Pepperoni Pizza Pasta Bake Recipe

This pepperoni pizza pasta bake is an absolute crowd-pleaser. Recipe developer Milena Manolova describes it as "the ultimate fusion of two all-time favorites: pizza and pasta." Is it as delicious as it sounds? "Imagine the comforting flavors of a classic pepperoni pizza, but in a bubbling, cheesy pasta casserole," she goes on. "Trust me, it's a match made in culinary heaven!"

To make this dish, you'll need your favorite pasta shape plus classic pizza ingredients, including basic tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, mushrooms, onion, oregano, and, of course, pepperoni slices. It's so easy to put together, and the result is a mouthwatering dish that will leave everyone at the table begging for seconds: The pasta soaks up the rich tomato sauce, the mozzarella cheese gets all gooey and melty, the mushrooms add earthiness, and the pepperoni completes the dish with its irresistible meaty, salty kick. Best of all, this family-friendly, customizable recipe is perfect for both special gatherings and busy weeknight meals when you want something comforting and filling without spending hours in the kitchen.

You'll need just a few simple ingredients for this recipe: mushrooms, fusilli pasta, pasta sauce, pepperoni, onion, garlic, oregano, shredded mozzarella, black pepper, salt, and a bit of oil for cooking the mushrooms and onion.

Boil pasta in salted water until al dente according to package instructions.

Preheat oven to 400 F.

Add vegetable oil to a large skillet and place over medium heat.

Add the onion and cook until translucent and starting to brown, about 5-6 minutes.

Season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 20 more seconds.

Add dry oregano and minced garlic, cooking for 1 more minute.

Stir in the mushrooms, reserving a few slices for later to be used as a topping. Cook for 5 minutes, until soft.

Add the cooked pasta and mushroom mixture to a large bowl or pot along with the pasta sauce, 1 cup mozzarella, and all but a few slices of pepperoni (the rest will be used for garnish).

Stir well to combine.

Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish and sprinkle over the remaining 2 cups cheese.

Garnish with the reserved pepperoni and mushrooms.

Transfer the dish to the oven and cook on the middle rack for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.

Serve right away.

You can absolutely make this pepperoni pizza pasta bake in advance, Manolova assures. Simply prepare the recipe as normal, stopping once you've added the reserved pepperoni and mushrooms on top of the pasta. From there, instead of baking it, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can then refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, preheat your oven to 400 F and bake for about 25 minutes until bubbly and heated through.

If you'd like to bake this dish one night to serve up throughout the week, that's another make-ahead option. To store the pasta after baking, first let it cool to room temperature to prevent condensation from forming inside the storage container. Once it has cooled, cover the baking dish, making sure it's tightly sealed to prevent the pasta from drying out or absorbing odors from the fridge. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place the oven-safe baking dish in the oven at 350 F, covering it with foil to prevent it from drying out. You can also add a small splash of water or a bit of extra pizza sauce to help keep it moist. Heat for about 25 minutes. For a faster reheating option, Manolova recommends microwaving individual servings in 1-minute intervals until hot.

A fresh, crisp salad is a great choice to balance the richness of this pepperoni pizza pasta bake. Keep it simple with a side salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and vinaigrette, or go with a classic Caesar salad. Roasted or steamed vegetables — such as broccoli, asparagus, or green beans — are a healthy and colorful addition to the meal and can be seasoned with olive oil, garlic, and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for extra flavor.

Other side options include bread or breadsticks with garlic butter and Parmesan. Or, to start the meal and complement the Italian theme, create a charcuterie or antipasto platter with a selection of cured meats, cheeses, olives, roasted red peppers, and pickled vegetables. Lastly, a light soup, such as a tomato basil soup or a minestrone soup, can be served as a starter or alongside the pasta bake to add warmth and depth to the meal.