Name: One-Pot Pizza Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 pound Pasta (any short shape); 1 cup Pizza sauce; 1 cup Shredded mozzarella cheese; 0.5 cup Pepperoni slices; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Okay, friends, gather ’round! I’m about to let you in on a little secret weapon in my kitchen: A knife. One-Pot Pizza Pasta Is it like pizza and pasta had a baby, and that baby is the most comforting, ridiculously easy meal? What is the best decision you’ve Think of it as the ultimate weeknight dinner hero. What were the Hamburger Helper commercials growing up? This is that, but a million times better and actually made with real, fresh ingredients. My family begs for this One-Pot Pizza Pasta at least once a week, and honestly, I’m not complaining. Because it requires minimal effort and tastes like a gourmet treat. If you’re craving pizza but also want something warm and comforting like pasta, this is the place to go.

What is a one-pot pizza?

What is a one-pot pizza? What are your favorite pizza toppings? What is the best way to mingle with perfectly cooked pasta in a rich tomatoey sauce? What’s the best thing about cooking in one pot? What’s essentially a pizza-flavored pasta casserole that can be made in about 30 minutes? Is it a weeknight dinner champion? What is the sort of meal that makes you feel good from the inside out? What is the name of a product? What is pizza-inspired pasta?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Where do I start? Why do I love one-pot pizza pasta?

Flavor Explosion:What are some of the best pizza flavors? What are some good flavor combinations: pepperoni, mozzarella, tomato sauce… Is it a symphony of deliciousness What is the essence of a perfect slice of pasta?
Ridiculously easySeriously, dump everything into one pot, stir occasionally, and boom! Dinner is served. What is a lifesaver when you’re short on time and energy? I always do this when I have no idea what to cook!
Budget friendlyWhat are some common ingredients? What are some of the best foods to have in your pantry? What is the best way to feed a family without breaking the bank?
Versatile:Is it possible to customize this to your heart’s content? Add your favorite toppings, swap out the pasta, use different cheeses… Is there an infinite number of possibilities? I like to add a little bit of cream cheese to this dish and it’s delicious!

What I love about this dish is that it satisfies everyone. I’m happy because it’s quick, easy, and tastes like pizza. My kids are happy too. How much pepperoni should I add? Is it incredibly comforting on a cold night? What are some of my go-to recipes for when I need a hug in the bowl?What is a creamy tomato paste?What’s your favorite recipe?

How do I make one-pot pizza?

Quick Overview

How do I make one-pot pizza pasta? What are the ingredients for a pot? Water or broth. Bring it to a boil, then simmer until the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened. What’s a good cheese to make? The beauty of this method is that the pasta absorbs all the flavors as it cooks, resulting in a delicious pasta dish. What are some of the most delicious and intensely flavored dishes? Is it so easy to cook?

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite short pasta shape) – I like pen because it holds its shape. Is it a good shape? What are some good alternatives to rotini?

For the Sauce:

1 can crushed tomatoes – Don’t skimp on the quality here! What makes a good tomato?
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
I prefer chicken broth for its rich flavor.
1 teaspoon dried oregano. 1 tablespoon crushed
1 teaspoon dried basil per 1 cup.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. 1 teaspoon salt.
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick) – My husband loves a little spice, so I usually add these.
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pizza Toppings: For The Topper

1 cup pepperoni slices, quartered – I always buy the pre-sliced pepper on my sandwich to save time.
1/2 cup chopped onion – Red or yellow onion works great.
1/2 cup chopped bell pepper (any color) – I love using green bell pepper for that classic pizza flavor.
1 cup mozzarella cheese – Freshly grated is always best, but pre-shredded works in a pinch.
What are some great toppings to add to your favorite dish?

What are the steps to

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the pasta, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, water (or broth), oregano, basil, garlic powder, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir to make sure everything is evenly distributed.

Step 2: Add Toppings (Partially)

Stir in half of the pepperoni, onion, and bell pepper. Reserve the remaining toppings for later.

Step 3: Bring to a Boil, Then Simmer

Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the liquid has evaporated. When pasta is cooked through, the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Stir in Cheese and Remaining Toppings

Remove the pot from the heat and stir in about half of the mozzarella cheese. Then, sprinkle the remaining pepperoni, onion, bell pepper, and mozzarella cheese over the top.

Step 5: Melt the Cheese

Cover the pot again and let it sit for a few minutes, or until the cheese is melted and gooey. If you want to make cheese bubbly, pop it under the broiler for a minute or two. What should I do if I want to cook something that is browned?

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious One-Pot Pizza Pasta! Garnish with fresh basil or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired.

What should I serve it with?

What are some good ways to round out a one-pot pizza?

For a simple side:What is a good salad to serve with some olive oil? It adds a bit of crunch to balance out the richness of the pasta.

For Something Heartier: Garlic Bread or cheesy breadsticks are always a hit, especially with kids (and adults!). You can even dip them in the leftover sauce.

For a Light Dessert: A simple fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla Ice Cream would be a perfect way to end the meal.

Family Tradition: My family always has a big bowl of steamed Green Beans with lemon juice alongside this. It’s a weird combo, but it works for us! And I always make sure to have a few bottles of ice-cold sparkling water on hand.

Top Tips for Perfecting Your One-Pot Pizza Pasta

Okay, so here are a few little tricks I’ve learned over the years to make this One-Pot Pizza Pasta even more amazing:

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Nobody likes mushy pasta! Keep a close eye on it and test it for doneness after about 15 minutes. You want it to be al dente, meaning it still has a slight bite to it. It will continue to cook a bit even after you take it off the heat.
Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking: If you prefer a thicker sauce, use less water or broth. If you like it thinner, add a bit more. You can also add a spoonful of tomato paste for a richer, more concentrated flavor.
Get Creative with Toppings: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different pizza toppings! Mushrooms, sausage, olives, artichoke hearts, pineapple (if you’re into that sort of thing!) – the possibilities are endless. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as some toppings may take longer to cook than others. I once tried adding cooked bacon bits at the end and it was a total game-changer!
Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. You can also use spicy sausage or pepperoni for an extra kick.
Cheese, Please!: I always use a generous amount of mozzarella cheese, but you can also add other cheeses like Parmesan, provolone, or cheddar for a different flavor. A blend of cheeses is always a good idea! I buy the brick mozzarella and cut it up so that you have a better cheese pull when serving.
Deglaze the Pot: Before adding the crushed tomatoes and sauce, add a little olive oil and brown the onions, bell peppers, and pepperoni. This helps build flavour and caramelize the veggies.

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you have any leftover One-Pot Pizza Pasta (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to store and reheat it:

Room Temperature: I wouldn’t leave the pasta out at room temperature for more than two hours, tops. Covering it loosely is ok, but bacteria can start to grow pretty quickly, so it’s best to get it into the fridge ASAP.

Refrigerator Storage: Store the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have had time to meld together.

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the pasta. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or in the microwave on the defrost setting. It’s great for meal prepping!

Reheating: To reheat the pasta, you can microwave it, heat it on the stovetop, or bake it in the oven. For the microwave, add a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. For the stovetop, heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. For the oven, bake it at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the pepperoni and add more vegetables. Mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, and artichoke hearts are all great options. You can also use vegetarian sausage or plant-based pepperoni alternatives.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any short pasta shape you like. Penne, rotini, fusilli, and farfalle all work well. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different pasta shapes may require different cooking times. Also I wouldn’t use long pasta types!

Can I add cream cheese?

YES! A dollop of cream cheese at the very end adds so much creaminess and deliciousness. It’s one of my favorite hacks.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

I haven’t tried this personally, but I think it would work. You’d just need to adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly. I’d recommend cooking it on low for 4-6 hours, or until the pasta is cooked through.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

You can, but the sauce will be a bit thinner. You’ll need about 4-5 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes. Simmer the sauce for a bit longer to allow it to thicken.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my go-to One-Pot Pizza Pasta recipe! It’s quick, easy, delicious, and totally customizable. What more could you ask for? I truly hope you give this recipe a try. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a lifesaver on busy weeknights. If you enjoy this recipe, you might also like my One-Pot Mac and Cheese or my One-Pot Chicken and Rice. Both are equally easy and delicious! Happy cooking, friends! And don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how yours turns out. I love hearing your feedback and seeing your creations! Also, if you made any fun alterations or had different veggies, share them with us!

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