Easy Pizza Pasta
Rose Lemere
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!
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 4
Calories 830 kcal
- 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
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!
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!
Calories: 830kcalCarbohydrates: 104gProtein: 29gFat: 33gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 16gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 47mgSodium: 709mgPotassium: 416mgFiber: 5gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 370IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 347mgIron: 4mg
Keyword one-pot meal, pepperoni, pizza, weeknight recipes