Name: Cheesy Baked Pizza Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage); 1/2 onion, diced; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 14 ounce jar pizza sauce; 3/4 cup water; 3 cups rotini pasta (measured before cooking); 2 cups mozzarella cheese, divided; 36 slices pepperoni, divided

If you’re craving something that combines the comforting warmth of pasta with the irresistible flavors of pizza, you’re in for a treat with this Cheesy Baked Pizza Pasta Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a hug on a plate — loaded with melty cheese, savory ground beef, and all the pizza goodness you love, baked to bubbly perfection. Keep reading because I promise, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to weeknight dinner too!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ultimate Comfort Food: It’s like combining your favorite two dishes—pizza and pasta—into one soul-satisfying meal.
Simple Ingredients: Most of what you need is probably already in your pantry or fridge—no tricky shopping required.
Kid and Crowd-Pleaser: My family goes crazy for this one, and it’s perfect for feeding both picky eaters and hungry guests alike.
Customizable: You can easily swap meats or toss in veggies for your own spin.

A white square dish filled with a baked pasta casserole. The bottom layer consists of rotini pasta mixed with a brown meat sauce, visible through patches of melted white cheese on top. The top layer is covered with evenly spaced, round, red pepperoni slices that have a shiny, slightly oily texture. The dish sits on a white marbled surface, with a bunch of fresh green parsley blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cheesy Baked Pizza Pasta, easy pizza pasta bake, cheesy pasta recipes, pizza pasta dinner, comfort food recipes

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Cheesy Baked Pizza Pasta Recipe works together to build up those classic pizza flavors with a filling pasta base. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand, plus some little tips I’ve picked up along the way.

Flat lay of a mound of uncooked rotini pasta, a small pile of raw ground beef, a halved white onion showing its layers, a single whole garlic bulb clove, a few sprigs of dried Italian seasoning herbs, a white ceramic bowl filled with bright red pizza sauce, a small white bowl of clear water, a generous heap of shredded mozzarella cheese, and a neat stack of round pepperoni slices arranged symmetrically, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Cheesy Baked Pizza Pasta, easy pizza pasta bake, cheesy pasta recipes, pizza pasta dinner, comfort food recipes

Ground beef (or Italian sausage): I like Italian sausage for extra seasoning, but beef keeps it leaner and just as tasty.
Onion (diced): Adds a little sweetness and depth; fresh is best, but frozen works in a pinch.
Garlic (minced): A must-have for that signature savory kick.
Italian Seasoning: This simple blend ties the whole dish together with herbs like oregano and basil.
Pizza sauce: Your favorite jarred brand works fine, but go for high-quality or homemade if you want that extra flavor boost.
Water: Just enough to loosen the sauce and help it coat the pasta perfectly.
Rotini pasta: I like rotini because its spirals catch all that cheesy, saucy goodness.
Mozzarella cheese (divided use): Use fresh shredded mozzarella for the best melt and stretch.
Pepperoni slices (divided use): This topping adds that classic pizza flavor and a little crispy edge when baked.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Cheesy Baked Pizza Pasta Recipe is how adaptable it is. I often switch things up depending on what I have around or who I’m cooking for—feel free to get creative and make it your own!

Meat-Free: I’ve swapped out beef for sautéed mushrooms and a little extra Italian seasoning—it’s surprisingly satisfying and perfect for Meatless Monday.
Veggie Boost: Throw in chopped bell peppers or spinach for an added layer of nutrition and color.
Spicy Kick: Adding red pepper flakes or spicy sausage livens up the dish if you like a little heat.

How to Make Cheesy Baked Pizza Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Perfectly

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil, then cook your rotini pasta according to the package directions. Don’t overcook—aim for al dente because the pasta will continue to cook in the oven. Once done, drain it thoroughly to avoid sogginess in the baked dish.

Step 2: Brown the Meat Mixture

In a skillet over medium heat, brown and crumble your ground beef (or sausage) along with diced onion, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. I like to cook until the meat is nicely browned and the onions are soft, then drain off the excess grease to keep things from getting greasy.

Step 3: Mix It Up

While your oven preheats to 350°F, grab a large mixing bowl. Stir together the pizza sauce and water—it helps everything meld together nicely. Add in the cooked pasta, half of your mozzarella cheese, the cooked meat mixture, and half of the pepperoni slices (I like slicing them in half so they spread through the dish better). Give it a good stir until everything is evenly combined.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with nonstick spray, then pour in your pasta mixture, smoothing it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top and arrange the leftover pepperoni slices over the cheese. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to keep moisture in, and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake another 5–10 minutes until the cheese on top is fully melted and bubbly.

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Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Baked Pizza Pasta Recipe

Fresh Cheese Matters: Using freshly shredded mozzarella gives you the best melt and avoids that weird coating pre-shredded cheese sometimes has.
Don’t Skip Draining: Draining your pasta and meat well is key to avoiding a soggy bake—trust me, I learned this the hard way!
Pepperoni Placement: Cutting half of your pepperoni slices in pieces lets the flavor mix inside, but keeping some whole on top creates those pretty crispy edges everyone loves.
Cover or No Cover: Covering during most of baking traps moisture, keeping pasta tender without drying out the cheese; finishing uncovered gets you that golden bubbly topping.

How to Serve Cheesy Baked Pizza Pasta Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a white plate with a pasta dish made of three main layers: at the bottom, there are spiral rotini pasta with a light yellow color and a soft texture; the middle layer has crumbled cooked ground meat mixed with some melted cheese, showing a beige and light brown tone; the top layer is mainly slices of bright red pepperoni scattered over the pasta and meat, partially covered by more melted cheese with a creamy white color. There is also a yellow, round garlic bread piece placed behind the pasta on the plate. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cheesy Baked Pizza Pasta, easy pizza pasta bake, cheesy pasta recipes, pizza pasta dinner, comfort food recipes

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little fresh chopped basil or parsley over the top for a pop of color and fresh herb flavor. A dusting of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of garlic-infused olive oil also elevates the dish nicely, especially if you enjoy a touch of spice or extra richness.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance all the gooey cheese. Garlic bread or a simple roasted vegetable medley also round out the meal perfectly for a complete, satisfying dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

For family gatherings, I’ve served this Cheesy Baked Pizza Pasta Recipe in individual ramekins for a fun, personalized portion. You can also top each serving with a fresh mini basil leaf or a Parmesan crisp for a little flair that impresses without extra work.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let leftovers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, they keep well for up to 3 days. This recipe reheats beautifully, which makes it a perfect option for easy lunches or quick dinners later in the week.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this pasta both before and after baking. If freezing before baking, cover the dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap; it’s great for prepping meals in advance. Thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as usual. After baking, freezing works too—just reheat gently to keep the cheese from getting rubbery.

Reheating

Reheating in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes works best to keep the cheese melty and the pasta tender. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave is fine—just cover loosely to retain moisture and stir halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this Cheesy Baked Pizza Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! While rotini is great for holding sauce, you can use penne, rigatoni, or even shells—just make sure to cook them al dente so they don’t get mushy after baking.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, just substitute the ground beef with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or a plant-based meat alternative. You might want to add extra Italian seasoning or smoked paprika to boost flavor.
How do I prevent the baked pasta from drying out?

Mixing some water into the sauce before combining with the pasta keeps everything moist. Covering the dish with foil while baking seals in steam to prevent drying; just remove foil toward the end to brown the cheese.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble everything and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking, or freeze it for longer storage. Just allow extra baking time if cooking from cold or frozen.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Baked Pizza Pasta Recipe has seriously won a permanent spot in my rotation because it’s so comforting and easy to make—perfect for when you want pizza flavors without ordering out. It’s honestly one of those dishes where everyone walks away happy, full, and asking for seconds. I hope you’ll give it a try soon and make it your own little family favorite too!