Pepperoni Casserole

Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with this irresistible Pepperoni Casserole, a hearty and crowd-pleasing recipe that combines the comforting flavors of pasta bake with the zesty kick of pepperoni. Featuring tender penne pasta coated in a rich marinara sauce infused with garlic, Italian seasoning, and just a hint of red pepper flakes, this casserole is layered with gooey mozzarella, savory Parmesan, and smoky pepperoni slices for the ultimate cheesy indulgence. Baked to golden-bubbly perfection and garnished with fresh parsley, this dish is as visually appealing as it is delicious. Perfect for cozy family dinners or potlucks, this quick and easy recipe can be on your table in under an hour, making it a go-to option for busy evenings or meal prepping.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium, diced yellow onion
• 3 cloves, minced garlic
• 24 ounces marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 0.25 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
• 6 ounces pepperoni slices
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons, chopped fresh parsley
• 0.5 teaspoon (or to taste) salt
• 0.25 teaspoon (or to taste) black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 5

Pour in the marinara sauce and stir in the Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 6

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.

Step 7

Transfer half of the sauced pasta to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta.

Step 8

Arrange half of the pepperoni slices evenly on top of the cheese layer.

Step 9

Layer the remaining pasta over the pepperoni slices, followed by the remaining mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and the rest of the pepperoni slices.

Step 10

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, ensuring it doesn’t touch the cheese, and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

Step 11

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.

Step 12

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley for added freshness and color.

Step 13

Serve warm and enjoy your delicious pepperoni casserole!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1615.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3473.0

Total Fat 178.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 69.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 382.9mg	0%
Sodium 7243.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 299.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 20.6g	0%
Total Sugars 18.5g
Protein 159.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 2238.5mg	0%
Iron 18.0mg	0%
Potassium 1497.2mg	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: 46.7%

Protein: 18.5%

Carbs: 34.8%