Why This Pizza Pasta Bake Will Become Your New Family Favorite

Imagine the irresistible flavors of your favorite pizza, but in a warm, comforting baked pasta dish – that’s exactly what you get with this fantastic Pizza Pasta Bake! This recipe is a culinary masterpiece that combines the savory goodness of marinara, the satisfying chewiness of pasta, tender chicken, and loads of melted cheese and pepperoni. It’s an ideal meal for busy weeknights when you crave something hearty and satisfying, yet easy to prepare. Whether you’re feeding a small family or hosting a casual dinner, this bake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that delivers big on taste with minimal fuss.

Our goal with this recipe is to provide a straightforward, delicious, and adaptable dish that brings joy to your dinner table. We’ve simplified the steps without compromising on flavor, ensuring that even novice cooks can achieve a show-stopping result. Get ready to ditch the takeout menu because this homemade Pizza Pasta Bake is about to become a staple in your meal rotation!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating this flavorful Pizza Pasta Bake requires a simple list of ingredients, many of which you likely already have in your pantry. We focus on fresh, high-quality components to ensure every bite is bursting with authentic taste. Feel free to adjust quantities based on your preferences, especially when it comes to cheese and pepperoni!

Ingredient Tips: For an even richer flavor, consider using fire-roasted diced tomatoes. When selecting marinara, read labels to avoid added sugars and artificial ingredients. If you prefer spicier notes, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added along with the Italian seasoning. Feel free to use turkey pepperoni for a lighter option or a mix of cheeses like provolone or cheddar for added complexity.

Essential Equipment for Your Pizza Pasta Bake

To prepare this delightful dish, you’ll need a few common kitchen tools. Having these ready before you start will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable:

• Large Baking Dish: A 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish is perfect for this casserole.
• Cutting Board and Sharp Knife: For slicing the chicken breast.
• Large Pot: For boiling the pasta.
• Small Bowl: For mixing the cornstarch slurry.
• Whisk or Spoon: For stirring sauces and combining ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Perfect Pizza Pasta Bake

Follow these detailed steps to create a bubbling, cheesy, and utterly delicious Pizza Pasta Bake that will impress everyone at your table. Remember, cooking is an art, so don’t be afraid to adjust to your taste!

1. Prepare Your Oven and Chicken:

   Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). This ensures a consistent baking temperature from the start. Next, prepare your chicken breasts: carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally to create thinner cutlets. This helps them cook more quickly and evenly, becoming wonderfully tender in the sauce.

2. Assemble the Base and Initial Bake:

   In a large baking dish, combine the 14 oz can of petite diced tomatoes, 1 ½ cups of marinara sauce, 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon of pepper, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir these ingredients thoroughly until well combined, forming a rich, aromatic sauce. Place the thinly sliced chicken breasts into the baking dish, ensuring they are fully coated with the sauce. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked through and no longer pink in the center. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your chicken. You can check for doneness with a meat thermometer, aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

3. Thicken the Sauce and Add Toppings:

   While the chicken is baking, prepare your cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water until smooth. This slurry will help thicken your sauce. Once the chicken is cooked and removed from the oven, stir the cornstarch slurry into the sauce in the baking dish. This will create a slightly thicker, more cohesive sauce. Generously sprinkle the 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the chicken and sauce, then artfully arrange the ⅓ cup of pepperonis on top. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the pepperoni edges are slightly crispy.

4. Cook the Pasta and Serve:

   While the casserole finishes baking, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the 10 oz of pasta and cook according to the package directions until it’s al dente – tender yet firm to the bite. Drain the pasta well and set it aside. Once the Pizza Pasta Bake is ready, remove it from the oven. Serve the pasta by topping it generously with the baked chicken, melted cheese, pepperoni, and flavorful sauce. Enjoy your homemade Pizza Pasta Bake immediately while it’s warm and gooey!

Tips, Tricks, and Delicious Variations

Elevate your Pizza Pasta Bake experience with these expert tips and creative variations:

For the Perfect Bake:

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook your pasta to al dente as it will continue to soften when combined with the hot sauce.
• Crispy Pepperoni: For extra crispy pepperoni, consider patting them dry with a paper towel before baking and arranging them in a single layer.
• Cheesy Crust: For a delicious cheesy crust, you can sprinkle a little Parmesan cheese over the mozzarella before the final bake.
• Prevent Dry Chicken: Slicing the chicken thinly and baking it submerged in sauce helps keep it moist and tender. Avoid over-baking.

Serving Suggestions:

This hearty bake is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad dressed with vinaigrette to add freshness, or some warm garlic bread to sop up all that delicious sauce.

Customization and Variations:

• Veggie Lovers: Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, or black olives to the sauce before baking.
• Meat Lovers: Incorporate cooked Italian sausage, ground beef, or diced ham along with the chicken.
• Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes mixed into the marinara sauce will add a pleasant heat.
• Different Cheeses: Experiment with a blend of cheeses like provolone, Parmesan, or a four-cheese Italian blend for varied flavor and texture.
• Creamy Version: Stir in a dollop of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream into the marinara sauce for a richer, creamier sauce.

Make-Ahead & Storage:

• Make-Ahead: You can assemble the chicken and sauce in the baking dish a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. Add cheese and pepperoni, then bake as directed (you might need to add 10-15 minutes to the initial bake time if baking from cold). Cook the pasta fresh before serving.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or larger portions covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Watch How It’s Made: Video Tutorial

See this delicious Pizza Pasta Bake come to life! This video provides a helpful visual guide to follow along with the recipe steps, ensuring you achieve perfect results every time. Watch Julia Pacheco create this easy and tasty dinner idea:

This video is part of Julia Pacheco’s series on easy, tasty, and quick meal ideas, perfect for budget-friendly dinners.

Nutrition Information

For those mindful of dietary intake, here’s an approximation of the nutritional content per serving of this Pizza Pasta Bake. Please note that these values are automatically calculated and can vary based on specific brands and exact ingredient measurements.

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation. It’s recommended to consult a nutritionist for precise dietary planning.

Tried This Recipe? Share Your Experience!

We absolutely love hearing from you! If you’ve tried making this comforting and delicious Pizza Pasta Bake, we would be thrilled to know how it turned out. Your feedback helps us and other home cooks. Did you add any unique twists? What did your family think? Share your thoughts and tips in the comment section below!

This Pizza Pasta Bake is more than just a meal; it’s an experience of delightful flavors and textures, bringing together the beloved tastes of pizza and pasta into one irresistible dish. We hope you and your loved ones enjoy this recipe as much as we do. Happy cooking!

Let us know how it was!