Easy Pizza Pasta Recipe
This super easy pizza pasta recipe is perfect for busy weeknights! It takes just 30 minutes to make and uses simple ingredients—most of which you likely already have on hand. Plus, you can add any of your favorite pizza toppings!
If you’re looking for the perfect homemade-from-scratch weeknight supper, this is the recipe for you! Honestly, this easy pizza pasta takes home cooking to the next level.
Not only is it delicious, but it’s also sure to be a hit with the whole family. It uses basic ingredients, is made completely from scratch, and can even be a one-pot meal!
I love to serve this recipe as an alternative to homemade pizza on our weekly pizza night. Don’t get me wrong—I love making homemade pizza, and my easy pizza crust recipes are something I’m really proud of. But like most of us, I don’t always have time to make it.
Some days are busier than others, and when I’m looking for something quick, simple, delicious, and still home-cooked, this recipe is one of my favorites!
Featuring homemade pizza sauce, perfectly al dente pasta, and melty cheese, this dish is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it.
And not only is this pizza pasta perfect for busy weeknights, but it’s also great for dinner parties, potlucks, and last-minute get-togethers. Plus, you can add any of your favorite pizza toppings.
If you’re looking to add more easy, from-scratch dinner recipes to your menu this year, this pizza pasta is a great starting place!
Easy Pizza Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- Pasta of choice (I recommend using a short pasta like penne or rotini, but feel free to use your favorite shape!)
- Olive oil
- Fresh garlic, minced
- Dried basil
- Dried oregano
- Thyme
- Crushed tomatoes
- Sugar
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Pepperoni slices (regular and mini pepperoni both work great!)
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
Optional toppings/mix-ins:
- Green peppers
- Black olives
- Ground beef
- Red pepper flakes
- Red onions
- Bell peppers
- Spicy Italian sausage
- Artichoke hearts
- Fresh tomatoes
- Ricotta cheese
- Green onions
- Fresh basil
- Ground sausage
How To Make Pizza Pasta
Bring a large pot of water to a boil, and cook the pasta to al dente according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water. Drain the pasta, rinse under cold water to prevent sticking, and set aside until ready to use.
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and spices, and cook until fragrant. Add the crushed tomatoes, pasta water, and sugar, and cook, stirring often, until slightly thickened—about 5–10 minutes.
While the sauce is thickening, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a small skillet. Add the breadcrumbs and toast over medium heat until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Once the tomato sauce has thickened, add the noodles and pepperoni. Stir to combine and cook until just heated through. Then, add the Parmesan cheese and ½ cup of the mozzarella cheese. Stir until melted.
Once the pasta is hot, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella on top, followed by the toasted breadcrumbs.
Enjoy with a side of garlic bread and your favorite salad!
Recipe Notes
Leftover pizza pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in an oven-safe baking dish at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes.
For an even easier version, swap out the homemade sauce ingredients for your favorite pre-made pizza sauce or marinara sauce. Add 1–2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning, your favorite pasta, pepperoni, and cheese. Heat until hot and enjoy!
Be Sure To Check Out These Great Pasta Recipes, Too!
The Best Homemade Mac & Cheese
Creamy Miso Carrot Pasta Sauce
Easy Cauliflower Alfredo Sauce Recipe
Easy Pizza Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 lb. pasta of choice (I recommend using a short pasta like penne or rotini, but feel free to use your favorite shape!)
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp Dried basil
- 2 tsp Dried oregano
- 2 tsp Thyme
- 1 28-oz can Crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp white sugar OR cane sugar
- sea salt & freshly ground black pepper
- 3/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2-1 cup Pepperoni slices regular and mini pepperoni both work great!
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil, and cook the pasta to al dente according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water. Drain the pasta, rinse under cold water to prevent sticking, and set aside until ready to use.
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and spices, and cook until fragrant. Add the crushed tomatoes, pasta water, and sugar, and cook, stirring often, until slightly thickened—about 5–10 minutes.
- While the sauce is thickening, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a small skillet. Add the breadcrumbs and toast over medium heat until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Once the tomato sauce has thickened, add the noodles and pepperoni. Stir to combine and cook until just heated through. Then, add the Parmesan cheese and ½ cup of the mozzarella cheese. Stir until melted.
- Once the pasta is hot, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella on top, followed by the toasted breadcrumbs.
- Enjoy with a side of garlic bread and your favorite salad!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
