Everything you love is packed in this pepperoni pasta bake. Its giving pepperoni pizza flavors in a quick and easy pasta bake. Spicy smoked pepperoni, cheese, and pasta baked to perfection in a delicious sauce.
If you love delicious comfort food, you should try these yummy recipes next: Cabbage Roll Soup, Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie, Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta.
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🛒Ingredients
- Pasta: You can use any type of pasta. Try spaghetti or rotini, as both work well. Cook it according to the package instructions before mixing it with the other ingredients.
- Pasta sauce: Use bolognese or any favorite pasta sauce. This will be the base for the dish's flavor.
- Mozzarella cheese: Freshly grated mozzarella melts better and has a richer flavor. It will make the pasta bake nice and cheesy.
- Pepperoni: Mix chopped pepperoni into the pasta for extra flavor. Save some whole slices to place on top as a garnish. You can also use turkey pepperoni as an alternative.
- Dried oregano and basil: Sprinkle these herbs on top before serving to add extra flavor and a nice finishing touch. As an alternative, switch them with Italian herbs.
👩🍳 You'll find the complete list of ingredients below the recipe card.
🥘 How To Make Baked Pasta With Pepperoni Step By Step
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
- You want to cook it al dente as it will continue in the oven later.
- Drain the cooked pasta and place it in a large bowl. Next, pour over the bolognese sauce and stir it to combine.
- Add pepperoni and mozzarella, stir once again, and transfer the pasta mixture to an ovenproof skillet or a prepared cast iron skillet. Top with more mozzarella cheese lay out the whole slices of pepperoni on top, and bake for 15 minutes at 350F.
Rita's Tip
Cook pasta al dente: Cook until it's al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. This prevents it from becoming too soft.
📋Tips
- Mix sauce and pasta well: Ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce before baking. This helps distribute the flavor throughout the dish.
- Check seasoning: This is especially important when using a bought sauce in this baked pasta recipe. Check whether there is enough salt and whether it needs to be balanced with sugar or cheesy Parmesan.
- Cover with foil first: Cover the dish for baking to keep the pasta moist. Remove the foil for 10-15 minutes to let the cheese on top get golden and bubbly.
- Let it rest: After baking, let the pasta bake rest and settle for a few minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to cut and serve.
- Customize with veggies: Add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
🍴Tools You'll Need
- Large skillet pan
- Large pot
- Mixing bowl
🍱Storage Instructions
- 🍱To Store. After the pasta bake has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well in the fridge for 3-4 days. Ensure it is completely covered to maintain freshness and prevent it from drying out.
- 🥶Freezing. Once the pasta bake has cooled completely, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It can be stored in the freezer for 2-3 months. Label the container with the date to keep track of its storage time.
- 🔥To Reheat. When ready to use, transfer the frozen pasta bake to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. Place the pasta bake in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes in a medium oven or until heated. For microwave reheating, use a microwave-safe dish and heat in 1-2 minute intervals. Brush olive oil on top to prevent the cheese from getting overly crisp.
What To Serve With Pepperoni Pasta Bake
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📖Recipe
Pepperoni Pasta Bake (5-Ingredients)
Ingredients
- 10 oz pasta of choice, such as spaghetti, rotini
- 19 oz of bolognese or any pasta sauce
- 3 cups of mozzarella, freshly grated
- Dried oregano and basil for serving
- 7 oz pepperoni, chopped + leave whole slices for garnish on top
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. You want to cook it al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven later.
- Drain the cooked pasta and place it in a large bowl. Pour over the bolognese sauce and stir to combine.
- Add pepperoni and mozzarella, stir once again, and transfer to an ovenproof skillet or cast iron (sprinkle with cooking spray beforehand). Sprinkle with more mozzarella cheese on top, lay out the whole slices of pepperoni on top, and bake for 15 minutes at 350F until the cheese is melted.
Notes
Nutrition
FAQ For Baked Pasta With Pepperoni
Yes! While the recipe suggests spaghetti or rotini, you can use any pasta shape. Just ensure you cook it al dente according to package instructions.
Yup! Feel free to substitute pepperoni with other meats, such as sausage, ground beef, or even chicken. Adjust cooking times as needed, depending on the type of meat you choose.
To make a vegetarian version, leave out the pepperoni entirely or replace it with vegetarian pepperoni slices or other meat alternatives. Additionally, load up on veggies like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
Yes, you can assemble the pasta, bake, and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake it. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly, as it might take a little longer if the dish is cold from the fridge.
Definitely! This recipe is quite versatile. Add any favorite vegetables, such as spinach, red pepper, garlic, diced tomatoes, red pepper flakes, or zucchini for flavor and nutrition.
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