Pizza Pasta

This Pizza Pasta Bake combines two classic comfort foods—pizza and pasta—into one incredibly satisfying casserole. With savory Italian sausage, gooey melted cheese, rich marinara and pizza sauces, and your favorite pizza toppings layered over tender rotini noodles, it’s the kind of family-friendly dish that makes dinner time exciting. Perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or a cozy Sunday meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Pizza Pasta Bake is a surefire hit for both kids and adults. It brings together the cheesy, saucy joy of pizza with the heartiness of a baked pasta dish. The recipe is incredibly flexible—you can swap out the sausage, add your favorite veggies, and load it up with your go-to pizza toppings. It’s also a great make-ahead meal and freezes well for busy days.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• extra virgin olive oil

• ground Italian sausage

• yellow onion, minced

• green bell pepper, diced

• Italian seasoning

• garlic, minced

• rotini noodles

• marinara sauce

• grated Parmesan cheese

• pizza sauce

• mozzarella cheese, shredded

• pizza toppings of your choice (pepperoni, black olives, mushrooms, etc.)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of water to a boil.

2. While the water heats, warm olive oil in a deep, heavy-duty pan over medium-high heat. Add sausage and onion, cooking for 3–5 minutes while breaking up the meat.

3. Add diced bell pepper and cook until sausage is fully browned. Stir in Italian seasoning and garlic, and cook for 30–60 seconds. Remove from heat and drain excess grease if needed.

4. Salt the boiling water, then add pasta and cook for 1 minute less than the package recommends. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.

5. Combine the cooked pasta, ½ cup of reserved pasta water, marinara sauce, Parmesan cheese, and sautéed meat/vegetables in the pan. Stir until well combined, adding extra pasta water if needed.

6. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Spread pizza sauce evenly over the top, followed by mozzarella and your chosen toppings.

7. Cover with greased foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.

8. Serve hot with extra Parmesan and parsley, if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

• Meatless Version: Skip the sausage or substitute with plant-based crumbles.

• Spicy Kick: Use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes.

• Cheese Lovers: Mix in ricotta or provolone for an extra cheesy bake.

• Vegetarian Add-ins: Add spinach, zucchini, or artichokes.

• Low-Carb Option: Use zucchini noodles or a low-carb pasta substitute.

• Different Noodles: Penne, rigatoni, or fusilli also work well.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place a portion on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat until warmed through.
To freeze, wrap the assembled, unbaked casserole tightly in foil and freeze for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 60 minutes covered, then 15–20 minutes uncovered.

FAQs

What type of sausage is best for this recipe?

Italian sausage (pork, chicken, or turkey) works best, but you can also use plain ground meat seasoned with Italian herbs.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the sausage or use a plant-based meat alternative. Add extra veggies for more substance.

Do I have to use rotini pasta?

No, you can substitute with other short pastas like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready. Increase the baking time slightly to ensure it heats through.

How do I keep the cheese from sticking to the foil?

Spray the inside of the foil with cooking spray before covering the dish.

What pizza toppings work best?

Pepperoni, black olives, mushrooms, and green peppers are great choices. Use your favorites.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes. Let the dish cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. Thaw in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave.

What should I serve with this dish?

A crisp green salad and garlic bread pair perfectly with this hearty casserole.

Can I make it spicier?

Add crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage for extra heat.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely. Kids love the cheesy, saucy combination—just go easy on spicy toppings for younger palates.

Conclusion

This Pizza Pasta Bake is the ultimate family dinner—comforting, customizable, and packed with classic Italian-American flavors. Whether you’re looking for a make-ahead freezer meal, a weeknight dinner idea, or a dish to satisfy a crowd, this recipe hits all the marks. Give it a try, and enjoy the best of both worlds: pizza and pasta in one delicious bite.