Description
This Pepperoni Pasta Bake is a delicious Italian-American main course that combines al dente penne pasta with rich marinara sauce, a blend of cheeses, and savory pepperoni slices. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, this baked pasta casserole is cheesy, flavorful, and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
Cheeses
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
Seasonings and Add-ins
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pasta dish.
- Cook Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the penne pasta until it is al dente. Drain the pasta well and set aside.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta with marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes if using, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and for added flavor.
- Assemble: Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Top it with the remaining mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and arrange the pepperoni slices evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes to set before serving. Enjoy your hot, cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake!
Notes
- For extra protein, add cooked ground beef or sausage to the pasta mixture before baking.
- Mix in vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms to enhance flavor and texture.
