Peppy Pizza Pasta
A hearty and cheesy pizza pasta bake combining Italian sausage, pepperoni, and vegetables, perfect for family dinners and comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the sausage and chopped onion in a skillet; drain excess fat.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked elbow macaroni, cooked sausage and onion, pizza sauce, tomato sauce, sliced mushrooms, and sliced olives.
- Pour the mixture into a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the sliced cheese evenly over the top.
- Cover the dish and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage. You can also substitute the elbow macaroni with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier twist. Adding fresh bell peppers or spinach can enhance the flavor and nutrition. If you prefer, use homemade pizza sauce for a fresher taste in this Peppy Pizza Pasta.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Peppy Pizza Pasta with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Italian Stuffed Bread, making for a delightful dinner spread. For a more casual meal, consider serving it alongside a selection of dipping sauces for the pepperoni.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave in individual portions for quicker reheating. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of water or sauce before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peppy Pizza Pasta contains roughly 336 calories, with 23g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (46% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (44% of the Daily Value), and potassium (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1074mg per serving (47% 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 make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pasta mixture and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap. When ready to cook, remove it from the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's cold.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While Sargento fancy supreme pizza cheese is great for flavor and melting, feel free to experiment with mozzarella, provolone, or a blend of your favorites. Just ensure the cheese melts well for the best texture in your Peppy Pizza Pasta.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Certainly! To make a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and pepperoni entirely. You can replace them with additional vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or even a meat substitute like Beyond Meat. This way, you retain the hearty feel of the dish while keeping it meat-free.
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).