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Irresistible Pizza Casserole Recipe Easy Cheesy Comfort Bake

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A quick and easy cheesy pizza casserole that combines gooey cheese, savory marinara sauce, and tender pasta for a comforting and crowd-pleasing meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340g) pasta (penne or rotini works great)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups (480ml) marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese (whole milk mozzarella preferred)
  • ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup (100g) cooked pepperoni slices or chopped Italian sausage (optional)
  • ½ cup (60g) sliced black olives (optional)
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend (or mix of basil, oregano, and thyme)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your 9×13 casserole dish lightly with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces (340g) of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 9-11 minutes). Drain well and set aside.
  3. While pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, but not browned.
  4. Add 2 cups (480ml) marinara sauce to the skillet along with 1 teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using), salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Stir and simmer gently for 5 minutes.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, toss the drained pasta with the warm sauce until evenly coated.
  6. Fold in 1 cup (100g) pepperoni or cooked sausage if using, plus ½ cup (60g) sliced black olives. Then add 1½ cups (150g) shredded mozzarella and ¼ cup (25g) Parmesan, reserving the rest of the cheese for topping.
  7. Pour the pasta mixture into your greased casserole dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup (50g) mozzarella and ¼ cup (25g) Parmesan on top.
  8. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown in spots.
  9. Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes after baking. Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley if desired before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; it should be al dente as it continues cooking in the oven. Simmer sauce to bloom herbs for better flavor. Tent casserole with foil if cheese browns too quickly. Let casserole rest 5 minutes before serving for easier slicing. For gluten-free, substitute pasta with gluten-free variety. For vegetarian, omit meat and add sautéed vegetables.

Nutrition

Keywords: pizza casserole, cheesy casserole, easy dinner, comfort food, pasta bake, weeknight meal, family dinner

Find it online: https://pokirecipes.com/irresistible-pizza-casserole-recipe-easy-cheesy-comfort-bake/