The Best Pasta Pizza Casserole Recipe – Baked Pasta Pizza Hut Style

Introduction

Ever wondered what would happen if you combined the best of pizza and pasta into one irresistible dish? Enter the pasta pizza casserole, a heavenly fusion that delivers the rich, cheesy flavors of pizza with the heartiness of baked pasta. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or whenever you’re craving something truly comforting.

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With a crispy, cheesy topping and a saucy, meaty, or veggie-packed filling, this baked pasta pizza hut-inspired casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. In this guide, you’ll learn everything about making this dish from scratch—ingredients, step-by-step instructions, expert tips, and even variations to suit different tastes.

So, are you ready to dive into the best pasta pizza casserole recipe ever? Let’s get started!

What is Pasta Pizza Casserole?

Imagine a dish where cheesy baked pasta meets the rich flavors of pizza—that’s exactly what a pasta pizza casserole is! This dish takes cooked pasta, coats it in a flavorful pizza-style sauce, mixes it with toppings like pepperoni, sausage, or veggies, and bakes it to gooey perfection with layers of melted cheese.

Essentially, it’s like having a deep-dish pizza and baked pasta in one bite! It’s a fantastic meal that combines two of the most loved Italian-American dishes into a single, easy-to-make recipe.

Why You’ll Love This pasta pizza casserole Recipe

• Super Easy to Make – Just toss everything together, bake, and enjoy!
• Perfect for Meal Prep – Make it ahead of time and reheat throughout the week.
• Customizable – Add your favorite pizza toppings for a personalized touch.
• Great for Families – Kids and adults alike love this dish.
• Tastes Like Baked Pasta Pizza Hut Style – A homemade version of a restaurant favorite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make the perfect pasta pizza casserole, gather the following ingredients:

For the Base:

• 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni work best)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage for more flavor)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

For the Sauce:

• 2 cups pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for spice)

For the Toppings:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 20 slices pepperoni
• ½ cup sliced black olives (optional)
• ½ cup green bell peppers, chopped
• ½ cup mushrooms, sliced

For Garnishing:

• 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
• ½ tsp dried oregano

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for pasta pizza casserole Recipe

1. Cook the Pasta

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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente (about 1-2 minutes less than package instructions). Drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

2. Prepare the Meat and Sauce

• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• Add ground beef (or sausage) and cook until browned. Drain excess grease.
• Stir in chopped onions and garlic, cooking until fragrant.
• Add pizza sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes.

3. Combine Pasta and Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the sauce mixture. Toss well to coat evenly.

4. Assemble the Casserole

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half the pasta mixture.
• Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
• Add the remaining pasta and top with the rest of the cheese.

5. Add Toppings and Bake

• Arrange pepperoni slices, black olives, bell peppers, and mushrooms on top.
• Sprinkle with dried oregano for extra flavor.
• Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

6. Serve and Enjoy! pasta pizza casserole Recipe

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.

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The Best Pasta Pizza Casserole Recipe – Baked Pasta Pizza Hut Style

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cooking

A delicious pasta pizza casserole that combines the best flavors of pizza and baked pasta in one cheesy, flavorful dish. Perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or meal prep!

4 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian-American Fusion

Servings 6 portions

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• 9×13-inch Baking Dish
• Large Pot
• Skillet
• Mixing Bowls
• Wooden Spoon

Ingredients

  

For the Pasta

• 12 oz penne pasta or rigatoni, cooked al dente
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce and Filling

• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 small onion finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 cups pizza sauce store-bought or homemade
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional

For the Toppings

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 20 slices pepperoni or preferred toppings
• 1/2 cup sliced black olives optional
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1/2 cup mushrooms sliced, optional

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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• Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and toss with 1 tbsp olive oil to prevent sticking.
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• In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
• Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
• Stir in the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes.
• Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce mixture and mix well.
• Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
• Add the remaining pasta and top with the rest of the cheese, pepperoni, black olives, bell peppers, and mushrooms.
• Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
• Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
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Video

Notes

For a vegetarian version, substitute meat with plant-based sausage or extra vegetables. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Keyword Baked Pasta Pizza Hut, Cheesy Pizza Casserole, Easy Pizza Pasta Bake, Pasta Pizza Casserole

Tips for the Best Pasta Pizza Casserole

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh herbs and quality cheese make a big difference.
• Don’t Overcook Pasta – It will continue cooking in the oven.
• Customize Toppings – Use your favorite pizza toppings like jalapeños or bacon.
• Layer Cheese Properly – Cheese inside and on top makes it extra gooey.

Variations to Try

• Meat Lovers: Add cooked bacon, ham, and extra sausage.
• Veggie Delight: Load up with spinach, cherry tomatoes, and zucchini.
• Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños and extra red pepper flakes.
• Low-Carb Option: Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of pasta.

How to Store and Reheat

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe dish.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes or microwave for 2 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
• Serve with garlic bread or breadsticks.
• Enjoy with a glass of red wine for an Italian-style dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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