Pizza Pasta Bake Recipe

If you crave the flavors of pizza but love the comfort of pasta, this Pizza Pasta Bake is about to become your weeknight hero. Imagine hearty Italian sausage mingling with gooey, bubbling mozzarella, layers of cheesy pasta, and that unmistakable kick of classic pizza sauce — all baked to golden perfection. It’s satisfyingly rich, beautifully simple, and perfect for pleasing both kids and adults at the table. Whether you need a fun twist on pasta night, a reliable potluck dish, or simply want something that feels like a pizza hug in casserole form, this Pizza Pasta Bake delivers every time.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed by how just a handful of staple ingredients can create something so irresistible. Each component in this Pizza Pasta Bake brings its own magic — whether it’s deep savory notes, creaminess, or that classic pizza tang!

• Italian sausage: Packs robust, savory flavor and heartiness that turns this from a side dish into a meaty main.
• Pizza sauce: Brings that zesty, tomato-rich, slightly sweet pizza flavor we all crave.
• Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, oregano: Make the sauce your own—sprinkle in for bold, customizable taste and aromatic depth.
• Cooked pasta: Classic, short shapes like penne or ziti work best to catch all that saucy goodness.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey, stretchable layers that finish every bite with a cheesy pull.
• Pepperoni slices (optional): Adds a classic pizza topping vibe—layer on as much as you like!
• Garlic bread, warm, for serving: Because every good bake deserves a golden, buttery side for scooping up the last bits.

How to Make Pizza Pasta Bake

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Set a large skillet over medium heat, crumble in the Italian sausage, and let it cook through, breaking it apart with a spoon. You want every little bit to be browned and flavor-packed. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat so your Pizza Pasta Bake doesn’t turn out greasy — this step gives your sauce a taste boost right at the start.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

Pour in your favorite jarred pizza sauce and stir it into the browned sausage. Now comes the fun part — seasoning! Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, a pinch or two of red pepper flakes, garlic powder, and oregano. Taste as you go, adding a bit more if you like it zippier or more aromatic. Let everything simmer together so the flavors can get cozy while you prep the next step.

Step 3: Cook and Drain the Pasta

While your sauce is bubbling away, cook your chosen pasta just according to package directions. You want it al dente, because it’ll soften a little more when baked. Once it’s ready, drain well and set aside — there’s nothing worse than a watery bake!

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

In a large bowl (or right in the skillet if it’s big and ovenproof), mix the drained pasta with the sausage pizza sauce. Toss until every piece is coated, so you get the perfect balance of sauciness and noodles in every forkful.

Step 5: Assemble the Pizza Pasta Bake

Spoon half of the pasta mixture into your baking dish and scatter a generous layer of shredded mozzarella over top. Add the rest of the pasta, then finish with another layer of mozzarella — you want that gorgeous cheesy crust! If you’re a pepperoni fan, artfully arrange slices on top for that authentic pizza look and extra flavor.

Step 6: Bake Until Bubbling

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Slide the baking dish in (uncovered!) and bake for about 20 minutes. You’re looking for golden, bubbling cheese and bubbly sauce edges. The anticipation in your kitchen will be real!

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Let your Pizza Pasta Bake rest a few minutes so it’s easy to cut or scoop, then dish it up while it’s still melty-hot. Serve alongside slices of warm garlic bread for the full pizza-pasta experience.

How to Serve Pizza Pasta Bake

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh basil or chopped parsley on top adds that finishing pop of color and freshness. Extra grated Parmesan and a pinch of crushed red pepper at the table bring each serving to your ideal cheesy, spicy perfection.

Side Dishes

Though the Pizza Pasta Bake is a superstar all on its own, I love pairing it with a bright green salad tossed in a zippy vinaigrette, or roasted vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers. And yes, garlic bread is basically non-negotiable for soaking up every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Pizza Pasta Bake straight from the bubbling casserole at the table for a cozy, family-style feel, or portion it into individual ramekins for dinner parties and potlucks. Leftovers make amazing lunchbox thermos treats, keeping all that cheesy goodness warm for hours!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your Pizza Pasta Bake cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers even more tempting the next day.

Freezing

This bake freezes beautifully! Assemble everything up to the point of baking, cover tightly with foil, and freeze. When you’re ready, bake straight from frozen at 350°F, adding about 15 extra minutes, until hot and bubbling throughout.

Reheating

To reheat, microwave individual servings until warmed through, or pop the whole dish (covered with foil) in a 350°F oven until the cheese is melty and the center is piping hot. If things seem a little dry, splash in a spoonful or two of extra pizza sauce before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use a different meat or make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Try ground turkey or chicken instead of sausage, or leave out the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers for a satisfying vegetarian take.

What kind of pasta works best for Pizza Pasta Bake?

Short shapes like penne, ziti, or rigatoni are my favorites — they hold the sauce perfectly and create great texture in every forkful. Avoid long noodles, which tend to clump together in bakes.

Can I make Pizza Pasta Bake ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble everything except the final cheese topping, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. When ready to bake, add the cheese and pop it in the oven.

Is it possible to make this gluten free?

Definitely. Substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your pizza sauce is gluten-free as well. The other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

How do I prevent the pasta from drying out?

Make sure there’s enough sauce to thoroughly coat the pasta before baking, and cover leftovers tightly before storing. If needed, add a bit more sauce or a splash of water when reheating.

Final Thoughts

It’s honestly hard not to love this Pizza Pasta Bake — it’s endlessly adaptable and always a crowd-pleaser. Try it for your next family meal or potluck, and watch it become a new favorite at your table!