Pizza Pasta Bake
Recipe Tested & Approved by Mia Hartwell
Every recipe is developed, cooked, and tested by Mia in a real home kitchen using everyday ingredients to ensure reliable, repeatable results.
All the flavors of pizza in a baked pasta — marinara, pepperoni, and gooey mozzarella over tender penne. A fun, crowd-pleasing dinner that kids and adults both love.
By Mia HartwellUpdated September 21, 2025
Developed using tested cooking methods — cook to the temperatures given and adjust times to your equipment.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Pizza flavors in a cheesy baked pasta
- A guaranteed kid-pleaser
- Crispy pepperoni and gooey mozzarella
- Budget-friendly and make-ahead
Pizza Pasta Bake
45 min totalServes 6
Nutrition (per serving)
Values are estimates. See our disclaimer for details.
- Calories
- 560kcal
- Protein
- 26g
- Carbs
- 56g
- Fat
- 26g
- Fiber
- 4g
- Sugar
- 8g
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the penne 1 minute short of al dente, then drain.
- 2
Brown the sausage or beef in a skillet, about 7 minutes; drain. Add the onion and cook 3 minutes, then the garlic for 1 minute. Stir in the sauce and Italian seasoning. Confirm the meat reached a safe temperature (160°F / 71°C for beef).
- 3
Combine the pasta and meat sauce in a baking dish and stir in 1.5 cups mozzarella.
- 4
Top with the remaining mozzarella, the Parmesan, and the pepperoni slices.
- 5
Bake 20-25 minutes until bubbling and the pepperoni edges crisp.
- 6
Rest 5 minutes and serve.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
- Undercook the pasta by a minute since it bakes again.
- Arrange the pepperoni on top so the edges crisp like on a pizza.
- Stir cheese into the pasta as well as on top for melty pockets.
- Use pizza sauce for a more authentic pizza flavor, or marinara.
Cooking from your phone or kitchen? Print this recipe or save it as a PDF to keep it handy.
How to Cook Pizza Pasta Bake
New to this dish? Follow along with the detailed guide below — we break down each stage so you get perfect results the very first time.
Par-cook and build the sauce
Boil the pasta a minute short, and brown the meat to a safe temperature before simmering it with sauce. The slightly firm pasta finishes perfectly in the oven.
Layer the cheese
Stir cheese into the pasta as well as on top so you get melty pockets throughout, not just a cheesy lid. This is what makes it taste indulgent in every bite.
Top with pepperoni and bake
Arrange pepperoni on top so the edges crisp and curl like on a real pizza, then bake until bubbling. A short rest lets it set before serving.
Storage & Make-Ahead
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days; reheat covered. The assembled bake freezes well for up to 2 months.
Serving Suggestions
This pizza pasta bake pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, crusty bread, or your favorite grain. Add a simple side of roasted vegetables for a complete, satisfying dinner the whole family will enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add pizza toppings?+
Yes — mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or onions all work; saute watery ones first.
Can I make it vegetarian?+
Skip the meat and pepperoni and load up on vegetables and cheese.
Can I assemble it ahead?+
Yes — assemble, refrigerate up to a day, and bake (adding a few minutes from cold).
You might also like
Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta
Tender pan-seared chicken tossed with penne in a velvety garlic-parmesan cream sauce. It comes together in about 30 minutes and tastes like the kind of pasta you'd order at a trattoria.
- Total time
- ⏱ 35 min
- Calories
- 🔥 640 cal
- Protein
- 💪 42g protein
Lemon Herb Baked Chicken
Juicy oven-baked chicken breasts in a bright lemon, garlic, and herb marinade. A reliable, healthy weeknight dinner that stays tender thanks to a quick brine-style marinade.
- Total time
- ⏱ 37 min
- Calories
- 🔥 290 cal
- Protein
- 💪 39g protein
Honey Garlic Chicken Skillet
Golden chicken thighs glazed in a sticky honey-garlic-soy sauce, all in one skillet. The sauce reduces into a glossy glaze that's equal parts sweet, savory, and garlicky.
- Total time
- ⏱ 30 min
- Calories
- 🔥 410 cal
- Protein
- 💪 33g protein
Loved this recipe? Pin it so you can find it again — and explore more easy dinners.