Pepperoni Pizza Party Pasta Bake (Easy Weeknight Dinner Recipe!)

Recipes

April 9, 2025

dessert
one -pot dinners
family dinners
Welcome to Holly B —where homemade meals, family traditions, and cozy home inspiration come together.
 HOlly B.

Pizza night just got a seriously delicious makeover! If you’re looking for a fun, cheesy twist on two classic family favorites, this Pepperoni Pizza Party Pasta is about to become your new go-to. It’s got all the bold flavors of your favorite pepperoni pizza—melty mozzarella, savory marinara, crispy pepperoni—but without the crust. Just pure, ooey-gooey pasta goodness in every bite.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just want something cozy and crave-worthy for a weeknight dinner, this easy pizza pasta bake is here to save the day. Bonus? It’s kid-approved, ultra comforting, and made with just a handful of ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Pepperoni Pizza Pasta Bake

  • Quick and easy – Ready in under 30 minutes!
  • Minimal ingredients – Simple pantry staples you already have.
  • Family favorite – Loved by kids and adults alike.
  • Perfect for pizza lovers – All the flavors of pizza in pasta form!

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 12 ounces ditalini pasta (or any small pasta shape)
  • 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup sliced pepperoni
  • Fresh basil, for garnish
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Want to make it a little healthier? Swap the pepperoni for turkey pepperoni or add in some sautéed veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms!

How to Make Pizza Pasta (Step-by-Step)

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ditalini pasta until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and return to the pot.

2. Add the Sauce

Pour in the marinara sauce and stir to coat the pasta evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Cheese + Pepperoni Time

Transfer the pasta to an oven-safe dish (or keep it in your oven-safe pot). Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese over the top. Add a layer of sliced pepperoni.

4. Bake It

Bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

5. Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven, top with fresh basil, and serve hot. Get ready for all the pizza-pasta praise!

Tips & Variations

  • Make it spicy – Add red pepper flakes or spicy pepperoni.
  • Meat lover’s version – Toss in cooked sausage or ground beef.
  • Vegetarian twist – Skip the pepperoni and load up on mushrooms, olives, and bell peppers.

How to Store Leftovers

Let your pasta cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave or oven until warm and gooey again.

Perfect For:

  • Pizza night with a twist
  • Easy weeknight family dinners
  • Game day meals
  • Potlucks and casual gatherings

Tried this Pepperoni Pizza Party Pasta? Let me know how it turned out in the comments! And if you made your own fun spin on it, I’d love to hear that too. Tag me on Instagram so I can see your delicious creation!

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