Pizza Pasta
A hearty and cheesy pizza-inspired pasta bake featuring tender pasta topped with savory meats, vegetables, and gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers, this dish combines the flavors of pizza in a comforting baked pasta form that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (shells, rotini or elbows) ⓘ
- 1 can pizza sauce ⓘ
- Canadian bacon ⓘ
- 1/2 pound cooked ground pork ⓘ
- pepperoni ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- small green pepper, diced ⓘ
- 1 small can sliced mushrooms, drained ⓘ
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 3 cups Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions and drain.
- Pour the cooked pasta into a 9 x 13-inch baking pan and spread evenly.
- Carefully spoon pizza sauce over the pasta, like spreading a pizza.
- Top with Canadian bacon, cooked ground pork, pepperoni, chopped onion, diced green pepper, sliced mushrooms, and black olives.
- Cover with shredded mozzarella cheese and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 to 25 minutes.
- Optional: Broil the last 2 minutes to brown the top.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes on top before baking. You can substitute Italian sausage for the ground pork for added flavor. Using whole wheat pasta is a healthier option that still provides great texture. If you prefer a vegetarian version, swap out the meats for extra veggies like spinach or zucchini.
Serving Suggestions
This Pizza Pasta is perfect for a family dinner or casual get-together. Serve it alongside a fresh garden salad or a side of garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Cauliflower-Broccoli Salad for a balanced plate. For a fun twist, offer a variety of toppings for guests to customize their servings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a baking dish and cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pizza Pasta contains roughly 520 calories, with 18g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin C. 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 a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses like provolone or cheddar for unique flavors. A blend of cheeses can also enhance the dish's richness. Just ensure that the cheese melts well to maintain a creamy texture.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make Pizza Pasta gluten-free, simply substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or other gluten-free grains. Ensure that all sauces and additional ingredients, like the pizza sauce and Canadian bacon, are also gluten-free.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Pizza Pasta in advance. Assemble the dish up to the baking step and cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove the cover and add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
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).