Pizza Pasta Casserole

Pizza Pasta Casserole combines the hearty comfort of pasta with the bold flavors of pizza. This dish features fusilli pasta mixed with savory Italian sausage, diced vegetables, and a rich tomato sauce, all topped with gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Finished with pepperoni, black olives, and oregano, it’s baked to perfection, resulting in a deliciously cheesy, pizza-inspired casserole that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Perfect for a family dinner or a potluck, this casserole is both satisfying and easy to prepare.

Pizza Pasta Casserole

Ingredients:

500g (17.6oz) fusilli pasta

500g (17.6oz) Italian sausage, casing removed and crumbled

2 (400g/380ml) jars Barilla Napoletana sauce

1 onion, diced

1 green pepper, diced

4 tomatoes, diced

400g (14.1oz) shredded mozzarella (divided)

300g (10.6oz) sliced mushrooms

Topping:

Pepperoni (sliced)

Black olives (sliced)

Parmesan cheese

Oregano herbs

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 190°C (375°F) and let it heat up while you prepare the casserole.

Prepare Pasta: Cook the fusilli pasta until it is just underdone. Drain and place it in a large mixing bowl.

Cook Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the crumbled Italian sausage. Once cooked through, drain any excess fat and add it to the bowl with the pasta.

Combine Ingredients: To the pasta and sausage, add the diced green peppers, tomatoes, onions, mushrooms, Barilla Napoletana sauce, and 200g (7oz) of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix everything together until well combined.

Assemble Casserole: Grease a casserole dish with butter or cooking spray. Transfer the pasta mixture into the dish.

Add Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top. Add Parmesan cheese, sliced pepperoni, black olives, and a sprinkle of oregano herbs.

Bake Covered: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned on top.

Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious pizza pasta casserole!

Notes:

Pasta Cooking: Cook the pasta until it’s just under al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy during baking. It will continue to cook as it bakes with the other ingredients.

Italian Sausage: For a spicier kick, use hot Italian sausage instead of mild. If you prefer a leaner option, you can use turkey or chicken sausage.

Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or olives based on your preferences.

Sauce Choice: The Barilla Napoletana sauce is a great choice for a rich tomato flavor, but you can use any marinara or pizza sauce you like.

Cheese Options: You can experiment with different cheeses such as provolone or Gouda for added flavor. Mixing cheeses can also enhance the taste and texture.

Toppings: Customize the toppings according to your taste. For a healthier option, you might skip the pepperoni or use turkey pepperoni.

Baking Tip: If you like a crispier top, you can bake it uncovered for the last 10-15 minutes. Just keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

Storage: This casserole stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake it in the oven until heated through.

Serving Suggestions: Serve the casserole with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Ingredient Adjustments: If you have dietary restrictions, you can adjust the ingredients—use gluten-free pasta, dairy-free cheese, or substitute the sausage with a plant-based alternative.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 8 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer.

Penne, rigatoni, or macaroni would work well.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance.

Just assemble it, cover it tightly, and refrigerate.

When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature before baking.

Can I freeze the casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole.

Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.

To bake from frozen, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 60-75 minutes, or until fully heated through.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute other types of cheese like cheddar, provolone, or a blend of your favorites.

Just make sure the cheese melts well.

Can I use ground beef instead of Italian sausage?

Yes, ground beef can be used.

Season it with Italian seasoning or other spices to mimic the flavor of Italian sausage.

Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.

Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?

To lighten it up, you can use reduced-fat cheese, leaner sausage, or substitute whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.

What can I serve with this casserole?

This casserole pairs well with a simple side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables.

How can I make it spicier?

To add heat, you can include sliced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or use spicy sausage.

Can I use homemade sauce instead of jarred sauce?

Yes, you can use homemade marinara or pizza sauce in place of jarred sauce for a more personalized flavor.