One Pot Pizza Pasta

One Pot Pizza Pasta is a hearty, cheesy, and crowd-pleasing meal that brings the flavors of your favorite pizza into a single, easy-to-make pasta dish. With pepperoni, sausage, marinara, and melted cheese all simmered together in one pot, it’s the ultimate comfort food without the mess of multiple pans.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe combines the best parts of pizza—savory meats, melty cheese, rich sauce—with the ease of a one-pot pasta. It’s simple, quick, and satisfies cravings for both pizza and pasta in one comforting dish. Cleanup is minimal, and it’s endlessly customizable for picky eaters or adventurous palates. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Pasta (penne, rotini, or shells work best)
• Olive oil
• Onion (diced)
• Garlic (minced)
• Italian sausage (or ground beef)
• Pepperoni slices
• Marinara or pizza sauce
• Chicken or vegetable broth (or water)
• Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper
• Optional toppings: black olives, green bell pepper, mushrooms, red pepper flakes

directions

this recipe

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
2. Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles.
3. Stir in pasta, marinara sauce, broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
5. Stir in half of the mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices. Mix until melted and combined.
6. Top with remaining mozzarella and cover for a few minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish with optional toppings and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4–6 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian: Omit meat and add mushrooms, olives, and spinach.
• Spicy: Use hot Italian sausage and red pepper flakes.
• Supreme style: Add bell peppers, olives, mushrooms, and onions for a deluxe version.
• Low-carb: Use low-carb pasta or cooked spaghetti squash as a base.
• Extra cheesy: Stir in ricotta or cream cheese for added richness.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat:

• Microwave: Heat individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring between.
• Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat with a splash of water or broth until warmed through.

Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes in the pasta, but it can be done if needed. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 1 month, and thaw overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use any type of pasta?

Short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells work best. Avoid delicate or quick-cooking pastas.

Do I need to cook the pasta first?

No. The pasta cooks right in the sauce, absorbing all the flavor and saving time.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes. Cook and store, then reheat when ready to serve. It reheats well for lunch or dinner.

What if I don’t have sausage?

Ground beef, ground turkey, or even plant-based meat alternatives work well.

Can I use pizza sauce instead of marinara?

Yes. Pizza sauce gives a stronger pizza flavor and works perfectly.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love the cheesy, pizza-like flavor. Let them help pick toppings.

How do I keep the pasta from sticking?

Stir frequently while simmering, and make sure there’s enough liquid to prevent sticking.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes. Use your favorite dairy-free cheese substitutes and skip the Parmesan.

What should I serve with it?

Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Can I add more veggies?

Definitely. Add diced zucchini, spinach, or chopped broccoli for extra nutrition.

Conclusion

One Pot Pizza Pasta is a fast, delicious, and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. It brings together the best flavors of pizza and pasta in one dish, with minimal cleanup and maximum comfort. Perfect for weeknights, game days, or anytime you want an easy meal that feels like a treat.

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