Some nights you just want fun food, the kind that makes everyone at the table happy, fills the house with amazing smells, and warms you up from the inside out. For us, that’s Pizza Pasta Night!
This loaded pizza pasta bake is hearty, cheesy, and packed with all the flavors of your favorite pizza, but in comforting pasta form. I always make a double batch because our family of five gets dinner and plenty of leftovers for lunches. The total for this big batch came to just over $18, which might sound like a lot, but when it feeds five people for dinner plus two days of lunches, that’s budget magic.
It reheats beautifully, so the kids are happy, my husband has a warm lunch for work, and I get to feel like I’ve outsmarted the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Pizza + pasta = best of both worlds
- Budget-friendly — feeds a crowd for less than takeout
- Perfect for meal prep — reheats like a dream
- Fully customizable — use your favorite pizza toppings
What It Tastes Like
Every bite is loaded with tender pasta, savory sausage, sweet bell peppers, earthy mushrooms, melty mozzarella, and a tangy pizza sauce. The pepperoni and black olives give it that classic pizzeria flavor — but with the comforting twist of a baked pasta casserole.
Ingredients
(For a large family-sized batch)
- 1 box rotini pasta (16 oz)
- 1 lb ground pork sausage
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- ½ cup sliced black olives
- 2 jars pizza sauce (about 24 oz each)
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or more, to taste)
Tools You’ll Need
- Large pot (for pasta)
- Skillet (for browning sausage)
- Mixing spoon
- 9×13-inch baking dish (or larger for double batch)
Ingredient Substitutions & Additions
- Meat swap: Use Italian sausage, ground beef, or plant-based sausage.
- Veggies: Add spinach, zucchini, or roasted red peppers.
- Cheese: Try a blend of mozzarella and provolone for extra flavor.
- Sauce: Marinara or tomato basil sauce works if pizza sauce isn’t on hand.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook pasta: Boil rotini until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown sausage: In a skillet, cook pork sausage with onions until meat is fully cooked and onions are softened.
- Add veggies: Stir in bell peppers, mushrooms, and half the pepperoni. Sauté for 2–3 minutes.
- Mix it all: In a large bowl or pot, combine cooked pasta, sausage mixture, pizza sauce, olives, and half the mozzarella. Mix well.
- Assemble: Spread mixture into a baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and pepperoni.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve hot — watch it disappear!
Serving Suggestions
- Garlic bread or breadsticks
- Simple green salad with Italian dressing
- Side of roasted veggies
Tips for Perfect Pizza Pasta
- Cook pasta just to al dente — it will finish cooking in the oven.
- Make it spicier by adding crushed red pepper flakes or spicy pepperoni.
- For extra melty cheese, add a layer in the middle of the pasta and another on top.
Storage Instructions
- Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or oven — add a splash of water if needed.
- Can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before baking.
FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble up to 24 hours ahead, store covered in the fridge, then bake when ready.
Do I have to use rotini?
Nope! Penne, rigatoni, or shells all work great.
Can I skip the olives?
Of course — this recipe is totally customizable.
Final Thoughts
This loaded pizza pasta bake is our go-to for busy weeks when I want one dinner to work overtime. It’s cheesy, filling, and has all the best pizza flavors — plus it’s budget-friendly and makes incredible leftovers.
If you love this, you might also enjoy:
- Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage
- Pepperoni Pizza Sliders
- Cheesy Sausage & Pepper Pasta Skillet
💬 Made this recipe? Share your creation on Pinterest or leave a review below — I’d love to see your pizza pasta night!
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 21g
- Carbs: 49g
- Sugar: 6g
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