Name: Pizza Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz italian sausage; 1/2 onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 14 oz pizza sauce; 8 oz dried short cut pasta; 1 ½ cup low sodium chicken broth; 1 cup mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup pepperoni

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Pizza Pasta is a delightful fusion of two beloved comfort foods that never fails to bring a smile to my face. It combines the heartiness of pasta and the irresistible flavors of pizza into one easy-to-make dish. The moment you take your first forkful, you’ll get a taste of savory Italian sausage, melty mozzarella, and zesty pepperoni, all mingled with perfectly cooked pasta and a rich pizza sauce. It’s like a cozy embrace on a plate, ideal for a busy weeknight or a casual gathering with friends.

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I first discovered this dish when I was scouring for quick and satisfying meals to prepare for my family. I’ve whipped it up at least a dozen times since, and each time it has garnered nothing but compliments. The beauty of Pizza Pasta lies not only in its flavor but also in its simplicity. With just a few minutes of prep and a quick cook time, you can have a hearty, flavorful dinner that truly feels like an occasion. I invite you to give it a try; I promise it will quickly become a favorite in your household!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Pizza Pasta
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Pizza Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: In just 30 minutes, you can have a delicious dinner on the table.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of Italian sausage, garlic, and pizza sauce creates a mouthwatering medley.
Eye-Catching Appeal: With melted cheese and pepperoni on top, it looks as good as it tastes!
Flexible Serving: Perfect for a family dinner or laid-back gatherings with friends.
Kid-Friendly: This dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Ingredients You’ll Need

12 oz Italian sausage: Use your preferred type—sweet or spicy. Ground turkey can be a lighter alternative.
1/2 onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and depth to the dish. Yellow or white onions work best.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic infuses fantastic flavor. You can use garlic powder in a pinch.
14 oz pizza sauce: Choose a good-quality pizza sauce for rich flavor. Homemade works well too!
8 oz dried short cut pasta: Small shapes like elbow or rotini capture the sauce wonderfully. Gluten-free options are available.
1 ½ cup low sodium chicken broth: Enhances flavor without too much salt. Vegetable broth is a great vegetarian substitute.
1 cup mozzarella cheese: Fresh or pre-shredded mozzarella makes for a gooey topping.
1/4 cup pepperoni: Classic pizza topping that gives an additional burst of flavor. You can swap this with vegetables for a vegetarian twist.

How to Make Pizza Pasta

Brown the Sausage and Onion: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 12 oz Italian sausage and 1/2 onion, finely chopped. Break apart the sausage as it cooks. Continue cooking for 5-6 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
Add Garlic: Stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant and aromatic.
Combine Sauce and Pasta: Add in 14 oz pizza sauce, 8 oz dried short cut pasta, and 1 ½ cups low sodium chicken broth to the skillet. Stir well and bring to a boil.
Cook the Pasta: Once boiling, cover the skillet and reduce heat to medium. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Add Cheese and Pepperoni: Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the cooked pasta. Arrange 1/4 cup of pepperoni slices on top. Cover and heat until the cheese has completely melted, about 2-3 minutes.
Serve: Dish up the Pizza Pasta immediately, savoring the rich aromas wafting from the skillet.

Storing & Reheating

If you have any leftovers, you can store Pizza Pasta at room temperature for about 2 hours. For longer storage, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can freeze it as well, but be sure to do so in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth to restore some moisture. Be aware that the pasta may soften a bit upon reheating, but the flavor will still remain delicious!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Be careful not to overcook the pasta! It should be al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly once mixed in the sauce.
Always taste the broth as you add it to ensure you achieve the desired flavor. If it’s too salty, you can always add more pizza sauce or water.
For a fun twist, consider layering some sliced bell peppers or mushrooms in the mix for added texture and flavor.
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Cheddar or provolone can bring a new dimension to the dish!

This Pizza Pasta is sure to be a hit not just for its rich flavors, but also for the joy it brings to the table. It’s a fantastic way to indulge your cravings without spending hours in the kitchen. Go ahead, let your creativity shine through by adding your favorite pizza toppings, and make this dish your own!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make Pizza Pasta vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply replace the Italian sausage with a plant-based sausage or mushrooms. You could also add more vegetables like spinach or zucchini to keep it hearty and filling.

What kind of pasta works best for this dish?

Short pasta is ideal, but you could use penne, rotini, or fusilli. Each shape captures the sauce and cheese beautifully. Just remember to adjust the cooking time if you opt for a different type.

Can I use homemade pizza sauce instead of store-bought?

Definitely! Homemade pizza sauce can elevate your dish, and it’s easy to make with canned tomatoes, herbs, and spices. Just let it simmer until thickened for the best flavor.

How do I keep the pasta from getting mushy?

To prevent the pasta from overcooking, be sure to monitor the cooking time closely. Start checking for doneness a minute or two early, as the pasta will continue to cook slightly once mixed with the other ingredients.

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Pizza Pasta

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Author: Dorothy
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: Italian

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Description

Pizza Pasta combines the best of pizza in a quick skillet dinner. Bursting with flavor from sausage, pepperoni, and melty cheese, it’s perfect for busy nights.

Instructions

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add Italian sausage and onions, breaking apart the sausage. Cook for 5-6 minutes until browned.
Add garlic, stir and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in pizza sauce, dried pasta, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to medium, and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta is tender.
Sprinkle cheese over the cooked pasta and arrange sliced pepperoni on top. Cover and heat until the cheese melts.
Serve immediately.

Notes

For added flavor, try using spicy Italian sausage.
Feel free to add your favorite pizza toppings like bell peppers or olives.
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.