Description
Dump & Bake Pizza Pasta is exactly what the name suggests—a no-fuss recipe where you “dump” the ingredients into a baking dish and “bake” them to perfection. It’s a quick, one-pan meal that’s packed with all the flavors of a pizza but with the comforting texture of pasta.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients:
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2 cups (200g) uncooked pasta (elbow, rotini, or fusilli)
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3 cups marinara sauce (24 oz jar)
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2 cups water (or broth for extra flavor)
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1½ cups shredded mozzarella
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1 cup mini pepperoni slices (or diced turkey pepperoni)
Optional Add-Ins:
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½ cup diced bell peppers
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¼ cup sliced black olives
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare a 9×13″ baking dish. The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity; you don’t need to cook the pasta beforehand.
In the prepared baking dish, combine the uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, water (or broth), and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir everything together until it is evenly mixed. The pasta will cook directly in the sauce during baking, so there’s no need to pre-cook it.
Once the ingredients are well combined, cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25 minutes at 425°F (220°C). This step allows the pasta to cook in the sauce, absorbing all the delicious flavors.
After the initial 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil and give the pasta a gentle stir. Top the dish with the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella cheese and the pepperoni slices. You can add half the pepperoni at this stage and save the other half for the final 5 minutes of baking to get a crispier texture on the pepperoni. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Once the dish is done, let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly, making the dish easier to serve. For a finishing touch, garnish with fresh basil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Notes
Feel free to customize your Dump & Bake Pizza Pasta with your favorite toppings like pepperoni, veggies, or extra cheese. It’s an easy, family-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy nights!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Dump & Bake Pizza Pasta