Pizza Pasta Bake
Pizza Pasta Bake
Pizza Pasta Bake

Pizza Pasta Bake

David Venable

This hearty pizza pasta bake is a hit with people of all ages…especially kids! Have them help you make this!

Ingredients

  • 1 (16-oz) box uncooked penne
  • 1/2 lb mild Italian sausage
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 (24-oz) jar marinara sauce
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chopped pepperoni
  • 1/4 cup chopped ham
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 3/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 2.5-qt baking dish. Set aside.
Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
Cook and crumble the Italian sausage and onion in a large skillet over medium heat until the sausage is evenly cooked and the onion is tender. Drain the grease.
Mix the sausage and onion, marinara, cream, pepperoni, ham, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder in a very large bowl. Add the cooked pasta and toss until evenly coated. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
Cover and bake the casserole for 30 minutes. Remove the cover, top with the cheeses, and continue baking for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is lightly browned. Sprinkle the fresh parsley on top, if desired.

Cook's Notes

Feel free to use any (or multiple) types of small pasta.This is a great casserole to bake and freeze. You can pull it out on one of those ‘no-time-to-cook’ nights during the week and reheat from frozen.

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