There’s something incredibly comforting about a dish that combines melty cheese, zesty pepperoni, and perfectly cooked pasta all baked together in one pan. This Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe is exactly that kind of soul-satisfying meal — it’s like a warm hug on a plate, where every bite bursts with rich flavors and cozy textures. Whether you’re making dinner for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend treat, this dish comes together with simple ingredients and delivers an unforgettable experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing this Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe. Each item plays its role perfectly—from the tender penne that holds all the saucy goodness, to the combination of cheeses that create a golden, bubbly crust; every component adds flavor, richness, or that perfect hint of spice.
- 12 ounces penne pasta: Penne is ideal because its tube shape catches the sauce perfectly.
- 2 cups marinara sauce: Brings vibrant tomato flavor and a touch of sweetness to the dish.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce creamy and indulgent without overpowering the spices.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A classic blend that adds earthy herbs to balance the tomato and cream.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Provides a mellow garlic flavor without the risk of burning fresh garlic.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Perfect for adding a little kick if you like heat.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella melts beautifully, creating that irresistibly gooey texture.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty depth for contrast.
- 1 1/2 cups sliced pepperoni (divided): The star ingredient that brings savory, spicy bites throughout.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps gently flavor the sauce base and prevent sticking.
- salt and pepper to taste: Essential for bringing all the flavors together.
- chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh burst of color and mild herbal notes at the end.
How to Make Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Start by boiling the penne pasta in salted water until it’s just al dente—firm but tender to the bite. This is important because the pasta will cook a little more in the oven later. Drain it and set it aside to keep the texture just right.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then stir in the marinara sauce along with heavy cream, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Let this simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend into a smooth, luscious sauce base that will coat the pasta beautifully.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Cheese
Add the cooked penne to the skillet and stir until each piece is well coated with that rich sauce. Then fold in 1 cup of mozzarella, 1/4 cup Parmesan, and half of the sliced pepperoni. Give everything a gentle stir so the cheese starts melting and the pepperoni infuses its spicy goodness throughout.
Step 4: Assemble the Bake
Transfer this saucy, cheesy pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella, Parmesan, and sliced pepperoni evenly over the top. This will create a beautifully golden and bubbly crust during baking that’s impossible to resist.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered at 375°F for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and turning golden brown on top. Once it’s out of the oven, allow it to rest for about 5 minutes—this helps the dish set slightly so servings hold together better and the flavors meld perfectly.
How to Serve Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley is a simple yet elegant garnish for this dish. It adds a pop of vibrant green that brightens the rich colors, along with a subtle herbal touch that complements the garlic and Italian seasoning.
Side Dishes
This pasta bake is pretty hearty on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables balances out the richness while adding freshness and crunch. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is also wonderful to mop up any leftover sauce on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to elevate the presentation for guests, serve the bake in individual ramekins or small casserole dishes. You can also sprinkle extra Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil just before serving to impress with that glossy finish and extra cheesy aroma.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your meal, simply cover any leftover Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe with foil or store in an airtight container and refrigerate. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or next-day lunches.
Freezing
This bake freezes nicely, too. Just portion it out into freezer-safe containers before baking or after it’s cooled down completely. Frozen pasta bake can be stored for up to 2 months and ready to warm whenever you need a comforting meal.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, usually 15 to 20 minutes, to keep that cheesy top from drying out. You can also microwave portions, but covering them will help retain moisture and prevent the pasta from getting tough.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne works best thanks to its saucy traps, rigatoni, ziti, or even rotini would work very well if you prefer those shapes or have them on hand.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Definitely! The creamy cheese and mild tomato sauce combined with familiar pepperoni make it a kid-friendly favorite, and you can adjust the spice level by omitting the red pepper flakes.
Can I add vegetables to the Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe?
Yes, you can customize it by adding sautéed onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrients and flavor. Just cook them before mixing with the pasta to soften them nicely.
What is a good substitute for heavy cream?
If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk with a small amount of butter to mimic the richness, though the sauce might be a bit lighter in texture.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
With some ingredient swaps—like using dairy-free cheese alternatives and coconut cream—you can adapt this bake to be dairy-free, but the flavor and texture will be slightly different from the classic version.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a meal that combines ease, comfort, and incredible flavor, this Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe is a total winner. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or simply treating yourself to a cheesy, saucy indulgence that feels like home. Go ahead and give it a try—you’ll be adding this one to your regular rotation in no time!
Print
Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Pepperoni Pasta Bake is a delicious and comforting American main course dish featuring penne pasta cooked al dente and combined with a creamy marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and generous amounts of mozzarella, Parmesan, and pepperoni. Baked until bubbly and golden, it’s the perfect cheesy casserole ideal for a family-friendly dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Cheese and Meat
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups sliced pepperoni (divided)
Other Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F to ensure it’s ready for baking the pasta dish later.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the penne pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside to keep warm.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the marinara sauce, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir and let it simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet and toss to coat thoroughly with the creamy tomato sauce.
- Add Cheese and Pepperoni: Stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan, and 1 cup of the sliced pepperoni. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Evenly top with the remaining mozzarella, Parmesan, and pepperoni slices.
- Bake: Place the dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- Substitute turkey pepperoni for a lighter, lower-fat version.
- Add sautéed onions, mushrooms, or bell peppers to increase the vegetable content and add extra flavor.
