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.
Servings 4 people
Calories 250 kcal
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.
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. Calories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 10gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 48mgSodium: 784mgPotassium: 136mgCalcium: 9mgIron: 1mg