Pizza Pasta Perfection 5 Secrets To The Ultimate Comfort Dish
Discover the ultimate comfort dish with our Pizza Pasta Perfection. Combining the best of both worlds, this cheesy, savory baked pasta uses 5 secret techniques to elevate it from a simple weeknight dinner to an unforgettable feast.
Prep
: 10
Total
: 25 minutes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb rigatoni or penne pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage
- 0.5 cup pepperoni slices
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 0.5 large onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 24 oz marinara or pizza sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves chopped
- 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Boil the pasta in salted water until very al dente (about 2 minutes less than package instructions), then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, onion, and bell pepper. Cook until the sausage is browned and vegetables are tender. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in the garlic, pepperoni, marinara sauce, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, and balsamic vinegar. Simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Toss the cooked pasta with the meat sauce. Fold in half of the mozzarella, parmesan, and provolone cheeses.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining cheeses and the buttered panko breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and immediately garnish with fresh chopped basil. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Serve hot with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.