Peg'S Pizza Pie Casserole
A flavorful casserole combining pasta, meats, fresh vegetables, and cheeses, perfect for satisfying family dinners with rich, savory, and Mediterranean-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 pkg. noodles ⓘ
- 1 pkg. fresh mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 can sliced black olives ⓘ
- 1 onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 cup Feta cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 cup Cheddar cheese, grated ⓘ
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 2 to 3 chicken breasts, cubed ⓘ
- 2 to 3 links Italian sausage, cubed ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chopped sundried tomatoes
- 2 fresh tomatoes, cubed ⓘ
- 1 dried red pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 jar roasted sweet red peppers ⓘ
- fresh herbs (basil, rosemary, oregano) ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the chicken breasts and Italian sausage in a skillet with chopped garlic until browned.
- Remove the cooked meat with a slotted spoon and add it to the cooked, drained noodles in a casserole dish.
- Sauté chopped onion, fresh mushrooms, and chopped sundried tomatoes in the skillet until tender.
- Add sliced black olives, cubed fresh tomatoes, chopped dried red pepper, chopped roasted red peppers, and fresh herbs to the skillet; cook briefly.
- Combine the vegetable mixture with the noodles and meat in the casserole dish.
- Sprinkle feta cheese, grated cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese to the mixture before baking. You can substitute the chicken with turkey or omit it altogether for a vegetarian version. If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried herbs will work in a pinch. For added flavor, try incorporating some Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a Mediterranean twist, serve it alongside a bowl of hummus or tzatziki. You can also enjoy it with a glass of red wine to enhance the flavors. It's perfect for gatherings as a hearty dish that everyone will love.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, cover the casserole with foil to retain moisture and heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peg'S Pizza Pie Casserole contains roughly 378 calories, with 23g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (55% of the Daily Value) and protein (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 818mg per serving (36% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of cheese in this casserole?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match your favorite cheeses. Mozzarella or Gouda can be great substitutes for the Cheddar, while goat cheese can replace Feta for a tangy flavor. Just remember to adjust the amounts based on your taste preferences.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this casserole gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta. Ensure that your sausages and any other processed ingredients are also labeled gluten-free. You can find various gluten-free pasta options at most grocery stores that will work well in this recipe.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Just assemble it in the baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the cover and add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold from the fridge.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).