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Pepperoni Pasta Bake

A delightful casserole that combines the comforting flavors of pizza with baked pasta, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Casserole, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 ounces penne or rigatoni Use gluten-free pasta if needed
  • Salt for the pasta water
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 24 ounces jar marinara or tomato sauce Choose a quality brand or homemade
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Cheese & Topping
  • 1 cup whole-milk ricotta
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella, divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano Use freshly grated for best flavor
  • 1 cup sliced pepperoni Adjust to taste; use extra for topping

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cooking the Pasta
  1. Cook the penne al dente according to package directions, but drain 2 minutes less than suggested so it finishes cooking in the oven.
Making the Sauce
  1. While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until soft and translucent.
  3. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the marinara, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and simmer for 3–4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Combining Ingredients
  1. In a large bowl, combine the drained pasta, sauce, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan, and 1 cup sliced pepperoni. Stir until evenly coated.
Assembling the Bake
  1. Transfer the mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup mozzarella evenly on top and arrange extra pepperoni slices over the cheese.
Baking
  1. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
  2. Broil for 1–2 minutes if you prefer a browner top.
Serving
  1. Let the bake rest for 5–7 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use a high-quality marinara for best flavor. To make gluten-free, confirm the sauce is GF. For vegetarian, substitute pepperoni with sliced mushrooms or plant-based options. You can prepare this dish in advance and refrigerate or freeze it as required.