Baked pizza pasta is a dish my family can’t get enough of! It’s made with cavatappi pasta (or double elbow pasta), flavorful marinara sauce, your favorite pizza toppings, and lots of melted cheese. It’s easy to make and always a hit at the table.

Baked pizza pasta is not only delicious but also versatile. I can easily customize it by adding my favorite ingredients, such as pepperoni or fresh vegetables. This dish combines all the cheesy goodness of pizza in a convenient pasta casserole. It’s perfect for family dinners or when I’m craving a simple yet satisfying main course.

Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons basil leaves
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 pound cavatappi pasta
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Fontina cheese, shredded
- Pepperoni slices, for topping
- Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make Pizza Pasta Casserole
Begin by boiling salted water and cooking the cavatappi pasta until it is al dente. Drain and set aside.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a cast iron pan, heat the olive oil and sauté the minced garlic until it becomes fragrant.
Stir in the marinara sauce, dried oregano, and basil. Season with salt and pepper, allowing it to simmer for a few minutes.

Mix the cooked pasta into the sauce until it’s well coated.
Layer half of the pasta in the pan, add 1½ cups of mozzarella and Fontina cheese, and let it melt.
Add the remaining pasta, top with the leftover cheese, and arrange pepperoni slices on top.

Bake for 10–15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Allow it to cool for 5 minutes before serving, and sprinkle with fresh basil or Parmesan if you like.

Tips for Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any remaining pizza pasta in an airtight container. This method keeps it fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days. I often find that it tastes even better the next day!
Meal Prep Options
This dish is perfect for busy weeknights and is also great for meal prepping. You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time, just don’t bake it until you’re ready to enjoy.
If you want, you can easily freeze the mixture. Just ensure it’s well-covered to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat, follow the baking instructions, but keep in mind it may take a bit longer since it’s starting from frozen.

Picky Eater Ideas
If you have family members who are picky eaters, this recipe is flexible. You can swap out the toppings or even use different pasta shapes to suit everyone’s taste. It’s a fun way to get creative and cater to different preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I prepare a quick pizza pasta bake for busy weeknights?
For a speedy dump and go pizza pasta bake, here are my tips:
- Use precooked pasta: I can boil the pasta ahead of time or use a no-boil variety.
- Choose a store-bought sauce: This saves time and effort.
- Add ingredients: Mix pasta, sauce, cheese, and toppings in one bowl for easy preparation.
- Bake: Pour into a greased dish and bake at 350°F until bubbly.

What are some tips for getting the right texture in an Italian pizza pasta bake?
To achieve the ideal texture in my pizza pasta bake, I follow these tips:
- Cook pasta al dente: This prevents the pasta from becoming too soft during baking.
- Avoid overloading on sauce: Too much sauce can make it soggy. A balanced amount is key.
- Let it rest: Allowing the bake to sit for a few minutes after removing it from the oven helps it hold its shape better.
