🍕 Pasta Meets Pizza: Irresistible Pizza Casserole Recipe with Pasta
If you love pizza and pasta, you already know the joy of melting cheese, hearty sauce, and perfectly baked comfort food. Now imagine combining these two ultimate comfort foods into one epic casserole. That’s exactly what this pizza casserole recipe with pasta delivers—layers of pasta, savory pizza flavors, gooey cheese, and a golden-baked crust that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
I’ve spent years perfecting this recipe to balance savory pizza toppings, tender pasta, and that ooey-gooey cheese pull we all crave. Today, I’m sharing every trick, tip, and secret so you can make this right in your own kitchen.
🧾 Ingredients
This recipe is simple but full of rich, bold flavors. You can tweak the toppings based on your family’s favorites.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pasta (penne or rotini) | 12 oz (340 g) | Cooked al dente |
| Ground beef or Italian sausage | 1 lb (450 g) | Optional, for protein and flavor |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp | For sautéing |
| Onion | 1 medium, chopped | Adds sweetness |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, minced | Aromatic flavor boost |
| Pizza sauce | 2 cups | Homemade or store-bought |
| Dried oregano | 1 tsp | Classic pizza herb |
| Dried basil | 1 tsp | Enhances Italian flavors |
| Red pepper flakes | ¼ tsp | Optional, for a mild kick |
| Mozzarella cheese | 2 cups shredded | Gooey cheese goodness |
| Parmesan cheese | ½ cup grated | Adds sharpness and depth |
| Bell peppers | 1 cup, chopped | Optional topping |
| Pepperoni slices | 20–25 | Optional, classic pizza flavor |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste | Adjust to preference |
| Fresh basil | For garnish | Brightens flavors before serving |
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook 1–2 minutes less than package instructions to keep it al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Protein
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic; sauté until soft and fragrant. Add ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until browned. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil.
Step 3: Combine Sauce & Toppings
Stir in the pizza sauce, bell peppers, and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer for 3–5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Step 4: Layer the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish:
- Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom.
- Add half the cooked pasta.
- Pour half the remaining sauce over the pasta.
- Sprinkle half the mozzarella and parmesan.
- Repeat layers with remaining pasta, sauce, and cheese.
- Top with pepperoni slices if using.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil for that bright, aromatic finish.
💡 Tips & Tricks
- Choose the right pasta: Penne, rotini, or rigatoni work best because they hold sauce and toppings beautifully.
- Avoid soggy casserole: Don’t overcook the pasta; al dente is key.
- Cheese combo: Mix mozzarella with provolone or cheddar for extra depth.
- Make it vegetarian: Skip the meat and add mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant for hearty texture.
- Add crunch: Sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with parmesan on top before baking.
- Meal prep: This casserole reheats beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep.
❓ FAQ
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover it with foil, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Q: Can I freeze it?
Absolutely! Freeze before baking for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of beef?
Yes! Swap protein for shredded chicken for a lighter version.
Q: How can I make it low-carb?
Use zucchini noodles or cauliflower pasta instead of traditional pasta.
Q: Can I use store-bought pizza sauce?
Yes! For convenience, a good-quality store-bought sauce works perfectly. You can simmer it with extra garlic for enhanced flavor.
🍴 Variations You’ll Love
- Meat Lovers: Add sausage, bacon, and pepperoni for a fully loaded pizza experience.
- Veggie Supreme: Mushrooms, olives, onions, bell peppers, and spinach for a garden-fresh flavor.
- Spicy Pepperoni Pasta Casserole: Add crushed red pepper and jalapeños.
- Four-Cheese Delight: Mix mozzarella, provolone, parmesan, and cheddar for a cheese lover’s dream.
- Margherita Style: Simple tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and fresh basil for a classic Italian taste.
🌟 Final Thoughts
This pizza casserole recipe with pasta is more than just dinner—it’s comfort, indulgence, and a little bit of kitchen magic all in one. Cheesy, hearty, and packed with flavor, it’s perfect for family nights, potlucks, or any day you just need a hug on a plate.
Once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your home kitchen. The beauty of this dish is that it’s flexible: customize toppings, adjust spice, and make it your own.
So grab your skillet, pasta, and cheese—let’s make pizza and pasta collide in the most delicious way possible!
See Also: Pizza Burgers Recipes – Juicy, Cheesy, and Loaded with Flavor
Vinit Hirave is a passionate content writer for Pizzetteria Brunetti. A true pizza enthusiast, Vinit’s love for authentic flavors goes beyond the keyboard—he has hands-on experience working in a pizza shop, giving him a deep understanding of what makes a perfect slice. Through his writing, he shares stories, tips, and insights that reflect both his industry knowledge and his genuine affection for the art of pizza-making.