Easy Cheese Pizza Pasta

This Pizza Pasta has become a weeknight hero at my house. It combines all the beloved flavors of pizza into one satisfying pasta dish that is ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy evenings when comfort food and simplicity are both on the menu.

I first made this for a family dinner when I was short on time, and now it is requested on repeat because everyone loves how it hits all the pizza cravings without the hassle

Ingredients

• Ground beef and Italian sausage: which create a savory 50/50 blend for depth of flavor, choosing fresh sausage from a trusted butcher really elevates the dish
• Rotini pasta: is the go-to here but penne or other short pasta works well too, just pick good quality pasta that holds sauce
• Yellow onion: adds sweetness and a subtle bite, look for firm onions without blemishes
• Marinara sauce: forms the flavorful base, but you can easily swap pizza or your favorite pasta sauce
• Pepperoni slices: bring authentic pizza taste, opt for real slices rather than pre-packaged chopped pepperoni for the best texture
• Bacon crumbles: because bacon always makes things better, go for thick cut bacon and cook until crisp before adding
• Fresh mozzarella cheese: is key for gooey melt and creamy texture, always shred your own for best results
• Italian seasoning: along with garlic and onion powder layers in classic pizza spices, fresh or dried herbs both work depending on what you have on hand

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Meat and Onions:

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage together with diced yellow onions. Stir frequently to break up the meat and cook until fully browned and no pink remains. Drain off any excess grease. Then sprinkle Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder, mixing well so the spices infuse the meat evenly. This step builds a rich savory foundation.

Mix in the Sauce and Toppings:

Add the marinara sauce, cooked pasta, pepperoni slices, and bacon crumbles to the skillet. Stir everything together thoroughly so the pasta is evenly coated with sauce and the toppings are well distributed. This is where the pizza flavors really come together in one pan.

Top with Cheese and More Toppings:

Generously layer shredded mozzarella over the pasta mixture in the skillet. Sprinkle extra bacon pieces and pepperoni slices on top to create a beautiful cheesy, meaty crust once baked. This finishing touch ensures each bite has the perfect balance of cheese and toppings.

Bake to Melt and Brown:

Place the skillet or move the pasta to a baking dish and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden. For a final golden brown finish, broil on high for the last 2 to 3 minutes. Keep a careful eye so it does not burn. Serve hot and enjoy the cheesy, savory goodness!

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Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors meld beautifully overnight and it tastes even better the next day. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the pasta. Freezing is not recommended as the texture suffers significantly.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find Italian sausage, substitute with spicy or sweet Italian turkey sausage for a lighter option. For pasta, penne or rigatoni work well if rotini isn’t available. You can swap out marinara for pizza sauce or your favorite spaghetti sauce depending on your taste preference. For cheese, blending mozzarella with Parmesan provides a nice flavor boost.

Serving Suggestions

This pizza pasta pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad tossed in balsamic vinaigrette or steamed vegetables to add brightness and balance to the richness of the dish. Garlic bread is another favorite side that complements the cheesy pasta perfectly.

Pro Tips

• Brown the meat slowly to build the best flavor and avoid burning the onions
• Always shred your own mozzarella cheese for melt and taste that is far superior to pre-shredded
• If you like heat, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes on top before serving adds a nice spicy kick that livens up this comfort dish

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use different pasta types?

Yes, short-cut pasta like penne or rigatoni works well and can substitute rotini with no issue.

→ What toppings can I add beyond the basics?

Feel free to add green peppers, black olives, mushrooms, or red onions to customize the flavor and texture.

→ Is it necessary to broil at the end?

Broiling adds a golden brown finish to the cheese, enhancing texture and appearance but can be skipped if preferred.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, it tastes great the next day after refrigeration. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

→ Can different cheeses be used?

While mozzarella provides the best melt and flavor, mixing in Parmesan or provolone can add depth and variety.