Everything you love about pepperoni pizza in an easy, cheesy pasta bake. Cozy, bold, and full of flavor from smoky pepperoni, melty mozzarella, and rich pasta sauce. Simple to make and perfect for busy weeknights.
If you’re craving more easy comfort meals, try these next: Cabbage Roll Soup, Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie, Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta.
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- 🛒Ingredients
- 🥘 How To Make Baked Pasta With Pepperoni Step By Step
- 👨🍳 Rita's Equipment
- Rita's Tip
- 📋Tips
- 🍱Storage Instructions
- What To Serve With Pepperoni Pasta Bake
- More Easy One-pot or Casserole Recipes You'll Like
- Did You Try This Recipe?
- 📖Recipe
- FAQ For Baked Pasta With Pepperoni
- More Easy Pasta Recipes
- 💬 Comments
🛒Ingredients
- Pasta: Any pasta works here. Spaghetti and rotini hold the sauce especially well. Cook according to package directions before mixing.
- Pasta sauce: Use bolognese or your favorite pasta sauce. This is the main flavor base, so choose one you love.
- Mozzarella cheese: : Freshly grated mozzarella melts smoother, stretches better, and gives the bake that classic cheesy pull. Pre-shredded cheese works too, but fresh gives better texture.
- Pepperoni: Chop most of the pepperoni into the pasta so the flavor spreads through every bite. Save a few slices for the top for that classic pizza-style look. Turkey pepperoni is a great lighter alternative.
- Dried oregano and basil: Sprinkle on top for extra aroma and flavor. Italian seasoning can be used if you want a more herb-forward finish.
👩🍳 You'll find the complete list of ingredients below the recipe card.
🥘 How To Make Baked Pasta With Pepperoni Step By Step
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente so it doesn’t overcook while baking.
- Drain and transfer to a large bowl. Add the pasta sauce and stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Mix in the chopped pepperoni and mozzarella until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to an ovenproof skillet or prepared cast iron pan, spreading it out evenly.
- Top with more mozzarella and arrange the whole pepperoni slices over the top.
- Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
👨🍳 Rita's Equipment
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Buy Now → Rita's Tip
Cook pasta al dente: Slightly firm pasta holds its shape and texture better after baking and prevents a mushy casserole.
📋Tips
- Coat evenly: Fully mix the sauce with the pasta so every bite is flavorful.
- Balance the flavor: Jarred sauces vary. Taste before baking and adjust salt or add a little Parmesan if needed.
- Foil trick: Cover for the first part of baking to keep moisture in, then uncover to brown the cheese.
- Rest before serving: Let it sit a few minutes so it sets and slices clean.
- Veggie upgrades: Bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms add flavor and texture without overpowering the dish.
🍱Storage Instructions
- 🍱To Store. Cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Make sure it’s fully covered to stay fresh.
- 🥶Freezing. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or use a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- 🔥To Reheat. Thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat covered in the oven with foil until hot. For microwave reheating, heat in short intervals. Lightly brush the top with olive oil to keep the cheese soft and melty.
What To Serve With Pepperoni Pasta Bake
- Smoked Chicken and Beet Salad – light, refreshing, and adds a healthy crunch.
- Roasted Pesto Potato Salad – creamy with a hint of basil, perfect for pairing with cheesy pasta.
- Hawaiian Macaroni Salad – sweet, tangy, and a classic side that balances the richness of the bake.
More Easy One-pot or Casserole Recipes You'll Like
📖Recipe
Pepperoni Pasta Bake (5-Ingredients)
This baked pasta with pepperoni is loaded with fan-favorite ingredients: smoked pepperoni, cheese, and pasta in a tasty red sauce. It's ready in 30 minutes and is the perfect comfort food.
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
Cooking pasta al dente: It's crucial to cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. This ensures the pasta maintains a nice texture and doesn't become mushy.
Preventing cheese overcooking: To prevent the cheese from becoming too browned or overcooked, cover the dish with foil for the first part of baking. Remove the foil towards the end to allow the cheese to melt and bubble.
Slicing pepperoni: If you prefer crispy pepperoni, slice it thinly and scatter it over the pasta. For a softer texture, chop the pepperoni into bite-sized pieces and mix it into the pasta.
Garnishing and serving: Before serving, sprinkle dried oregano and basil over the baked pasta for a more flavorful dish. Allow the dish to cool slightly before cutting into portions and serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 10gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 48mgSodium: 784mgPotassium: 136mgCalcium: 9mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
FAQ For Baked Pasta With Pepperoni
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes. Any pasta works, just cook it al dente so it holds up during baking.
Can I use a different type of meat instead of pepperoni?
Absolutely. Sausage, ground beef, or cooked chicken all work well. Use fully cooked meat before baking.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Skip the pepperoni or use vegetarian pepperoni. Add vegetables like mushrooms, peppers, and onions for flavor and texture.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready, adding a few extra minutes if cold.
Can I customize this recipe with additional ingredients?
Definitely. This recipe is flexible. Veggies, herbs, and spice adjustments all work well without changing the base recipe.
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