Pepperoni Pasta Bake
Ingredients
- 1 lb. dry pasta of your choice
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- half a white onion
finely diced
- 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
- 4 cloves garlic
minced
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 can diced tomatoes
drained, 15 oz.
- 2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese
divided
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- about 30 pepperonis
sliced into halves
- optional toppings: chopped fresh basil or Italian parsley
shaved Parmesan cheese
Directions
- 1
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- 2
Cook pasta in generously-salted water until al dente according to package instructions.
- 3
While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and saute for 5 minutes, until it is cooked and translucent. Add the garlic and oregano and cook for 1 minute more, stirring occasionally, until the garlic is fragrant. Remove from heat.
- 4
Once the pasta is finished cooking, drain the water and return the pasta back to the pot. Stir in the garlic/onion mixture, the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Mozzarella (reserve a small handful of the cheese for the topping), Parmesan and pepperonis. Mix until well-blended.
- 5
Transfer the pasta to a greased baking dish, and then sprinkle the remaining Mozzarella cheese on top. Bake uncovered for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and starts to brown around the edges.
- 6
Serve immediately.
Pepperoni Pasta Bake
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 5 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Looking for a fuss-free dinner that brings big flavor and satisfies everyone at the table? This Pepperoni Pasta Bake is your answer, delivering ultimate comfort in a simple, inexpensive dish that’s perfect for any weeknight or gathering.
What makes this bake a standout is its clever use of everyday ingredients to build layers of savory taste. The aromatic foundation of finely diced white onion and minced garlic, combined with fragrant dried oregano, creates a deeply flavorful base for the rich marinara and diced tomatoes. This recipe transforms humble pantry staples into a guaranteed crowd-pleaser without any fuss.
Prepare for a hearty, savory dish with a wonderful interplay of textures. You'll find tender pasta enveloped in a robust tomato sauce, bursting with the herby notes of oregano and the pungent warmth of garlic. Each bite offers delightful pockets of melted, bubbly Mozzarella and sharp Parmesan cheese, all punctuated by the salty, slightly spicy kick of halved pepperoni. It's truly a comforting experience, straightforward to prepare, leaving you with more time to enjoy your meal.
This Pepperoni Pasta Bake is wonderfully adaptable to your pantry and preferences. For a vegetarian twist, simply omit the pepperoni and perhaps add some sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to the sauce. You can also vary the pasta shape—penne, ziti, or rotini all work beautifully. If you enjoy extra zest, a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or Italian parsley on top can brighten the flavors, and a finishing touch of shaved Parmesan adds a gourmet flourish.
Serve this satisfying bake warm, fresh from the oven, as a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or some crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.