Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake. It’s a delicious and easy-to-make dish that the whole family will love. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 12 ounces uncooked penne or rigatoni pasta
Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Cheese:
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Additional:
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni (plus extra for topping)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and sauté the onion until soft. Add garlic, then stir in the marinara sauce, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with Parmesan, mozzarella, and mini pepperoni. Combine and transfer to a baking dish. Top with more cheese and pepperoni.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let cool before serving. Garnish with parsley or basil if desired.
Notes
- Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra veggies.
- You can assemble this dish ahead and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
