Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

$To make a tasty Pepperoni Pizza Casserole, you'll need: - 8 oz rotini pasta - 1 cup marinara sauce - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup sliced pepperoni - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients create a warm, cheesy dish that your family will love. The rotini pasta holds the sauce well, and the pepperoni adds a nice kick. You can enhance your casserole with some fresh garnishes. Here are a few options to try: - Fresh basil leaves - Grated Parmesan cheese - Red pepper flakes These add a pop of color and flavor. Fresh basil gives a nice herbal touch. Don't worry if you don't have all the ingredients. Here are some easy swaps: - Use penne or fusilli pasta instead of rotini. - Swap ricotta for cottage cheese for a lighter option. - If you prefer turkey pepperoni, that works too. - You can use store-bought pizza sauce instead of marinara. These substitutions will still give you a delicious casserole. Don't hesitate to mix and match based on what you have! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key to getting the cheese nice and bubbly. Next, I gather all my ingredients. I need 8 oz of rotini pasta, 1 cup of marinara sauce, 1 cup of ricotta cheese, and 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese. I also take 1 cup of sliced pepperoni, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder. Don’t forget salt and pepper to taste! I cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions. I want it to be al dente, which means it should still have a little bite to it. Once the pasta is cooked, I drain it and set it aside. This step makes sure the pasta won’t get mushy when baked. In a large mixing bowl, I combine the pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. I mix this well so that every piece of pasta gets coated. Then, I grab a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. I layer half of the pasta mixture at the bottom. On top, I sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese and half of the pepperoni slices. I repeat this with the rest of the pasta, cheese, and pepperoni. Finally, I cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake it for 20 minutes. After that, I remove the foil and bake it for another 10-15 minutes. The cheese should be bubbly and golden brown when it’s ready. To make sure your casserole bakes just right, follow a few steps. First, cook the rotini pasta until it is al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. Drain it well, so there’s no extra water. When mixing your ingredients, coat the pasta evenly. This helps all the flavors blend. When you layer the pasta in the baking dish, press it down gently. This helps it bake evenly. Cover with foil for the first part of baking. It keeps moisture in, so your cheese melts nicely. After 20 minutes, take off the foil. This makes the cheese golden and bubbly. To take your casserole to the next level, consider some fun flavor boosts. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. You can mix in chopped onions or bell peppers for a veggie twist. If you love garlic, add more garlic powder or some minced fresh garlic. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a nice touch. You can even swap the marinara sauce for a spicy arrabbiata for more kick. Experimenting with flavors can make your dish a hit. When serving your Pepperoni Pizza Casserole, I love to pair it with a fresh salad. A simple mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette works well. You could also serve garlic bread on the side for a classic touch. For a fun twist, let everyone top their own plate with fresh basil or extra cheese. This adds a personal touch and lets you customize each serving. Enjoy with friends and family for a cozy meal! Pro Tips Cook Pasta Al Dente: Make sure to cook the rotini pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven and absorb flavors. Layering for Flavor: For a more flavorful dish, add some extra marinara sauce between the layers of pasta and cheese. Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix different kinds of cheese, such as provolone or cheddar, for a unique flavor profile. Make Ahead: This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Swap out the pepperoni for veggies. I love using bell peppers, mushrooms, and olives. They add great flavor and crunch. You can also use spinach for a healthy twist. Just make sure to sauté the veggies first. This helps soften them and brings out their taste. While mozzarella is classic, you can try other cheeses. Cheddar gives a sharp flavor. Provolone adds a nice stretch and taste. For a rich touch, mix in some cream cheese. If you want something tangy, use goat cheese. Each cheese can change the dish's taste. Feel free to mix and match based on what you have. Get creative with your toppings! Try cooked sausage or diced ham for more meat. Pineapple can add a sweet touch if you like. You could also add jalapeños for some heat. Fresh herbs like oregano or parsley can brighten the dish. Don't be afraid to experiment. The casserole will still taste great with your personal spin! After you enjoy your meal, let any leftovers cool down. Once cool, place the casserole in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to keep it covered to prevent it from drying out. To freeze Pepperoni Pizza Casserole, first let it cool completely. Then, cut it into portions and wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped portions in a freezer bag. This keeps it fresh for up to three months. Remember to label the bag with the date. When ready to eat, take out a portion from the fridge or freezer. For fridge leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. If frozen, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. For best results, avoid the microwave; it can make the pasta soggy. Enjoy your meal! Yes, you can make Pepperoni Pizza Casserole ahead of time. Prepare the dish up to the baking step. Cover it tightly with foil and store it in the fridge for up to two days. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then, bake it as usual. This saves time and keeps your dinner stress-free. To make Pepperoni Pizza Casserole gluten-free, swap the rotini pasta for gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer good options that cook similarly. Check the labels to ensure they are certified gluten-free. You can also use gluten-free marinara sauce. This way, everyone can enjoy the dish without worry. Pepperoni Pizza Casserole goes great with simple sides. A fresh garden salad adds a nice crunch. Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks are also perfect for dipping. You could even serve steamed veggies for a healthy touch. All these sides complement the rich flavors of the casserole nicely. This blog post covered what you need for a great Pepperoni Pizza Casserole. We discussed key ingredients and tasty garnishes. I shared step-by-step cooking instructions, helpful tips, and fun variations. You learned about storage and reheating tips, too. You can make this dish your own with swaps and sides. Enjoy cooking and sharing this casserole. It’s a fun meal for all ages. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!$

A delicious and easy-to-make casserole that combines the flavors of pepperoni pizza with pasta.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Total Time 50

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 6

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

8 oz rotini pasta
1 cup marinara sauce
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup sliced pepperoni
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
to taste Salt and pepper
optional Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rotini pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the pasta is evenly coated.
In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, layer half of the pasta mixture at the bottom. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and half of the pepperoni slices on top.
Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, followed by the rest of the mozzarella cheese and pepperoni.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

Notes

Garnish with fresh basil leaves for added flavor.

Keyword casserole, pasta, pizza