One-Pot Pizza Pasta: The Ultimate Easy Weeknight Dinner Recipe
Say goodbye to boring weeknight meals and hello to your new family favorite! This incredible One Pot Pizza Pasta recipe combines the universally loved flavors of pizza with the comforting ease of pasta, all made in a single pot. It’s quick, incredibly easy to prepare, and bursting with delicious flavors that everyone from picky eaters to gourmet enthusiasts will adore. The best part? It’s endlessly customizable, allowing you to use all your favorite pizza toppings and ingredients to create a unique dish every time!
*Originally published April 2015. Photos and text updated for enhanced clarity and SEO optimization.*
Discover the Convenience of One-Pot Pizza Pasta
There’s a reason this pizza pasta casserole has earned its place as a cherished family favorite in countless homes. It perfectly encapsulates everything you could want in a busy weeknight dinner: minimal effort, maximum flavor, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Imagine the joy of serving a hearty, cheesy, and utterly delicious meal that tastes like a hybrid of your two favorite comfort foods – pizza and pasta – without the mountain of dishes typically associated with cooking. This dish truly comes together in a flash, making it an absolute lifesaver for those hectic evenings when time is precious but a satisfying meal is a must.
What makes this dish truly special is its versatility. While the base recipe is fantastic as is, it serves as a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Feel free to experiment with different pizza toppings, cheeses, and seasonings to tailor it exactly to your family’s preferences. It’s not just a recipe; it’s an experience that brings the fun of pizza night right into your pasta bowl!
If you’re a fan of the one-pot wonder concept, you might also enjoy exploring other delightful and easy pasta dishes like our One Pot Chicken Florentine Pasta, the comforting Chile Con Queso Mac and Cheese, or the zesty One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo. Each offers the same incredible convenience with unique flavor profiles.
Why Our One Pot Pizza Pasta Recipe Will Become Your Go-To Meal
This isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a culinary hack that delivers on taste and convenience. Here’s why this pizza pasta recipe is destined to become a regular feature in your meal rotation:
- A True 30-Minute Meal: From start to finish, this dish is ready in approximately 30 minutes. This means more time spent enjoying your evening and less time slaving over a hot stove or waiting for takeout delivery. It’s perfect for those evenings when you need a quick, satisfying dinner without compromise.
- One Pot Wonder: The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Everything, from browning the sausage to simmering the pasta, happens in a single skillet or Dutch oven. This significantly reduces cooking stress and streamlines the entire process, making it accessible for even novice cooks.
- Cleanup is a Breeze: The minimal number of dishes is a game-changer. With only one main pot to wash, along with a few measuring utensils, post-dinner cleanup is no longer a dreaded chore. This benefit alone makes it a winner for busy parents and anyone looking to simplify their kitchen routine.
- Family-Friendly and Adaptable: Kids and adults alike will cheer for pizza pasta! Its familiar flavors appeal to even the pickiest eaters, and its customizable nature allows each family member to have their favorite toppings incorporated, making mealtime a happy occasion for everyone.
- Incredibly Delicious: This dish truly tastes like a gourmet meal, combining the rich, savory goodness of Italian sausage and pepperoni with a zesty tomato sauce and perfectly melted cheese. Every bite is a delightful explosion of pizza-inspired flavors that will leave you wanting more.
- Generous, Large Batch: This recipe yields a substantial portion, making it ideal for feeding a larger family, entertaining guests, or ensuring you have delicious leftovers for lunch the next day. It’s comforting, hearty, and satisfying, making it excellent value for effort.
Essential Ingredients for Your Pizza Pasta Casserole
Crafting the perfect one-pot pizza pasta starts with selecting the right ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some tips for variations:
- ITALIAN SAUSAGE: The star protein of this dish! We recommend using a quality Italian sausage (mild or hot, depending on your preference) for its rich, savory flavor that truly elevates the dish. Remember to remove the casings if you’re using links. If Italian sausage isn’t available, or you prefer other meats, ground beef, ground turkey, or even ground chicken seasoned with Italian herbs can be fantastic substitutes.
- ONION: A small white or yellow onion, finely chopped, provides a subtle touch of sweetness and aromatic depth to the sauce. For a more pungent and slightly bolder flavor, a red onion can be used, adding a lovely color contrast as well.
- GARLIC: Freshly minced garlic is non-negotiable for that authentic Italian flavor. Our recipe suggests about 2 cloves for a balanced taste, but garlic lovers can certainly add more to their liking. Fresh garlic offers a significantly more vibrant flavor than powdered garlic.
- SPAGHETTI SAUCE: Choose your absolute favorite jarred spaghetti sauce. This is a foundational flavor, so opt for a brand you trust. Alternatively, if you have a cherished homemade marinara or spaghetti sauce recipe, this is the perfect opportunity to use it!
- TOMATOES: Diced or petite diced tomatoes are excellent for this recipe. They contribute a wonderful zesty flavor and add chunks of fresh tomato goodness to the pasta pizza. Don’t drain them; the liquid adds to the sauce consistency.
- SEASONINGS: Dried oregano and dried basil are the classic Italian seasoning duo that brings all the pizza flavors to life. While dried herbs are convenient and always on hand, if you have fresh basil and oregano, feel free to use them – just remember to use about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried. A pinch of red pepper flakes can also add a subtle kick if desired.
- PASTA: Penne pasta is our go-to for this dish because its tubular shape holds the sauce wonderfully, and it cooks evenly in one pot. However, you can easily substitute other medium-sized pasta shapes like macaroni, rigatoni, ziti, or even rotini. Just ensure the pasta cooks to al dente for the best texture.
- PEPPERONI: A quintessential pizza topping! Use your favorite brand of sliced pepperoni for that irresistible salty, spicy kick. If you’re not a fan of pepperoni, or prefer a vegetarian option, it can be left out entirely without compromising the deliciousness of the dish.
- CHEESE: To achieve that perfect, melty, and deliciously cheesy topping, we recommend a blend of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Mozzarella provides the classic stretch and melt, while Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty depth of flavor. Other cheeses like provolone or an Italian blend can also work beautifully.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make One Pot Pizza Pasta
Making this incredible pizza pasta is astonishingly simple. Follow these steps for a perfect meal every time:
- BROWN SAUSAGE: Begin by heating a large, deep skillet or a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add your Italian sausage (casings removed, if applicable), chopped onions, and minced garlic. Cook, breaking up the sausage with a spoon, until the sausage is thoroughly browned and the onions are softened, and the garlic is fragrant (about 5-7 minutes). It’s crucial to drain any excess grease from the pan at this stage to prevent the dish from becoming oily.
- ADD SAUCE & PASTA: Once the sausage is browned and drained, pour in the spaghetti sauce, diced tomatoes (undrained), and water. Stir everything together thoroughly to combine all the flavors. Next, add the uncooked pasta directly into the sauce mixture. Stir gently again, ensuring all the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it cook for 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- BROIL TO PERFECTION: While the pasta is simmering, preheat your broiler. Once the pasta is cooked, remove the lid. Evenly sprinkle your desired amount of sliced pepperoni and the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese blend over the top of the pasta. Place the skillet under the preheated broiler for 3-5 minutes, keeping a close eye on it. The goal is for the cheese to be perfectly melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown at the edges. Be careful not to let it burn!
Remove from the broiler, let it cool for a minute or two, then serve hot and enjoy your homemade one-pot pizza pasta!
The Undeniable Magic of One-Pot Pasta Meals
As we’ve highlighted, one-pot meals are nothing short of a culinary revelation, and this pizza pasta recipe is a prime example. They are not merely about convenience; they embody a smart approach to home cooking that aligns perfectly with modern, busy lifestyles. Beyond the obvious benefit of fewer dishes (and trust us, a clean counter brings immense joy!), one-pot dishes like this offer unparalleled simplicity and efficiency.
Think about it: all the flavors meld together beautifully as the ingredients simmer in a single pot. The pasta cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing every ounce of flavor, resulting in a deeper, more cohesive taste that you simply can’t achieve with separate cooking. This method also saves precious time, from the initial prep work to the final cleanup, making weeknight dinners less of a chore and more of a pleasure.
So, the next time your stomach rumbles for the comforting taste of pizza, but you’re dreading the fuss or the wait for delivery, remember this one-pot solution. It’s a quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying alternative that promises all the deliciousness of a pizza night without any of the hassle. Your taste buds, and your dish rack, will thank you!
What to Serve with Your Delightful One Pot Pizza Pasta
While this One Pot Pizza Pasta is a complete meal in itself, pairing it with a simple side can elevate the dining experience and offer a nice balance of textures and flavors. Here are some fantastic serving suggestions:
- Simple Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect counterpoint to the rich and hearty pasta. It adds freshness, crunch, and a welcome dose of vegetables to your meal. Think mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber.
- Garlic Cheddar Biscuits: For an indulgent and comforting pairing, warm, buttery garlic cheddar biscuits are an absolute dream. They’re perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce and add another layer of savory goodness to your plate.
- Crusty French Bread or Garlic Bread: A classic companion to any pasta dish! A slice of warm, crusty bread, especially garlic bread, is ideal for mopping up every last drop of the delicious pizza-inspired sauce.
- Any Steamed Veggie of Choice: If you’re looking to boost your vegetable intake, a simple side of steamed broccoli, green beans, asparagus, or even sautéed spinach can complement the pasta beautifully without adding much fuss.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: For a light and refreshing finish to your meal, a simple fruit salad can be a wonderful palate cleanser, adding a touch of sweetness.
Customize Your Pizza Pasta Creation: Endless Topping Ideas!
One of the most enjoyable aspects of this One Pot Pizza Pasta recipe is its incredible adaptability. It’s like having a DIY pizza bar, but in a pasta dish! Don’t be afraid to get creative and tailor the ingredients to your personal taste or whatever you have on hand. Here are some fantastic ideas to inspire your next batch:
- Meats & Proteins:
- Canadian Bacon: Adds a smoky, slightly sweet flavor that works wonderfully.
- Cooked Chicken (shredded or diced): A great way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken or add lean protein.
- Ground Beef or Ground Turkey: If Italian sausage isn’t your preference, these are excellent alternatives. Brown them with the onion and garlic, just as you would the sausage.
- Ham: Diced ham brings a classic pizza flavor to the mix.
- Bacon Bits: For a crispy, smoky crunch.
- Vegetables:
- Bell Pepper: Sliced or diced bell peppers (any color!) add sweetness and a fresh crunch. Add them with the onion and sausage to soften.
- Mushrooms: Sliced fresh mushrooms, sautéed with the sausage, provide an earthy depth.
- Olives: Black olives, green olives, or even Kalamata olives for a briny kick. Add them during the simmering phase or with the cheese.
- Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts beautifully into the hot pasta, adding a healthy boost and vibrant color. Stir it in after the pasta is cooked.
- Artichoke Hearts: Quartered artichoke hearts can add a unique, tangy flavor.
- Sneaking in Veggies: For a hidden veggie boost, grate some zucchini or carrots directly into the sauce along with the diced tomatoes. The flavors blend seamlessly, and often, even the pickiest eaters (and husbands!) won’t notice!
- Cheeses:
- Provolone: For an extra-sharp, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Ricotta Cheese: Dollops of ricotta added before broiling can create a creamy, lasagna-like texture.
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds a salty, tangy Mediterranean twist.
- Herbs & Spices:
- Fresh Basil: A sprinkle of fresh, chopped basil at the very end adds a burst of aromatic flavor.
- Red Pepper Flakes: For those who love a bit of heat, a pinch or two of red pepper flakes can be stirred into the sauce.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match to find your perfect pizza pasta combination!
One Pot Pizza Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound (500g) Italian sausage, casings removed if necessary
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24oz) (680g) jar spaghetti sauce
- 1 (14.5oz) (411g) can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup (235ml) water
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 8 oz (230g) penne pasta (or something similar)
- sliced pepperoni
- 2 cups (230g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (55g) grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
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In a large skillet, brown the Italian sausage, onion, and garlic over medium-high heat. Break up the sausage as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess grease thoroughly.
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Pour in the spaghetti sauce, diced tomatoes (undrained), water, dried oregano, and dried basil. Stir well to combine. Add the uncooked penne pasta and stir carefully to ensure all pasta is submerged in the sauce. Bring to a simmer, then cover with a lid and cook on low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
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While the pasta cooks, preheat your oven broiler.
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Once the pasta is tender, remove the lid. Arrange sliced pepperoni over the pasta, then evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top. Place the skillet under the preheated broiler for 3-5 minutes, watching closely, until the cheeses are melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Serve immediately and enjoy!
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Notes
- Nutrition Facts Disclaimer: Since different brands of ingredients have varying nutritional information, the details provided are merely an estimate. For precise figures, we recommend calculating based on the specific brands you use.