Pizza Pasta

Indulge in the best of both worlds with this flavorful Pizza Pasta—a family-friendly dish that combines the comforting flavors of Italian pasta with all the classic toppings of your favorite pizza! This easy-to-make baked pasta recipe features tender penne coated in a rich, garlicky tomato sauce, topped with gooey melted mozzarella, savory pepperoni, black olives, and vibrant bell peppers. A light sprinkling of Parmesan cheese adds a touch of sophistication, while optional fresh basil provides a fragrant finish. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this hearty, oven-baked meal is ready in just 40 minutes and guarantees the irresistible taste of pizza in every bite. Make dinner exciting again with this delicious fusion of two Italian staples!

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 15 oz crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup sliced pepperoni
• 0.5 cup sliced black olives
• 1 medium diced green bell pepper
• 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 10 leaves fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 4

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 5

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

Step 6

Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese, sliced pepperoni, black olives, and diced green bell peppers.

Step 7

Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 9

Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.

Step 10

Serve warm and enjoy your pizza-inspired pasta!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1603.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3823.2

Total Fat 219.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 83.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 434.9mg	0%
Sodium 7080.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 310.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 22.7g	0%
Total Sugars 20.3g
Protein 156.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 2057.5mg	0%
Iron 24.0mg	0%
Potassium 3092.5mg	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: 51.4%

Protein: 16.3%

Carbs: 32.3%