One Pot Pizza Pasta

This one-pot pizza pasta bake transforms classic pizza flavors into a comforting pasta dish that comes together in just 30 minutes. The combination of spicy Italian sausage, pepperoni, and melty mozzarella creates that unmistakable pizza taste in every bite.

I first made this dish when I needed something quick that would please both my pizza-loving nephew and pasta-obsessed niece. The empty pot at the end of dinner told me everything I needed to know this recipe was staying in my regular rotation.

Ingredients

• Italian sausage: Adds rich flavor and heartiness – choose spicy for extra kick or sweet for milder taste
• Mini pepperoni: Provides classic pizza flavor in perfect bite-sized pieces
• Tomato sauce: Creates the base for our sauce – using a good quality brand makes a difference
• Dried herbs (oregano and basil): Infuse the sauce with Italian flavor without requiring fresh herbs
• Rotini pasta: Perfect shape that catches sauce in its spirals
• Mozzarella cheese: Creates that stretchy pizza-like topping – look for whole milk, low-moisture for best melting
• Olive oil: For sautéing – with a fruity, extra virgin variety enhancing the Mediterranean flavors

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Oven:

Preheat your oven to broil setting. Position the rack in the middle of the oven to prevent burning the cheese topping too quickly.

Brown The Meats:

Heat olive oil in a large oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into crumbles with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Cook for about 3 to 5 minutes until the sausage is no longer pink and has developed a nice brown color. Drain any excess fat from the pan to prevent a greasy dish. Add a quarter cup of the mini pepperoni and cook for about one minute, just enough to release their flavors into the oil.

Create The Sauce:

Add the tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, and garlic powder to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the flavors. Pour in one and a half cups of water and add the dry pasta directly to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste. The liquid will seem abundant at first, but the pasta will absorb it as it cooks. Bring everything to a boil, watching for large bubbles around the edges of the pan.

Simmer To Perfection:

Once boiling, cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid, reduce the heat to medium-low and let everything simmer together. The pasta will cook directly in the sauce, absorbing all those wonderful flavors as it softens. This takes about 12 to 14 minutes. Check occasionally and stir gently to ensure even cooking. The pasta should be al dente and most of the liquid absorbed.

Cheese Finish:

Remove the skillet from heat once the pasta is cooked. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture. Add the remaining quarter cup of pepperoni, arranging them across the cheese surface. Place the entire skillet under the broiler for approximately 2 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and developing golden brown spots. Watch carefully, as broilers can burn food quickly.

Garnish And Serve:

Remove the skillet from the oven carefully using thick oven mitts. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately while the cheese is still hot and stretchy, dishing straight from the skillet to plates.

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The mini pepperoni is truly the star ingredient here. They curl up into little cups when broiled, creating perfect little pockets of flavor. My nephew always picks them off the top first, leaving the cheesy pasta for last – a strategy I secretly approve of.

Make Ahead And Storage

This pasta bake keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply store in an airtight container once completely cooled. When reheating, add a splash of water before microwaving to bring back moisture. I sometimes make this dish specifically for leftovers since the flavors deepen overnight making day two even better than day one.

Easy Customizations

Think of this recipe as a canvas for your favorite pizza toppings. Add sliced black olives, sautéed mushrooms, or bell peppers when cooking the sausage. For vegetarians, substitute the meat with plant-based alternatives or simply increase the vegetables. My personal favorite variation includes a handful of baby spinach stirred in just before adding the cheese for a pop of green and extra nutrition.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this hearty pasta with a simple green salad dressed with olive oil and lemon juice to cut through the richness. Garlic bread makes an excellent accompaniment for soaking up any extra sauce. For a complete Italian-inspired meal, start with a small antipasto platter featuring olives, roasted red peppers, and marinated artichokes. The beauty of this dish is its ability to stand alone as a complete meal when time is tight.

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This dish combines the best of pizza and pasta in one easy meal. Your family will ask for it again and again!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use different types of pasta for this dish?

Yes! While rotini works well because its shape holds the sauce nicely, you can substitute penne, fusilli, or farfalle with similar results. Just note that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the pasta shape.

→ How can I make this dish less spicy?

To reduce the spice level, replace the spicy Italian sausage with mild Italian sausage or even ground beef. You can also use regular pepperoni instead of spicy varieties and add a touch more oregano and basil for flavor without heat.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

While best served fresh, you can prepare this dish ahead and reheat it. Cook everything except the final broiling step, let it cool, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, add the cheese and pepperoni topping and broil until bubbly.

→ What can I use if I don't have an oven-proof skillet?

If you don't have an oven-proof skillet, cook everything on the stovetop, then transfer to a baking dish before adding the cheese and pepperoni topping. Then broil as directed until the cheese is melted and golden.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

This hearty dish works well with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. For a complete Italian-inspired meal, serve with a Caesar salad and some crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Omit the sausage and pepperoni and add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini. You could also include plant-based protein alternatives like veggie crumbles or chopped vegetarian pepperoni for a similar texture and flavor profile.