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+ servings
Delicious Pizza Pasta Casserole topped with cheese and fresh herbs
Serine Milo

Pizza Pasta Casserole

A comforting blend of pasta, marinara sauce, sausage, and gooey cheese, perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

Pasta Base
  • 8 ounces penne pasta (or any pasta shape you love) You can use gluten-free pasta if preferred.
Protein
  • 1 pound Italian sausage Substitute with ground turkey or plant-based sausage.
Sauce and Cheese
  • 1 jar marinara sauce About 24 ounces; feel free to try different flavors!
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Dairy-free alternatives will work.
Toppings and Seasonings
  • 1 cup sliced pepperoni Can be replaced with veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Fresh herbs can be used for better flavor.
  • to taste Salt and pepper
Optional Garnishes
  • Fresh basil or parsley For extra flavor and presentation.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes, seasoning the water with salt.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the sausage, breaking it apart until it's no longer pink.
Mixing
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, browned sausage, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well coated.
Layering
  1. Pour half of the pasta mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish, then layer with half of the mozzarella cheese and half of the pepperoni.
  2. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, followed by the rest of the cheese and pepperoni.
Baking
  1. Bake the casserole in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, until the top is bubbly and golden.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 20gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5g

Notes

This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad or crusty garlic bread. Add crushed red pepper or hot sauce for a kick.

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