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A plate of pizza pasta casserole.

Pizza Pasta Casserole

If you are looking for a creative way to feed your pizza cravings, you'll love this amazing Pizza Pasta Casserole! With some simple ingredients, you can have a fantastic meal that the whole family will love, especially the kiddos!
5 from 1 vote
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Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 45 minutes
Total: 50 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 424kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 (16-ounce) box rotini pasta
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 pound mild Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 6 ounes pepperoni, cut into quarters
  • 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes (we like the kind with basil added, if available)
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  • Heat the olive oil in a medium to large saucepan or stockpot. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
  • Add the ground Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking the pieces up into bite sized chunks (like you would make for ground beef tacos).
  • Stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and all of the spices. Simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • While the marinara is simmering, preheat the oven to 350°F.
  • Then, cook the rotini pasta according to package directions and drain.
  • Mix the cooked pasta with the marinara sauce along with about 4 ounces of the pepperoni, stirring to combine.
  • Place the pasta mixture into a lightly greased 9x13 baking dish.
  • Top with the mozzarella cheese and remaining pepperoni.
  • Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and has started to brown.
  • Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • Storage: Leftover pizza pasta casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, place the desired amount of casserole onto a baking sheet and bake in a 350-degree Fahrenheit oven until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.
  • Freezer Meal: To freeze the unbaked casserole, follow all of the instructions through assembling the casserole. Then, cover tightly with aluminum foil and place in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, remove the frozen casserole from the freezer and let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat the oven and bake according to directions
  • Freezing a baked casserole: To freeze the baked casserole, allow it to cool completely after baking, then cover it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, remove from the freezer and let thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or place the entire dish in a 350-degree Fahrenheit oven until warmed through.
  • Extra topping ideas: Crispy bacon, ground chicken, fresh mushrooms, Canadian bacon, spinach, chopped onion, sliced black olives, jalapeños, diced tomatoes, or green bell peppers.

Nutrition

Calories: 424kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 37g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 17g | Cholesterol: 87mg | Sodium: 1180mg | Potassium: 251mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 304IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 224mg | Iron: 2mg
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