Description
You deserve a satisfying weeknight dinner without the cleanup headache. This recipe delivers all the flavors of pizza in one cheesy, baked pasta dish that your whole family will love.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound rotini pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 ounce) jar pizza or marinara sauce
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Pour in the pizza sauce, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Add the dry rotini pasta and the broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is almost tender.
- Stir in the heavy cream and 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top evenly with the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese and the Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle pepperoni slices over the top if you are using them.
- Bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
- Let the Pizza Pasta Bake cool for 5 minutes before you serve it.
Notes
- For a make ahead option, assemble the casserole completely, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking. Add 10 minutes to the covered baking time if baking straight from the refrigerator.
- You can substitute ground beef or turkey for the Italian sausage if you prefer.
- Feel free to add other favorite pizza toppings like sliced mushrooms or bell peppers when you add the onions.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 35 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 950
- Fat: 35
- Saturated Fat: 16
- Unsaturated Fat: 19
- Trans Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 55
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 30
- Cholesterol: 85