
  • 1 tbsp 1 fresh basil, chopped

  • 1 tbsp 1 fresh parsley, chopped

  • Extra parmesan cheese

Directions

  • Step 1: Cook the Pasta
  • Boil the Pasta: Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce
  • Cook the Meat: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef (or sausage) and cook until browned.
  • Sauté the Aromatics: Add diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
  • Add Tomatoes & Seasoning: Stir in marinara sauce, drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let simmer for 5-7 minutes.
  • Step 3: Assemble the Pasta Bake
  • Mix Pasta & Sauce: Combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce, stirring until well coated.
  • Layer the Dish: Spread half the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  • Add Cheese & Pepperoni: Sprinkle half the mozzarella and parmesan over the pasta, then layer with half the pepperoni slices.
  • Repeat Layers: Add the remaining pasta, then top with the rest of the cheese and pepperoni.
  • Step 4: Bake to Perfection
  • Preheat Oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Bake the Pasta: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  • Remove Foil & Brown the Cheese: Uncover and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
  • Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
  • Garnish: Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top.
  • Let It Rest: Allow the pasta bake to cool for 5 minutes before serving.
  • Dig In & Enjoy: Serve hot and enjoy this cheesy, pepperoni-loaded delight!

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