Easy Pizza Pasta Casserole – A Cheesy, Pepperoni-Packed Dinner the Whole Family Will Love

Imagine combining the best of pizza and pasta into one easy, cheesy casserole that’s loaded with pepperoni and melted mozzarella goodness. This Easy Pizza Pasta Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings. With tender rotini pasta, savory spaghetti sauce, a generous helping of pepperoni, and layers upon layers of gooey mozzarella cheese, this dish delivers all the flavors of a pizza in a comforting casserole form. Topped with crispy pepperoni slices and a sprinkle of oregano, it’s a dinner that’s as easy to make as it is to devour.

Scroll to the bottom for the recipe!

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The Inspiration Behind Easy Pizza Pasta Casserole

Pizza and pasta are two of the most beloved dishes, so why not combine them into one mouthwatering meal? This casserole takes all the classic flavors of a pepperoni pizza—spicy pepperoni, melty cheese, and rich tomato sauce—and mixes them with tender rotini pasta for a dish that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table. Whether you’re looking for a way to use up leftover pepperoni or just need a kid-friendly dinner idea, this recipe is perfect. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead and bakes to bubbly perfection in just under 40 minutes.

Why Easy Pizza Pasta Casserole Will Be Your New Go-To Weeknight Meal

This casserole is a game-changer for busy weeknights when you want something quick, hearty, and delicious. It’s as simple as boiling pasta, mixing it with sauce and cheese, and layering it with pepperoni. The best part? The whole dish bakes together in the oven, meaning minimal cleanup afterward! Plus, it’s customizable—swap out the pepperoni for sausage or veggies to suit your taste, or add extra cheese for an even cheesier bite. You can’t go wrong with a meal that combines pizza and pasta into one easy, cheesy, and crowd-pleasing dinner.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 8 Servings):

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Fat: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Protein: 20g
• Sodium: 1100mg
• Fiber: 3g

This casserole is hearty and filling on its own but can be served with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a well-rounded meal.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Easy Pizza Pasta Casserole is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with classic Italian-inspired sides. Serve it with a side of garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks to soak up any extra sauce, and balance out the richness with a crisp Caesar salad or a simple green salad with balsamic dressing. If you’re feeling indulgent, add a side of mozzarella sticks or stuffed mushrooms for a complete Italian-American feast. For dessert, something light like sorbet or a fresh fruit salad would be a perfect way to end the meal.

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Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftovers (if there are any!) can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place a portion in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

This dish also freezes well—wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat in the oven until bubbly and hot.

Fun Fact: The History of Pizza Casserole

Pizza-inspired casseroles have been popular for decades, as they offer a convenient way to enjoy the flavors of pizza in a more filling, pasta-based form. Originally, these casseroles became a staple of potluck dinners and family gatherings, where feeding a crowd with minimal effort was key. By mixing the ingredients of pizza into a hearty pasta dish, cooks were able to create a meal that’s not only delicious but also portable and easy to share. Today, pizza pasta casseroles remain a favorite for their versatility and ability to please even the pickiest eaters!

Cooking Tips

• Customize the Toppings: Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Add sliced olives, mushrooms, bell peppers, or even cooked sausage to give your casserole more of a supreme pizza flavor.
• Extra Cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, don’t hesitate to add more mozzarella or sprinkle some parmesan on top for an even cheesier casserole.
• Keep the Pepperoni Crispy: If you like your pepperoni extra crispy, consider adding half of it during the last few minutes of baking instead of all at once.

Optional Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Swap the pepperoni for a mix of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions, and use a marinara sauce instead of meat-based sauce.
• Sausage & Pepperoni Combo: For a meat-lovers version, add crumbled cooked Italian sausage along with the pepperoni for extra flavor and protein.
• Spicy Pepperoni Bake: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use spicy pepperoni to give your casserole a little heat.

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Easy Pizza Pasta Casserole Recipe

Ingredients:

• 16 ounces rotini pasta
• 24-ounce jar spaghetti sauce
• 4 cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 7 ounces pepperoni, rough chopped (plus more for garnish)
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• Grated parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta well once cooked.
3. Mix the pasta with sauce and cheese: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, spaghetti sauce, 2 cups of the shredded mozzarella, and the chopped pepperoni. Stir everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with sauce and cheese.
4. Assemble the casserole: Pour the pasta mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top the pasta with the remaining 2 cups of mozzarella cheese, followed by a layer of whole pepperoni slices arranged neatly on top.
5. Add seasonings: Sprinkle the top with dried oregano for that classic pizza flavor.
6. Bake the casserole: Cover the casserole dish with non-stick foil or lightly greased aluminum foil (with the greased side facing down). Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
7. Remove the foil and finish baking: After 15 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the casserole is warmed through. The pepperoni should be slightly crispy on top.
8. Serve and enjoy: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve with grated parmesan cheese and enjoy the cheesy, pepperoni-packed goodness!

Final Thoughts

This Easy Pizza Pasta Casserole is the perfect combination of two beloved comfort foods—pizza and pasta—baked together in one incredibly delicious dish. With its layers of gooey cheese, savory sauce, and crispy pepperoni, it’s a dinner that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re making it for a casual family meal, a potluck, or a game day gathering, this casserole is bound to become a favorite. Give it a try, and watch it disappear in minutes!