Pizza Pasta
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
25 mins
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Total Time
35 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
470 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Pizza Pasta
Description
Pizza Pasta begins with browning Italian sausage and sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil, to create a flavorful base. The addition of mini pepperoni bits adds a distinctive pizza taste throughout the dish. Combining marinara sauce, water, and short pasta allows the flavors to meld as the pasta cooks covered on low heat until tender. Once cooked, shredded mozzarella cheese and the remaining pepperoni are layered on top before baking just long enough to melt the cheese and slightly crisp the pepperoni slices. The sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a subtle herbal note to the finished dish.
The recipe's texture balances the tender cooked pasta with pockets of melted cheese and the slight chew of sausage and pepperoni. This all-in-one pot approach reduces cleanup and simplifies preparation while delivering familiar pizza components in an unusual pasta form. It is filling enough to serve as a main course and pairs well with light sides such as a green salad or steamed vegetables.
Variations are possible by choosing different types of sausage, such as hot or mild, depending on your spice preference. Mini pepperoni can be substituted with finely chopped regular pepperoni if the smaller size is unavailable. The layering and baking step ensures the cheese melts uniformly, making the dish appealing both visually and texturally.
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage casings removed, mild
- 1/2 cup onion finely diced
- 3/4 cup mini pepperoni divided use
- 1 teaspoon garlic minced
- 24 ounce jar marinara sauce
- 2 1/2 cups water
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 12 ounces short pasta such as rotini or penne
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1 tablespoon parsley chopped
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large, deep pan over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook for 4-5 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spatula, until browned.
- Add the onion to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes or until translucent.
- Add 1/2 cup of the pepperoni and the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the marinara sauce, water, salt, pepper and pasta to the pot and bring to a simmer.
- Cover the pot and cook over low heat for 12-14 minutes or until pasta is tender.
- While the pasta is simmering, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- After the pasta is finished cooking, sprinkle the cheese over the top and arrange the remaining 1/4 cup of pepperoni on the cheese.
- Bake for 4-5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.
Notes
- Italian sausage can be substituted with turkey or pork sausage depending on preference.
- Choose mild or hot sausage according to your desired spice level.
- If mini pepperoni is not available, use chopped regular-sized pepperoni instead.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 470 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 470kcal | 24% |
| Carbohydrates | 50g | 17% |
| Protein | 29g | 58% |
| Fat | 28g | 43% |
| Saturated Fat | 14g | 70% |
| Cholesterol | 94mg | 31% |
| Sodium | 780mg | 33% |
| Potassium | 773mg | 16% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 680IU | 14% |
| Vitamin C | 10.5mg | 12% |
| Calcium | 191mg | 19% |
| Iron | 3.1mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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