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Baked Pizza Pasta casserole

Baked Pizza Pasta Casserole

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling the pasta. If you don’t have a stockpot, any deep saucepan will do.
  • Large skillet or sauté pan to cook the sausage, onions, and garlic. A cast iron skillet works beautifully if you want some seared edges.
  • 9x13-inch baking dish essential for the casserole part. You can also use a large Dutch oven or divide it into two 8x8 dishes if you plan to freeze one.
  • Mixing bowls for combining ingredients.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula for stirring everything together.
  • Aluminum foil for covering during part of the bake to prevent cheese from burning.
  • Oven mitts things get hot!

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound penne pasta – sturdy enough to hold sauce and cheese without getting mushy.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 pound Italian sausage – spicy or sweet based on preference
  • 2 cups marinara or pizza sauce – go for your favorite brand or homemade if you’ve got some ready.
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes – optional for a bit of kick
  • 1/2 cup mini pepperoni – or slice regular ones in halves
  • 1/4 cup sliced black olives
  • 1/4 cup diced green bell pepper
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Optional toppings: cooked bacon, sautéed mushrooms, chopped jalapeños, or whatever your pizza heart desires.

Instructions
 

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

  1. Lightly grease your baking dish with a bit of olive oil or cooking spray.

Cook the pasta

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne until just al dente—about 1–2 minutes shy of the package directions. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the sausage and aromatics

  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the diced onion until translucent. Toss in the garlic and cook for another minute. Add Italian sausage, breaking it apart as it cooks. Cook until browned and no pink remains.

Add the sauce and seasonings

  1. Stir in the marinara or pizza sauce, oregano, and crushed red pepper. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.

Mix in the pasta

  1. Add the cooked penne to the sauce mixture. Stir until well coated.

Assemble the casserole

  1. In the greased baking dish, layer half of the pasta mixture. Sprinkle with half the mozzarella, provolone, pepperoni, olives, and bell pepper. Repeat with the remaining pasta and toppings. Finish with a generous layer of Parmesan.

Bake covered

  1. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.

Bake uncovered

  1. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.

Let it rest

  1. Allow the casserole to cool for about 5 minutes before slicing into it. Garnish with fresh basil just before serving.