Pizza Pasta Bake
Recipe Overview
Overview
This Pizza Pasta Bake is a delightful twist on traditional pizza, combining the comforting elements of pasta and the classic flavors of marinara and cheese. The process begins with sautéing sweet green peppers and red onions, which adds a lovely depth of flavor to the dish. The addition of garlic and Italian spices elevates the taste, making it a savory delight.
The recipe calls for cooking the pasta until al dente, which is essential to prevent it from becoming mushy during baking. Mixing in turkey pepperoni and marinara sauce creates a rich, flavorful base that perfectly coats the pasta. The final touch is a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese, which melts beautifully in the oven, creating a bubbly, golden crust.
This dish is not only easy to prepare but also perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. It’s a one-pan meal that brings everyone together, making it a great option for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s a fun way to enjoy the flavors of pizza in a new form. I can’t wait to make this again and perhaps experiment with different toppings or cheeses for a unique twist each time.
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Add finely diced sweet green peppers and quarter-moon sliced red onions to the pan.
Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes until tender.
Place a generous amount of salt into water and bring to a boil.
Tip: Add a generous amount of salt to your water for boiling pasta.
Add pasta to boiling water and cook until al dente.
Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of tomato paste to the sautéed vegetables and mix.
Add chicken stock or broth and stir.
Allow the mixture to come to a boil, then simmer for about 2 minutes.
Add garlic to the bubbling chicken stock and cook for about a minute.
Pour marinara sauce into the pan and mix.
Add 3 to 4 tablespoons of water to the marinara jar, shake it up, and pour it into the sauce.
Add Italian seasoning, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and onion powder to the sauce.
Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes.
Add pasta to boiling water and stir.
Tip: Cook pasta 2 to 3 minutes less than the package directions for al dente.
Slice turkey pepperoni in half and add to the sauce.
Stir the sauce to combine all ingredients.
Add grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce and stir.
Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat.
Add about half a cup of pasta water to loosen the sauce.
Tip: Salt the pasta water very well for better flavor.
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish.
Tip: Grease the casserole dish with non-stick spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Place the casserole in the oven and bake until cheese is melty and bubbly.
Optionally add fresh or dry parsley on top before serving.
Ingredients
Ingredient: Dairy
→ Substitution: Nutritional Yeast
Ingredient: Gluten
→ Substitution: Gluten-Free Pasta
Nutrition
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
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Interesting Tidbits
- •Using turkey pepperoni is a healthier alternative to traditional pepperoni.
- •Cooking pasta to al dente ensures it maintains its texture when baked.
- •Adding pasta water to the sauce helps to achieve the perfect consistency.
- •Preheating the oven is crucial for achieving a bubbly, golden cheese topping.
