Pizza Pasta Bake Cheesy Crowdpleaser (Print Format)
Cheesy pasta loaded with bacon, sausage, pepperoni, and your favorite pizza flavors, ready in under an hour.
# Ingredients:
01 -
6 slices bacon, chopped
02 -
1 pound Italian sausage
03 -
1 green bell pepper, diced
04 -
1/2 cup red onion, diced
05 -
4 garlic cloves, minced
06 -
1 ounce pepperoni slices, plus extra for topping
07 -
6 ounces Canadian bacon, divided in half
08 -
24 ounces jar marinara or pizza sauce
09 -
1/4 cup water (used to rinse sauce jar)
10 -
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
11 -
1/2 teaspoon salt
12 -
1 pound penne pasta, cooked just under al dente
13 -
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
14 -
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
15 -
Red pepper flakes (optional)
# Steps:
01 -
Preheat oven to 400°F.
02 -
Cook bacon in a large skillet until crispy. Set aside and drain the grease.
03 -
Brown the sausage with bell pepper and onion, reserving a spoonful for topping.
04 -
Stir in garlic, pepperoni, and Canadian bacon. Cook for 1 minute.
05 -
Add marinara sauce, water, Italian seasoning, and salt. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
06 -
Stir in cooked pasta and half the bacon.
07 -
Sprinkle Parmesan cheese, then top with 2 1/2 cups of the mozzarella cheese. Add reserved toppings, remaining bacon, and remaining mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes, if using.
08 -
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until bubbly.
09 -
Serve hot and enjoy!
# Tips:
01 -
Cheese swaps: Use provolone, cheddar, or an Italian blend for a new twist.
02 -
Topping ideas: Mushrooms, banana peppers, jalapeños, or even pineapple for a Hawaiian twist!
03 -
Pasta options: Rotini, ziti, rigatoni, or shells work just as well.
04 -
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
05 -
Reheating: Microwave single portions for 1–2 minutes or until hot.
06 -
Make it your own: Swap out meats, add veggies, or drizzle with ranch, hot honey, or extra sauce.