Easy One Pan Pizza Pasta Bake Recipe with Fresh Basil

Craving the comforting flavors of pizza but short on time? This One Pan Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Pasta Bake is here to save the day! Combining the best parts of a classic pepperoni pizza—crispy edges, gooey cheese, and zesty tomato sauce—with al dente pasta, this dish satisfies your cravings in under an hour. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, it’s a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal cleanup (hello, one-pan wonder!). Plus, fresh basil adds a fragrant touch that elevates every bite. Ready to turn dinner into a cheesy masterpiece? Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy : With just one pan and simple steps, you can have dinner ready in no time.
Family-Friendly : Who doesn’t love pizza and pasta? Kids and adults alike will devour this dish.
Customizable : Swap out ingredients like veggies or protein to suit your taste preferences.
Minimal Cleanup : Fewer dishes mean more time enjoying your meal—and less stress afterward.

Ingredients

(Serves 4-6)

8 oz (225g) penne pasta (or any short pasta shape)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup sliced pepperoni (store-bought or homemade)
1 (24 oz/680g) jar marinara sauce (or homemade if preferred)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional, for heat)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat Your Oven : Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish.
Cook the Pasta : Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics : In the same skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté the onions until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add Sauce & Seasoning : Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and red chili flakes (if using). Mix well and let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Combine Ingredients : Add the cooked pasta, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan to the skillet. Toss everything together until evenly coated. Top with remaining cheeses and scatter pepperoni slices across the surface.
Bake Until Golden : Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Garnish & Serve : Remove from the oven and sprinkle fresh basil over the top. Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings

This recipe serves 4-6 people, making it ideal for family dinners or gatherings.

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

25 minutes

Nutrition Balance Score

Nutrition Information

This dish provides a balanced mix of carbs, protein, and healthy fats while offering plenty of flavor without being overly heavy. For a lighter version, opt for whole-grain pasta and reduced-fat cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use other types of pasta?
A: Absolutely! Penne works great, but you can also use fusilli, rigatoni, or even macaroni.

Q: Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
A: Not as written, due to the pepperoni. However, you can easily omit it or replace it with sautéed mushrooms or spinach.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble everything except the final layer of cheese and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake as directed.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

Other Meatless Dinner Options to Try

Spinach Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Veggie-Packed Lentil Bolognese
Creamy Mushroom Risotto
Zucchini Noodle Lasagna

Tips for Cooking Perfect One-Pan Meals

Use an oven-safe skillet for seamless transitions between stovetop and oven.
Don’t overcrowd the pan; give each ingredient room to shine.
Always preheat your oven to ensure even cooking.
Experiment with spices to tailor the dish to your liking.

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