Pepperoni Pizzazz
A cheesy, flavorful baked pasta dish featuring pepperoni, mushrooms, green peppers, and a blend of cheeses, perfect for satisfying family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. medium tube pasta ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz.) jar spaghetti sauce ⓘ
- 1 (4 1/2 oz.) sliced mushrooms, drained ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) pkg. sliced pepperoni ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions.
- Meanwhile, combine 2 1/3 cups of spaghetti sauce, mushrooms, pepperoni, green pepper, onion, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes in a bowl.
- Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the sauce mixture; mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 3-quart baking dish.
- Combine the tomato sauce and remaining spaghetti sauce; pour over the pasta mixture.
- Cover and bake at 350°F for 40-45 minutes or until bubbly.
- Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese and bake uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes or until cheese is melted.
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vegetarian twist, consider using veggies like zucchini or bell peppers instead of pepperoni. You can also substitute the medium tube pasta with penne or rotini for a different texture. If you prefer a spicier kick, add more crushed red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños. This dish pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Pepperoni Pizzazz hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color. It pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread or a crisp Caesar salad. For a fun touch, consider serving with Grandma'S Hello Dolly'S for dessert to round out the meal with a delightful sweet finish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, heating in 1-minute intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated thoroughly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pepperoni Pizzazz contains roughly 421 calories, with 29g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (276% of the Daily Value), protein (58% of the Daily Value), and calcium (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2598mg per serving (113% 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 other types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the mozzarella with other cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or even a blend of Italian cheeses for a unique flavor profile. Just be mindful of how the cheese melts and its overall taste to ensure it complements the dish.
Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the entire dish a day in advance. Assemble the pasta and sauce mixture, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, simply add the combined sauces on top and follow the baking instructions. This makes it a convenient option for busy weeknights or gatherings.
Can I freeze this dish for later use?
Yes, Pepperoni Pizzazz freezes well! After baking, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake until heated through, adding extra cheese if desired.
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).