When I was in college, one of my roomies showed me the beauty of a “Pepperoni Pasta Bake.”
We were always on a quest to discover how to prepare food that would serve four people for less than $15. And, I have to confess, we were pretty inventive! However, our dishes tended to be based around pasta, and this basic supper was our favorite.
All of the deliciousness of pepperoni “pizza” tastes packed into a delicious and easy pasta bake. We’d generally use pasta, pepperoni, Mozzarella cheese, and great marinara sauce. There are several modifications to make. You may instead use turkey pepperoni, whole-wheat pasta, and part-skim Mozzarella for a “healthier” option. You may also add additional toppings for a more well-balanced version (I like using mushrooms, green peppers, onions, and broccoli). But when I want a more purist form of the classic college dinner, at least I add some sauteed garlic, onions, and extra seasonings to boost things up a little but stay true to our memories.
However, regardless of how you create it, it may still be had for less than $15 and will almost certainly be a hit with the crowd.
Ingredients
- One lb. dry pasta of your choice
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
- half a white onion, finely diced
- Four cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 (15 oz.) can of diced tomatoes, drained
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- about 30 pepperonis, sliced into halves
- optional toppings: chopped fresh basil or Italian parsley, shaved Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
- Cook pasta in a large quantity of salted water until all the water is absorbed, as directed on the package.
- Meanwhile, warm the olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat when the pasta is cooking. Add finely diced onion and saute for 5 minutes, until it is cooked and translucent. Stir in the garlic and oregano and cook for 1 minute more, stir frequently until the garlic becomes fragrant. Remove from heat.
- Drain the water and return the pasta to the pot once it’s done cooking. Add the garlic/onion mixture, diced tomatoes, marinara sauce, Mozzarella cheese (reserve a little amount of the cheese for topping), Parmesan cheese, and pepperoni. Toss until well combined.
- Transfer the cooked pasta into a greased baking dish and top with the remaining Mozzarella cheese. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and begins to brown at the edges.
- Serve while still hot.
FAQs
How many calories are per serving?
Per serving(340g): 600 calories; protein 31g; carbohydrates 62g; fat 28g
For a pepperoni pasta bake, what ingredients am I going to need?
To create an exquisite pepperoni pasta bake, you will need the following ingredients:
- 8 ounces of pasta of your choice
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 4 ounces sliced pepperoni
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
To cook the pasta to perfection, you’ll need essential kitchen tools – a large pot for boiling, a baking dish, and a mixing bowl.
Can I make this dish with a different kind of pasta?
Certainly! Pasta is a very versatile ingredient, and you can use different pasta recipe types to give it a unique twist. Just keep in mind that different types of pasta may have other cooking times, so you may need to adjust the recipe accordingly. For example, if you are using pasta that takes longer to cook, you may need to add more liquid to the recipe and cook the pasta for a more extended period. On the other hand, if you use pasta that cooks more quickly, you may need to reduce the cooking time and use less liquid. Ultimately, it’s all about finding the right balance and adjusting the recipe to suit your tastes and preferences.
Can I add other vegetables to the pepperoni pasta bake?
Create a delicious, healthy pepperoni pasta bake by adding delicious vegetables like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and zucchini! Mix these ingredients for an unforgettable meal that will tantalize your taste buds. You can add vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or kale for a healthier twist. Just chop the vegetables into small pieces, so they cook evenly and don’t overpower the pepperoni flavor. Enjoy!
Can I make this recipe vegetarian by substituting the pepperoni with a plant-based alternative?
Yes, you can make this recipe vegetarian by using a plant-based pepperoni alternative. Many different brands of plant-based pepperoni are available, made from various ingredients such as tofu, tempeh, and seitan. Some brands are designed to mimic the flavor and texture of traditional pepperoni, while others have their unique taste. You can find plant-based pepperoni at many grocery stores and online retailers, or you can make your own by using a recipe or a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh and seasoning it to taste like pepperoni. Just be sure to check the label to make sure the product is suitable for vegetarians.
Can you freeze the pepperoni pasta bake for later consumption?
Yes, it is possible to freeze pepperoni pasta bake for later consumption. To preserve its flavor and texture, you should always let your pasta bake, cool to room temperature before transferring it into an airtight container or sealing it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It is also a good idea to label the container with the date and the dish’s name to keep track of the time it has been frozen.
When you are ready to eat the pasta bake, you can thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or place the frozen container in a pot of hot water to soften it more quickly. Once the pasta bake has thawed, you can bake it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) until it is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. This should take about 20-30 minutes.
It is important to note that freezing and thawing can affect the texture of the pasta, so the pasta may not be as tender as it was when it was first cooked. However, the flavor of the dish should still be good.
Conclusion
Pepperoni pasta bake is a hearty and flavorful dish that will surely be a hit with the whole family. It is made by combining cooked pasta, spicy pepperoni, and a rich tomato sauce and then topping it off with melted cheese. This dish is easy to prepare and can be made in advance, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.
One of the best things about pepperoni pasta bake is its versatility. Customize your dish to cater to your preferences by incorporating different vegetables and pasta varieties. You can also switch up the kind of cheese you use or add extra spices to give it an extra kick.
Pepperoni pasta bake is delicious, fulfilling meal that everyone can enjoy—whether you’re hosting an intimate dinner or planning for a larger gathering. Pepperoni pasta bake is delicious, fulfilling meal that everyone can enjoy—whether you’re hosting a private dinner or planning for a larger gathering.