Description
This Easy Pizza Flavored Pasta Bake is a deliciously comforting dish that combines al dente rigatoni pasta with rich pizza sauce, melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, and savory pepperoni slices. Baked until bubbly and golden, it’s perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering, offering all the flavors of pizza in a convenient pasta casserole.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups pizza sauce
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
Cheeses and Toppings
- 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: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook pasta: Boil the rigatoni in salted water for 1–2 minutes less than the package instructions suggest to keep it slightly firm. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds, careful not to burn it.
- Prepare sauce: Stir in the pizza sauce and Italian seasoning into the skillet with garlic, letting it simmer gently for 3–5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Toss the drained rigatoni with the pizza sauce until well coated.
- Assemble first layer: Spread half of the sauced pasta evenly into the prepared baking dish, then sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top.
- Assemble second layer: Add the remaining pasta, then top with the remaining cheeses and neatly arrange the pepperoni slices on top.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Rest and garnish: Let the pasta bake rest for 5 minutes to set before serving. Garnish with optional fresh basil if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- Boil pasta slightly under al dente to prevent overcooking during baking.
- Use whole milk mozzarella for a creamier, more flavorful cheese melt.
- Feel free to substitute pepperoni with your favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms or bell peppers.
- Fresh basil adds a nice color contrast and fresh flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave.
