|

Cheesy Pizza Pasta Recipe

BySoha

Cheesy Pizza Pasta brings together two comfort classics in one bold, satisfying dish. Pasta absorbs rich tomato sauce while melted cheese delivers the stretch and depth people expect from great pizza. Built with balance and restraint, the result feels indulgent without being heavy. Every element works together for flavor, texture, and visual appeal.

Ingredients List

  • 300 g short pasta (penne or rotini work best)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups pizza sauce or thick marinara
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp dried basil
  • 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional)
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni or cooked sausage
  • 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

pizza pasta recipe
Cook the Pasta

Boil pasta in generously salted water until al dente. Drain well and set aside. Pasta should retain structure for baking.

Build the Sauce Base

Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft and translucent. Stir in garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.

Season the Sauce

Add pizza sauce, oregano, basil, chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to concentrate flavor.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until evenly coated. Remove from heat once fully mixed.

Add Toppings and Cheese

Fold in pepperoni and olives. Transfer mixture to a baking dish and sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar evenly on top.

Bake Until Cheesy

Bake at 190°C for 15 to 18 minutes until cheese melts and turns lightly golden. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.

Cook Time

25 minutes

Servings

6 servings

Nutritional Information (approx. per serving)

  • Calories: 410 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Fiber: 3 g

Storage Instructions

Allow pasta to cool completely before storing. Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to preserve texture.

Suggestions

Serve with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for balance. Additional toppings like mushrooms, bell peppers, or cooked chicken integrate well without overwhelming the base. Mozzarella can be swapped with a pizza cheese blend for deeper flavor.

Seasonal Relevance

Works well year-round, especially during cooler months when baked comfort dishes feel most satisfying. Family gatherings and casual dinners benefit from its familiar flavors and easy preparation.

Conclusion

Cheesy Pizza Pasta succeeds by respecting both inspirations rather than competing with them. Structured pasta, controlled seasoning, and well-melted cheese create a dish that feels intentional and complete. Comfort-focused cooking reaches its best form when simplicity meets technique.

Cheesy Pizza Pasta Recipe
Pin
Print

Cheesy Pizza Pasta Recipe

Recipe by Soha
Servings

6

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

25

minutes
Calories

3000

kcal
Total time

40

minutes

Cheesy pizza pasta blends the bold flavors of classic pizza with hearty pasta in a rich, oven-baked dish. Melted cheese, savory sauce, and familiar toppings come together for a comforting meal that feels indulgent, satisfying, and crowd-friendly.

Ingredients

  • 350 g short pasta (penne or rotini)

  • 2 cups pizza sauce or marinara sauce

  • 1 cup cooked chicken or beef sausage, sliced

  • 1/2 cup pepperoni slices

  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

  • 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

  • 1/4 cup black olives, sliced

  • 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced

  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano

  • 1/2 tsp dried basil

  • Salt to taste

  • Black pepper to taste

  • Olive oil for greasing

Directions

  • Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  • Preheat oven to 190°C. Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
  • Combine cooked pasta, pizza sauce, meat, olives, bell peppers, oregano, and basil in a large bowl. Mix evenly.
  • Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
  • Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheese generously over the top.
  • Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until cheese is fully melted and lightly golden.
  • Rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the layers to settle.

Recipe Video

Notes

  • Mozzarella provides stretch while cheddar adds depth and sharpness.
  • Additional toppings like mushrooms or jalapeños integrate well without overpowering the dish.
  • Leftovers reheat best in the oven to maintain texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can the dish be prepared ahead of time?
Assembly can be done several hours in advance. Refrigerate covered and bake just before serving for best results.

Does the recipe work without meat?
Meat can be omitted easily. Extra vegetables or olives maintain texture and flavor balance.

Which cheese blend melts best for this recipe?
Mozzarella delivers stretch while cheddar adds sharpness. A blend ensures both melt quality and depth of flavor.

Similar Posts