Easy Pizza Flavored Pasta Bake

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

This Easy Pizza Flavored Pasta Bake brings together two of your favorite comfort foods into one irresistible dish. It’s hearty, cheesy, and packed with the zesty flavors of pepperoni and pizza sauce—baked to bubbly perfection. Imagine tender pasta swirled in rich tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, and crispy-edged pepperoni slices, all with that classic pizzeria aroma wafting from your oven.

Whether you’re feeding a family on a weeknight or preparing a casual dinner for friends, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It has all the gooey, satisfying comfort of pizza, but with the bonus of a baked pasta casserole that can be prepped ahead and even frozen for later.

---

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use for a Pizza Bake?

Short, ridged pastas like rigatoni, rotini, or penne are ideal for pizza pasta bakes. Their grooves catch and hold onto the savory pizza sauce and melted cheese, giving you bold flavor in every bite. Avoid delicate noodles or overly long shapes like spaghetti or linguine—they don’t hold the toppings as well and can make the casserole feel flat.

---

Ingredients for the Easy Pizza Flavored Pasta Bake

Rigatoni Pasta
This short, ridged pasta holds onto the sauce and cheese beautifully, giving every bite a satisfying texture.

Pizza Sauce
The star of the show. Use a rich, tomato-based pizza sauce with bold Italian seasoning for that classic pizzeria flavor.

Mozzarella Cheese
Shredded mozzarella melts into gooey layers that tie the whole bake together. Use whole milk mozzarella for maximum melt and flavor.

Pepperoni Slices
These crispy, curled discs add salty, smoky richness and a nostalgic pizza flair.

Parmesan Cheese
A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan over the top brings a sharp, nutty contrast that enhances every cheesy forkful.

Olive Oil and Garlic
Used for sautéing and flavoring the base, giving the pasta bake a savory depth beyond the sauce.

Italian Seasoning and Fresh Basil
Dried seasoning boosts the flavor profile, while fresh basil (optional) adds brightness and aroma when sprinkled before serving.

---

How To Make the Easy Pizza Flavored Pasta Bake

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions, but shave off 1-2 minutes to keep it al dente. It will finish cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Flavor the Base

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the pizza sauce and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes to deepen the flavor.

Step 3: Combine and Layer

Toss the drained pasta with the pizza sauce mixture until well coated. Transfer half to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan. Add the remaining pasta and repeat the cheese layer. Top generously with pepperoni slices.

Step 4: Bake It Up

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the pasta uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped fresh basil if using, then serve warm and melty.

---

How to Serve and Store Your Pizza Pasta Bake

Serve this pasta bake hot, straight from the oven, with a crisp green salad and garlic bread on the side. It also pairs wonderfully with a glass of red wine or a sparkling Italian soda for a family-friendly meal.

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions or place the whole dish in a 350°F oven until warmed through. You can also freeze this dish for up to 2 months—wrap tightly with foil and label with the date.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Penne, ziti, or rotini all work well. Just choose something short and sturdy that can hold onto the sauce and toppings.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely. Skip the pepperoni or replace it with veggie pepperoni or chopped mushrooms for a meaty texture without the meat.

What’s the best way to freeze this dish?

Let the baked pasta cool completely, then wrap the baking dish in plastic wrap and foil. Label and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the bake (minus the final cheese and pepperoni topping) and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. When ready, add toppings and bake.

Is it okay to use jarred marinara instead of pizza sauce?

You can! Just add a pinch of extra oregano, garlic powder, and a bit of sugar to mimic the taste of pizza sauce.

How do I keep the cheese from becoming rubbery when reheated?

Reheat gently in the oven or microwave with a damp paper towel over the plate to keep moisture in and prevent the cheese from drying out.

---

Want More Dinner Ideas with a Twist?

If you love this Easy Pizza Flavored Pasta Bake, you’ll probably enjoy these other cozy meals:

• Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta for a spicy and smoky kick with every bite.
• One-Pot Lasagna Soup when you’re craving lasagna flavors without all the layering.
• Chicken Alfredo Baked Ziti that delivers creamy comfort in every cheesy forkful.
• Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole for a veggie-packed weeknight alternative.
• Sausage and Spinach Tortellini Bake loaded with cheesy pasta and savory sausage.

---

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you swap in sausage or add olives on top? Try a different cheese blend?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

---

Print