Pepperoni Pasta Casserole

Indulge in the comforting goodness of a hearty Pepperoni Pasta Casserole—an irresistible blend of tender penne pasta, rich marinara sauce, savory pepperoni, and gooey layers of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This easy-to-make, family-friendly dish is baked to bubbly perfection, offering the ultimate combination of Italian-inspired flavors. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this casserole is layered with a hint of garlic, aromatic Italian seasoning, and a touch of spice from optional red pepper flakes. Garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color, this satisfying recipe makes for an effortless crowd-pleaser. Ready in just under an hour, it’s a delicious way to bring everyone to the table!

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 ounces dry penne pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 24 ounces marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 6 ounces sliced pepperoni
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cups shredded Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

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

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 3-4 minutes to combine the flavors, then remove from heat.

Step 5

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and marinara mixture. Stir well to coat the pasta evenly.

Step 6

Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and half of the pepperoni slices over the pasta.

Step 7

Layer the remaining pasta mixture on top, followed by the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, the Parmesan cheese, and the remaining pepperoni slices.

Step 8

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 9

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

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1598.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3357.3

Total Fat 169.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 71.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 382.9mg	0%
Sodium 6126.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 304.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.2g	0%
Total Sugars 27.6g
Protein 153.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 2306.0mg	0%
Iron 10.0mg	0%
Potassium 1641.3mg	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: 45.5%

Protein: 18.2%

Carbs: 36.3%