If you’re dreaming of a dish that’s pure comfort with a dash of pizzazz, let me introduce you to Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake. Imagine twirly penne noodles swirled in a rich, creamy marinara sauce, layered generously with oozy mozzarella and cheddar, topped with golden, crisped pepperoni, and crowned with a blanket of Parmesan. This is the kind of meal I make when I want everyone around the table to put their phones down, dig in, and smile all evening. Whether it’s for a Tuesday night family dinner or a weekend potluck, this recipe earns me high-fives every time and proves you don’t need to fuss for fantastic flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of my favorite things about this Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake is how something so impressive comes together with simple, familiar ingredients. Each one brings something special to the table, balancing creamy, zesty, and savory flavors that just work beautifully in one big bubbling pan.
- Penne pasta: The ridged shape cradles that velvety sauce perfectly—don’t swap this out unless you have to!
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: This classic pizza cheese melts like a dream, giving you all those irresistible cheesy pulls.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a bit of sharpness and tang, which keeps the flavors interesting and bold.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: A finishing sprinkle for salty, nutty depth on top—don’t skip it if you love that crusty, golden crown.
- Marinara sauce: The soul of the bake; pick a jar you love, or go homemade if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Heavy cream: A splash transforms the sauce into a rich, luxurious blanket for every noodle.
- Italian seasoning: This blend brings all those classic herbaceous notes right into the heart of the dish.
- Garlic powder: Just the right amount for a gentle garlicky warmth underpinning every bite.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): A sneaky spark of heat, if you like a little kick!
- Sliced pepperoni: Spicy, crispy edges and loads of flavor—this is what makes everyone reach for seconds.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for fine-tuning all the flavors, so season to your taste.
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional): A pop of color and freshness that makes the bake look (and taste) restaurant-worthy.
How to Make Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake
Step 1: Boil and Prep the Pasta
Bring a big pot of water to a boil and add a generous pinch of salt—it should taste a bit like the sea. Toss in your penne and cook it just until al dente (that perfect, slightly firm bite), according to the package instructions. Drain well and set it aside; you’ll want every piece primed to soak up that creamy, flavorful sauce.
Step 2: Whip Up the Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, pour in your marinara sauce and heavy cream. Add the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes (if you’re feeling spicy), plus a pinch each of salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir until the mixture is beautifully blended and has a pretty, blushing color. This is the foundation of Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake’s lusciousness!
Step 3: Mix Pasta and Cheese
Gently fold your cooked penne into the sauce, followed by half of the shredded mozzarella and cheddar. Sprinkle in half the pepperoni slices, and mix until all the nooks and crannies of pasta are coated and studded with savory bits. Every spoonful should be a cheesy, meaty celebration.
Step 4: Layer and Assemble in the Baking Dish
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish (trust me—you’ll thank yourself later during cleanup) and pour in the pasta mixture. Smooth it out evenly. Now comes the best part: top with the rest of your mozzarella, cheddar, all the Parmesan, and the remaining pepperoni. This top layer is where that epic cheesy crust happens.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
Into the oven it goes! Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is gloriously golden and bubbling. Let it rest for about 5 minutes once it’s out—the anticipation is tough, but it helps everything set and makes serving easy. If you’re feeling fancy, shower the top with chopped basil or parsley for an extra pop. And just like that, Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake is ready to wow!
How to Serve Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake
Garnishes
There’s nothing quite like a fresh finishing touch to make your Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake look (and taste) extra special. Scatter over some chopped basil for a slightly sweet, peppery fragrance or sprinkle with fresh parsley for a classic, herbaceous lift. If you love a bit of heat, a few extra red pepper flakes on top are always welcome.
Side Dishes
This hearty bake is a superstar on its own, but pairing it with a crisp, simple green salad tossed in tangy vinaigrette balances the richness beautifully. Garlic bread or buttery breadsticks are always a hit for scooping up every last trace of sauce. For a lighter pairing, try roasted broccoli or green beans for color and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For family dinners or parties, serve Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake straight from the bubbling dish at the center of your table. To switch things up, scoop the bake into individual ramekins before topping and baking for a personalized touch. You can even serve leftovers in a toasted hoagie roll and broil for a gooey, irresistible pasta sandwich!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), let the bake cool fully, then spoon it into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors only get cozier as they sit together, making next-day lunches (or midnight snacks) something to look forward to.
Freezing
This Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake freezes like a dream. Cool the assembled or baked casserole, wrap tightly or use freezer-friendly containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze before the final baking step and add an extra 10 to 15 minutes to bake from frozen.
Reheating
To revive all that melty magic, reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven covered with foil until heated through. You can also zap individual servings in the microwave—just add a splash of water or sauce and cover loosely so everything stays moist and delicious.
FAQs
Can I make Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble everything up to the point of baking, then refrigerate, tightly covered, for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes and bake as usual—perfect for busy weekdays or entertaining.
Can I use a different type Main Course
Definitely. While penne is my go-to for those sturdy tubes, rigatoni, ziti, or even rotini work great. Just aim for a pasta shape that holds sauce well, and adjust the cooking time if needed.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Simply swap regular pepperoni for a plant-based alternative, or skip it altogether for a classic cheese pasta bake experience. You’ll still have all the gooey richness and flavorful sauce!
Is there a lighter version of Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake?
For a lighter take, use turkey pepperoni, part-skim cheeses, and even substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream. You’ll still end up with a super satisfying, cheesy bake with a bit less richness.
What other mix-ins can I add?
This bake is incredibly versatile. Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, or even cooked ground beef or sausage for more flavor and nutrition. The beauty of Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake is making it your own!
Final Thoughts
If you need a meal that brings everyone running to the table, you can’t go wrong with this Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake. It’s cozy, crowd-pleasing, and just plain fun to make. Give it a try, and watch it become an instant favorite in your home too!
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Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a family dinner. Layers of penne pasta, marinara sauce, three types of cheese, and pepperoni are baked until bubbly and golden brown.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 oz penne pasta
Cheese Mixture:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Sauce:
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Toppings:
- 6 oz sliced pepperoni
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook Pasta: Cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, mix marinara sauce, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir in cooked pasta, half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese, and half of the pepperoni.
- Assemble and Bake: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Top with remaining cheeses and pepperoni. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown. Rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with basil or parsley.
Notes
- For a meatier version, add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage.
- Use turkey or plant-based pepperoni for a lighter/vegetarian option.
- This dish can be assembled ahead and baked later.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of bake
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 940mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
