What do you get when you cross pizza night with pasta night? This Pepperoni Pizza Casserole, and trust me, nobody’s complaining. Rotini pasta gets tossed with pizza sauce, diced pepperoni, and lots of mozzarella, then topped with more cheese and pepperoni slices and baked until it’s melty and bubbly.
With just six ingredients and about 30 minutes, it’s one of the easiest family dinners you’ll ever make. The kids will love it, the grown-ups will go back for seconds, and you’ll love how simple it is.
You’ll find more cozy, cheesy bakes in my casserole recipes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Six ingredients: Pasta, pizza sauce, pepperoni, mozzarella, and oregano.
- Ready in 30 minutes: The bake only takes 7 to 10 minutes.
- Kid-approved: It tastes just like pepperoni pizza.
- Feeds a family: Makes 8 servings.
- Easy to customize: Add your favorite pizza toppings.
Ingredients Breakdown
Here’s what goes into this pizza pasta bake. You’ll find exact amounts in the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
- Rotini pasta: Twelve ounces. The spirals grab onto the sauce and cheese.
- Pizza sauce: Twenty-four ounces, for that classic pizza flavor.
- Diced pepperoni: A cup, stirred into the pasta. Dicing it makes it easier to eat. Mini pepperoni saves you the chopping.
- Whole pepperoni slices: For the top, just like a pizza.
- Mozzarella cheese: Two and a half cups, divided between the pasta and the topping.
- Dried oregano: A sprinkle on top for that pizzeria flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the oven and dish
Heat your oven to 350°F. Spray a casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside.
2. Cook the pasta
Cook the rotini according to the package directions. Drain it and put it back in the pot.
3. Mix it up
Stir in the pizza sauce, diced pepperoni, and 1 1/2 cups of the mozzarella. Pour it all into the casserole dish.
4. Add the toppings
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella over the top, arrange the whole pepperoni slices, and sprinkle with the oregano.
5. Bake
Bake for 7 to 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted. Serve hot.
Tips and Variations
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Cook it just to the package time so it stays tender, not mushy, after baking.
- Use mini pepperoni: No chopping needed.
- Broil for a golden top: Pop it under the broiler for a minute or two at the end, watching closely.
- Make it supreme: Add sliced olives, mushrooms, bell peppers, or cooked sausage.
- Swap the pasta: Penne or ziti work great too.
- Add Parmesan: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top adds extra flavor.
How to Serve This Recipe
Scoop the casserole onto plates while it’s hot and gooey. Pass red pepper flakes and grated Parmesan at the table, just like at a pizza place.
Serve it with a crisp Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad or a simple Best Cucumber Salad, plus warm Easy Dinner Rolls or a smear of Homemade Garlic Butter on toasted bread.
Frequently Asked Questions
What pasta works best?
Rotini is great because the spirals hold the sauce, but penne or ziti work well too.
Why dice the pepperoni?
Diced pepperoni mixes evenly through the pasta and is easier to eat. Mini pepperoni saves you the chopping.
How long does pizza casserole bake?
Just 7 to 10 minutes at 350°F, until the cheese is melted, since the pasta is already cooked.
Can I add other pizza toppings?
Absolutely. Olives, mushrooms, peppers, onions, or cooked sausage are all great additions.
Can I use marinara instead of pizza sauce?
Yes. Marinara works, though pizza sauce gives it a more classic pizza flavor.
You May Also Love
- Baked Spaghetti Casserole
- Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole
- Sloppy Joe Pasta Casserole
- Cheesy Taco Pasta
- Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Pepperoni Pizza Casserole
Equipment
- Casserole dish
- Large pot
- Colander
Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 24 oz pizza sauce
- 1 cup pepperoni diced (see Note 1)
- 1/2 cup whole pepperoni slices
- 2 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded, divided
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350°F. Spray a casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and return it to the pot.
- Stir in the pizza sauce, diced pepperoni and 1 1/2 cups of the mozzarella, then pour into the casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup mozzarella over the top, add the whole pepperoni slices and sprinkle with the oregano.
- Bake for 7 to 10 minutes, until the cheese has melted. Serve.
.
- Pepperoni: Dicing the pepperoni that goes into the pasta makes it easier to eat. Mini pepperoni saves you the chopping.
- Nutrition: Estimated per serving from the ingredients, using part-skim mozzarella.
