![- 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 (red and green) - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Fresh basil leaves for garnish When making Easy Pizza Pasta Bake, you want to choose your main ingredients wisely. Start with cooked pasta, either penne or rotini. They hold sauces well. Next, marinara sauce adds a rich flavor. Pizza sauce brings in that classic pizza taste. Mix them together to create a base that’s both familiar and comforting. For the best pizza experience, add mozzarella cheese. It melts beautifully and gives that gooey texture we all love. Pepperoni slices add a savory bite. Don't forget the bell peppers. They give color and a sweet crunch. Seasoning is key! Dried oregano and garlic powder enhance the flavor of the dish. Fresh basil leaves add a pop of color and freshness. If you want to make this dish even more exciting, consider adding mushrooms or olives. Now you have the full picture of what goes into this dish. For the complete recipe, check the [Full Recipe]. - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, and pizza sauce. Stir until mixed well. - Add the cheese, pepperoni, bell peppers, mushrooms, and olives to the pasta. - Season with oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until it looks colorful and tasty. - Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly. - Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. - Remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden. This dish is fun to make and tastes great. For the full recipe, check the section above. Enjoy your meal! - Best pasta options for baking: I love using penne or rotini. They hold sauce well and add great texture. These shapes allow for a better mix of flavors and make every bite a delight. - How to achieve golden, bubbly cheese: For the best cheese topping, add a bit more mozzarella before baking. This extra layer gives the dish a nice, golden look. Bake it covered first, then uncover for the last part. This helps the cheese get bubbly and brown without drying out the pasta. - Presentation tips for the dish: Serve the pasta bake right from the dish for a cozy look. Add fresh basil on top for a pop of color. It makes the dish feel special and fresh. - Pairing ideas: This bake goes great with a simple side salad or warm breadsticks. A light salad balances the richness and adds freshness. Breadsticks are perfect for dipping into any extra sauce. - Suggestions for additional toppings: You can spice it up with more toppings. Try adding cooked sausage, fresh spinach, or even jalapeños for heat. Each topping adds a unique twist and makes it your own. - How to customize the recipe to your taste: Don’t hesitate to mix flavors. You can swap out sauces, use different cheeses, or even add veggies you love. Make it fun! The more you personalize it, the more you’ll enjoy your meal. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions in the recipe section. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Swap the pepperoni for your favorite veggies. Bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach work great. You can also use alternative cheese options. Try using vegan cheese or ricotta for a creamy touch. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta. There are many options, like rice or chickpea pasta. Make sure to check the sauce labels too. Some sauces contain gluten, so look for certified gluten-free brands. Want to take it up a notch? You can add different meats. Sausage and chicken are great options. They add richness and depth to the dish. Spice it up with red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning. These add heat and extra flavor. Don't be afraid to mix and match! You can create a new favorite every time you make it. For the full recipe, check [Full Recipe]. To store leftovers properly, let the pasta bake cool down. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh. Use glass or plastic containers that seal well. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Freezing the pasta bake is easy. First, let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. For best results, cover that with aluminum foil. This helps protect it from freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. For reheating, the oven works best. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the pasta bake in a covered dish. Bake for about 20 minutes. This keeps the texture nice. You can also use the microwave for quick reheating. Just make sure to cover it to avoid dryness. Enjoy your cheesy pizza pasta bake warm and delicious! This dish takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 35 minutes to bake. In total, you will spend about 50 minutes from start to finish. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights or family get-togethers. Yes, you can prepare the Easy Pizza Pasta Bake ahead of time. You can mix the pasta with sauces and toppings. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to three months. Just thaw it overnight before baking. If you don’t have marinara sauce, you can use several alternatives. Pizza sauce works well because it adds a nice flavor. You can also try Alfredo sauce for a creamy twist. Another option is pesto, which gives the dish a fresh taste. Just make sure the sauce you choose pairs well with the other flavors. Absolutely! You can make the Easy Pizza Pasta Bake dairy-free. Use dairy-free cheese or skip the cheese altogether. For creaminess, consider adding cashew cream or coconut cream. These options keep the dish rich while catering to dietary needs. Just check the labels to ensure they are dairy-free. You now know how to make an Easy Pizza Pasta Bake. With simple ingredients and easy steps, it’s a dish anyone can master. Customize it to fit your taste with different toppings or sauces. Store leftovers correctly for later enjoyment. This recipe is fun to make and share. I hope you enjoy this dish as much as I do. Happy cooking!](https://mysavedrecipe.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/7f71e629-b6fb-46f0-b2de-6285b389047d-250x250.webp)
Easy Pizza Pasta Bake
Indulge in this Cheesy Pizza Pasta Bake that's sure to be a hit at your dinner table! With a delicious blend of marinara and pizza sauces, topped with gooey mozzarella and your favorite toppings like pepperoni and bell peppers, this dish is a perfect family meal. Easy to make and packed with flavor, it takes just 50 minutes to prepare. Click to discover this mouthwatering recipe and bring cheesy goodness to your kitchen tonight!