Bow Tie and Pepperoni Casserole

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Bow Tie and Pepperoni Casserole — a hearty, cheesy bake that's perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. Featuring tender bow tie pasta tossed in a rich marinara sauce infused with garlic, onions, and Italian seasoning, this casserole is layered with gooey mozzarella, savory pepperoni slices, and a sprinkle of Parmesan for an irresistible finish. A hint of optional red pepper flakes adds just the right amount of heat, while fresh basil lends a burst of freshness. Ready in just 45 minutes, this easy-to-make casserole combines bold flavors and satisfying textures in every bite. Serve it bubbling-hot straight from the oven for a crowd-pleasing meal that's as comforting as it is delicious. Keywords: bow tie pasta casserole, pepperoni bake, cheesy pasta dinner, family-friendly recipe.

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 ounces bow tie pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 24 ounces marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional)
• 6 ounces pepperoni slices
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 0 to taste salt
• 0 to taste black pepper
• 0 optional fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or a small amount of olive oil and set aside.

Step 2

Cook the bow tie pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Stir in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes, if using. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 5

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to combine, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated.

Step 6

Transfer half of the pasta and sauce mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Spread it out in an even layer.

Step 7

Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta layer. Add half of the pepperoni slices evenly over the top.

Step 8

Repeat with the remaining pasta, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, and the remaining pepperoni slices for the second layer.

Step 9

Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

Step 10

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden brown.

Step 11

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired, before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1607.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3471.8

Total Fat 178.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 69.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 382.9mg	0%
Sodium 8419.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 305.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 20.6g	0%
Total Sugars 30.1g
Protein 159.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 2291.8mg	0%
Iron 17.9mg	0%
Potassium 777.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 46.3%

Protein: 18.4%

Carbs: 35.3%