Description
This Pepperoni Pasta Bake is a comforting Italian-American casserole that’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. Featuring al dente penne pasta tossed with flavorful marinara, Italian seasoning, and plenty of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, it’s topped with savory pepperoni and baked until bubbly. Ready in just over half an hour, it’s a family-friendly dish that can be customized with additional meats or made ahead for convenient meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 oz penne pasta, cooked al dente and drained
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Cheeses and Toppings
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni (mini or regular)
Garnish
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pasta casserole.
- Mix Pasta and Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cooked and drained penne pasta with marinara sauce, olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the seasoned sauce.
- Add Cheese and Pepperoni: Fold in half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and half of the sliced pepperoni gently to incorporate them evenly into the pasta mixture.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer this mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly for uniform cooking and browning.
- Add Final Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese and the rest of the pepperoni slices, creating a cheesy and flavorful crust.
- Bake: Place the dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to brown.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove from oven and let the pasta bake rest for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a meatier version, add cooked Italian sausage or ground beef to the pasta mixture before baking.
- Use turkey pepperoni for a lighter, lower-fat alternative.
- This dish can be prepared ahead, assembled, and frozen before baking for easy freezer meals.
