Description
This Pepperoni Pasta Bake is a comforting and cheesy American classic that’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. Featuring al dente penne pasta baked with a creamy marinara sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan, and plenty of spicy pepperoni, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s satisfying and flavorful.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Cheese and Toppings
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni (divided)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pasta dish later.
- Cook the pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Prepare the sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinara sauce, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cooking for 2–3 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to fully coat it with the creamy marinara sauce. Stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and half of the sliced pepperoni to incorporate them evenly.
- Assemble the bake: Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Evenly top with the remaining mozzarella cheese, the remaining pepperoni slices, and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and garnish: Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set. If desired, garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute turkey pepperoni or plant-based alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly version.
- Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to the sauce for extra vegetables and nutrition.
- Use a mix of mozzarella and provolone for a different cheesy flavor.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta initially as it will continue cooking in the oven.
