How to Make the Perfect Pepperoni Pizza Pasta
Italian-American · Easy · 25 min · 4 servings
This genius pasta dish combines all the best flavors of pepperoni pizza with penne pasta for a dinner that gets kids genuinely excited to sit down and eat. It comes together in one pot in about 25 minutes and the smell alone will have everyone rushing to the dinner table.
Why this recipe works
This Pepperoni Pizza Pasta recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 25 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 480 calories with 21g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup mini pepperoni
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of well salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until just al dente. Reserve half a cup of pasta water before draining in case you need it to loosen the sauce later.
Step 2: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Return the drained pasta to the pot over low heat and pour in the marinara sauce along with the Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Stir everything together and add a splash of the reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick.
Step 3: Add Pepperoni
Stir in most of the mini pepperoni saving a small handful for the top and let everything heat together for 2 to 3 minutes so the pepperoni flavors release into the sauce. The pasta should be well coated and glossy.
Step 4: Melt the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and remaining pepperoni over the top of the pasta then cover the pot with a lid for 2 minutes to let the steam melt the cheese into gooey perfection. Serve directly from the pot while still bubbly.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- mini pepperoni → diced ham or cooked Italian sausage crumbles
- penne pasta → rigatoni or ziti
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Overcooking the pasta before combining with sauce which results in a mushy final dish
- Skipping the reserved pasta water which makes it difficult to loosen the sauce without adding extra marinara
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 480 calories, 21g protein, 56g carbs, 19g fat, 4g fiber.
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