If you love the gooey cheese, hearty sauce, and irresistible flavors of pizza as much as I do, you absolutely need to try this One-Pot Pizza Pasta! This genius dish captures all the best parts of your favorite slice and turns it into a comforting, cheesy pasta that cooks up beautifully in just one pot. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a weeknight or craving something exciting but easy for dinner, One-Pot Pizza Pasta brings together everything magical about pizza and pasta in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a handful of simple, everyday ingredients can come together to create such a crave-worthy meal! Each component adds something special, from robust flavor to creamy meltiness, so don’t skimp on these essentials.
- Olive oil: Adds a rich base for browning your meat and onions while lending classic Italian flavor.
- Italian sausage or ground beef: Brings meaty depth and hearty texture to every bite; sausage adds a boost of spice if you like a little kick!
- Onion: Diced onion gets sweet and savory as it softens, balancing the tangy sauce.
- Garlic: A must in any Italian-inspired dish for that unmistakable aroma and flavor.
- Tomato sauce: Provides rich, smooth body to the pasta sauce, making everything extra luscious.
- Diced tomatoes: Adds little bursts of juicy tomato and a touch of texture.
- Italian seasoning: Ties it all together with herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme—just like your favorite pizza!
- Salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes (optional): The salinity and spice round out all the flavors; red pepper flakes are great for heat-lovers.
- Water or low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps everything moist, lets the pasta cook right in the sauce, and helps meld the flavors.
- Short pasta (penne or rotini): The perfect shape to catch all that cheesy, meaty sauce in every bite!
- Pepperoni: The unmistakable pizza topping that adds smokiness, color, and a hint of green pepper flavor.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts into heavenly, stretchy pools and makes the whole pot extra comforting.
- Parmesan cheese: Brings a sharp, salty finish that beautifully balances the dish.
- Fresh basil or parsley: Sprinkled on top for a burst of freshness and color—you eat with your eyes, too!
How to Make One-Pot Pizza Pasta
Step 1: Sauté the Meat and Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add in your sausage or ground beef along with the diced onion. Let these sizzle together, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until the onion is translucent and the meat is browned, about 5–6 minutes. If your meat releases a lot of excess fat, give it a quick drain to keep the dish from getting greasy.
Step 2: Add the Garlic
Toss in the minced garlic and stir for about a minute, just until fragrant. This is where everything starts smelling like your favorite slice of pizza—don’t skip it!
Step 3: Build the Pizza Sauce
Pour in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes, then sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like things spicy. Add the water or chicken broth and stir to combine all those deep, savory flavors into a single, glorious sauce.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta Right in the Pot
Stir in the uncooked penne or rotini. Bump up the heat to bring everything to a boil, then reduce it to medium-low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 12–15 minutes, giving it a quick stir now and then, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened to perfection. This step is pure magic: your pasta soaks up all that pizza flavor as it cooks!
Step 5: Add Pepperoni and Cheese
Now for the moment that makes One-Pot Pizza Pasta completely irresistible: stir in the pepperoni slices and half of the shredded mozzarella. Then, scatter the rest of the mozzarella and all the Parmesan over the top. Cover again and let it cook for just 2–3 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly, melted, and begging to be scooped onto your plate.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Turn off the heat and garnish the dish with a shower of fresh basil or parsley for that final pop of color and brightness. Your One-Pot Pizza Pasta is ready to make you smile!
How to Serve One-Pot Pizza Pasta
Garnishes
For a finishing flourish, sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over the top. A little extra Parmesan is always welcome, and if you want the real pizzeria experience, try a light sprinkle of red pepper flakes or thinly sliced green onions.
Side Dishes
Keep it classic with warm, crusty garlic bread or a crisp Caesar salad. Both balance the richness of the dish and make the whole meal feel like a cozy night out at your favorite Italian-American spot. You could even serve it with roasted veggies—think broccoli or zucchini—for more color and balance on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For fun twists, spoon One-Pot Pizza Pasta into mini cast iron skillets or ramekins to create individual “pizza bakes.” If you’re hosting a crowd, top the pasta with extra pepperoni coins in the center for a “pizza pie” look, or bake under the broiler for a bubbly, golden finish. Let everyone top their own bowl with favorite pizza fixings—think black olives, roasted red peppers, or even a drizzle of hot honey!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover One-Pot Pizza Pasta is a dream for next-day lunches. Cool any extras quickly and transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3–4 days and taste just as delicious as the night you made it—maybe even more, because the flavors meld together!
Freezing
This dish freezes surprisingly well. Scoop cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, label, and freeze for up to 2 months. When thawing, let it defrost in the fridge overnight for the best texture, or use your microwave’s defrost setting if you’re in a rush.
Reheating
To reheat, pop a serving in the microwave, covered, for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating. Or, if you prefer the stovetop, warm it gently over low heat with a splash of water or broth to revive the sauciness. You can even broil leftovers with a sprinkle of cheese for that fresh-from-the-oven vibe.
FAQs
Can I customize One-Pot Pizza Pasta with different pizza toppings?
Absolutely! Treat this recipe as a blank canvas for your favorite pizza add-ins. Try mushrooms, sliced bell peppers, black olives, or even cooked bacon. Just add them along with the pepperoni towards the end so they stay bright and flavorful.
What kind of pasta works best for this recipe?
Short, sturdy shapes like penne or rotini are ideal because they hold onto the sauce and cheese. But don’t be afraid to experiment—fusilli, cavatappi, or elbows would be great too! Just check for doneness as cooking times may vary slightly.
Is it possible to make One-Pot Pizza Pasta vegetarian?
Absolutely! Use a meatless sausage or simply omit the meat entirely and increase the amount of your favorite veggies. You can even add a can of drained chickpeas for some extra protein and substance.
Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes! Just swap in your favorite gluten-free short pasta. Be sure to check it early for doneness and add a little extra liquid if it seems to be absorbing too quickly, as gluten-free noodles can cook differently.
How do I keep the pasta from sticking or burning on the bottom?
Two tips: give your One-Pot Pizza Pasta a good stir every few minutes as it simmers, and make sure there’s enough liquid in the pot. Adjust the heat to keep the sauce bubbling gently but not furiously—this keeps everything cooking evenly.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried blending your pizza and pasta cravings into one super-satisfying dinner, now’s your chance! One-Pot Pizza Pasta is weeknight magic—fast, fun, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to win over pizza lovers of all ages. Go ahead, grab your pot and get cooking; I promise, this dish is as much fun to make as it is to eat!
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One-Pot Pizza Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This One-Pot Pizza Pasta is a delightful fusion of pizza flavors in a comforting pasta dish. It’s a quick and easy recipe that the whole family will love, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage or ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
- 12 ounces short pasta (penne or rotini)
Toppings and Garnish:
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the Skillet: Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Cook Meat and Onions: Add the sausage or ground beef and onion. Cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add Flavor: Stir in garlic, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, seasonings, and water/broth.
- Cook Pasta: Stir in uncooked pasta, bring to a boil, then simmer until pasta is tender.
- Finish Dish: Stir in pepperoni and mozzarella. Top with remaining cheese, cover, and cook until melted. Garnish and serve.
Notes
- You can customize with your favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers.
- Use turkey pepperoni or omit for a lighter version.
- Leftovers reheat well and make a great next-day lunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
