Pizza Pasta

Pizza Pasta is a delicious and fun dish that combines the great flavors of pizza and pasta in one easy meal. It’s cheesy, savory, and packed with your favorite pizza toppings. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is great because it’s quick to prepare and so satisfying. If you love pizza but want something different, Pizza Pasta brings that classic flavor you love right into a pasta dish. Moreover, it’s versatile – you can customize it with your favorite toppings!

How to Make Pizza Pasta

Ingredients

1 pound pasta (any small shape will work)
1 pound Italian sausage
1 green pepper
½ sweet onion
4 ounces pepperoni slices
2 ounces sliced black olives
2 ounces cream cheese
24 ounces pasta sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

Directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta for one minute less than the package directions state.
While the pasta is boiling, add the sausage to a large skillet over medium heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes to break up the sausage.
Dice the green pepper and onion and add them to the sausage. Continue cooking until the meat is cooked through. Drain the grease from the sausage.
Cut most of the pepperoni slices into quarters, reserving a few for adding to the top of the pasta.
Add the pepperoni, olives, cream cheese, and pasta sauce to the pan with the sausage. Heat over low until warmed through and cheese is melted.
When the pasta is done, drain and return it to the pan. Stir the sausage mixture into the pasta and mix well.
Add half of the pasta mixture to a 9×13 baking dish. Top with half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat with the remaining pasta and mozzarella.
Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and place a few pepperoni slices on top.
Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the pasta is heated through.
Serve hot.

How to Serve Pizza Pasta

Pizza Pasta is best served hot straight out of the oven. You can add extra toppings like fresh basil or red pepper flakes for a little kick. It pairs well with a simple side salad or some garlic bread.

How to Store Pizza Pasta

To store your leftover Pizza Pasta, let it cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

Tips to Make Pizza Pasta

Use any type of small pasta you like, such as penne or rotini.
Don’t skip the cream cheese; it makes the dish rich and creamy.
Feel free to add your favorite veggies like mushrooms or spinach for added flavor.
Adjust the spices according to your taste – more spice for a kick!

Variation

You can change up the protein by using ground turkey or chicken sausage. For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and add more vegetables like zucchini, olives, or bell peppers.