Description
This cozy, cheesy Easy Pizza Flavored Pasta Bake is the perfect union of pasta night and pizza cravings. It features al dente rigatoni coated in bold pizza sauce, layered with mozzarella and pepperoni, and baked until bubbly and golden. A family-friendly dinner with serious flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
12 oz rigatoni pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups pizza sauce
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (whole milk preferred)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
25–30 slices of pepperoni
Optional: chopped fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Boil pasta in salted water for 1–2 minutes less than package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Stir in pizza sauce and Italian seasoning; simmer for 3–5 minutes.
- Toss cooked pasta with the sauce until fully coated.
- Spread half the pasta in the baking dish. Sprinkle with half the mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Layer the remaining pasta, then top with remaining cheese and pepperoni slices.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve warm.