How to Make the Perfect Pizza Pasta Casserole
American Italian · Easy · 50 min · 6 servings
All the beloved flavors of pepperoni pizza come together with rigatoni in a bubbly cheesy casserole that kids go absolutely wild over. It is the best of both worlds served in one comforting baking dish.
Why this recipe works
This Pizza Pasta Casserole recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 50 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 530 calories with 26g 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:
- 400 g rigatoni pasta
- 500 ml marinara sauce
- 200 g shredded mozzarella cheese
- 80 g sliced pepperoni
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 50 g parmesan cheese grated
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cook the Rigatoni
Cook rigatoni in a large pot of salted boiling water for 2 minutes less than the package directions since it will continue cooking in the oven. Drain well and set aside.
Step 2: Mix the Casserole
Combine the drained rigatoni with marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, half the mozzarella, and half the pepperoni in a large bowl. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
Step 3: Layer and Top
Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9x13 baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella, parmesan, and arrange the remaining pepperoni slices over the cheese.
Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly
Cover with foil and bake at 190 degrees C for 20 minutes, then remove foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbling at the edges.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- pepperoni → turkey pepperoni or diced cooked sausage
- rigatoni → penne or ziti
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Using fully cooked pasta before baking which results in mushy overcooked noodles
- Skipping the foil for the first half of baking which dries out the top layer of cheese
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 530 calories, 26g protein, 54g carbs, 22g fat, 4g fiber.
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