I’ve taken the best parts of pizza and pasta and baked them into one hearty, cheesy dish. My Pizza Pasta Bake combines savory Italian sausage, tangy pizza sauce, gooey mozzarella, and tender pasta for a dinner that’s as comforting as it is delicious.
Why I’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s an easy way to feed a crowd without a lot of fuss. It brings all the flavors I crave in a pizza—spiced sausage, rich tomato sauce, and stretchy cheese—into a pasta bake that’s perfect for weeknights or gatherings. I can also customize it with pepperoni or extra toppings, and it pairs beautifully with garlic bread for a full, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Italian sausage (1 lb)
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Pizza sauce (1 large jar)
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Italian seasoning (to taste)
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Red pepper flakes (to taste)
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Garlic powder (to taste)
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Oregano (to taste)
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Cooked pasta of choice
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Mozzarella cheese, shredded
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Pepperoni slices (optional)
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Warm garlic bread, for serving
Directions
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I brown the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once browned, I drain off any excess fat.
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I stir the pizza sauce into the sausage and mix well.
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I season the sauce with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, and oregano, adjusting to my taste.
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I cook the pasta according to the package instructions, then drain it well.
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I mix the cooked pasta with the sausage and sauce mixture until evenly coated.
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In a baking dish, I spread half of the pasta mixture, then sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella on top.
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I add the remaining pasta mixture over the cheese, then finish with another layer of mozzarella.
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For extra pizza flair, I top with pepperoni slices if I’m in the mood.
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I bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
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I serve it hot with warm garlic bread on the side.
Servings and timing
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Servings: About 6–8 portions
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Timing:
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Prep: 15 minutes
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Bake: 20 minutes
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Total: 35 minutes
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Variations
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I swap Italian sausage for ground beef, chicken sausage, or turkey for a lighter version.
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I mix in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or black olives for extra veggie goodness.
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I use a blend of mozzarella and provolone for a richer, more complex cheese flavor.
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I swap pizza sauce for marinara if that’s what I have on hand.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave single portions for about 1–2 minutes. This dish also freezes well—I wrap the cooled bake tightly and freeze for up to 2 months, thawing it in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, I assemble it up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, I add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What pasta works best?
I like rotini, penne, or ziti because their shape holds onto the sauce and cheese beautifully.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, I skip the sausage and add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach.
How do I make it extra cheesy?
I mix cheese into the pasta before layering, and also top generously for that gooey, stretchy bite.
Can I use fresh mozzarella?
Absolutely—it melts beautifully, though I sometimes combine it with shredded mozzarella for even coverage.
Conclusion
I find Pizza Pasta Bake to be the perfect hybrid comfort food—it’s as hearty as pasta and as flavorful as pizza, with endless possibilities for customization. It’s quick to prepare, satisfying to eat, and always a hit with family and friends. When I want something warm, cheesy, and crowd-pleasing, this is the recipe I reach for.
PrintPizza Pasta Bake
Pizza Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food, combining savory Italian sausage, tangy pizza sauce, gooey mozzarella cheese, and tender pasta baked to bubbly perfection. This easy Italian-American casserole is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or family gatherings, and can be customized with your favorite pizza toppings for a hearty, cheesy meal everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Category: Main Dish, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 large jar pizza sauce
- Italian seasoning (to taste)
- Red pepper flakes (to taste)
- Garlic powder (to taste)
- Oregano (to taste)
- Cooked pasta of choice (such as rotini, penne, or ziti)
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Pepperoni slices (optional)
- Warm garlic bread, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage and drain any excess fat.
- Stir in pizza sauce and season with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, and oregano to taste.
- Cook pasta according to package directions, then drain well.
- In a large bowl, combine pasta with the sausage and sauce mixture until evenly coated.
- In a baking dish, spread half the pasta mixture, sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, add the remaining pasta, and top with more mozzarella.
- Arrange pepperoni slices on top if desired.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve hot with warm garlic bread.
Notes
- Substitute sausage with ground beef, chicken sausage, or turkey.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives for extra flavor and texture.
- Mix in provolone cheese with mozzarella for a richer, creamier cheese layer.
- Swap pizza sauce for marinara sauce if preferred.
- This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking for convenience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
