There’s something undeniably comforting about a skillet of Pizza Pasta, where the classic flavors of your favorite pizza meld beautifully with tender, comforting pasta. This dish is an all-in-one marvel that combines the savory richness of Italian sausage, the sweet tang of tomato sauce, and the satisfying gooeyness of melted mozzarella cheese. Plus, let’s not forget those crunchy pepperoni slices adorning the top like little savory jewels!
This recipe came to life one evening when a pizza craving hit hard, but time was short. I had some pasta, sausage, and a jar of pizza sauce on hand. What started as a last-minute dinner idea quickly morphed into a family favorite. In just about 30 minutes, you can whip up a hearty meal that perfectly captures the essence of pizza without the fuss of making dough. If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and kid-friendly dinner idea, this Pizza Pasta Skillet might just become your go-to!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Just 5 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of cooking make this a speedy dinner option.
- Irresistible Flavor: Each bite bursts with the classic flavors of pizza, from savory sausage to rich sauce.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Melting cheese and pepperoni create a visually stunning dish that will impress your family and friends.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or even as comforting leftovers.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free pasta or vegetarian variations by swapping the sausage.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 12 oz Italian sausage: The star protein that gives this dish its savory depth. Feel free to use turkey sausage for a lighter option.
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and aroma to the base. Yellow or white onions work best here.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Enhances flavor remarkably. Fresh is preferable, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
- 14 oz pizza sauce: Store-bought for convenience or homemade if you’re feeling adventurous. This forms the saucy backbone of the dish.
- 8 oz dried short cut pasta: Such as penne or rotini. The bite-sized shapes soak up the flavors beautifully but feel free to use whatever pasta you’ve got.
- 1 ½ cup low sodium chicken broth: The liquid that cooks the pasta. Vegetable broth can be a wonderful substitute for a vegetarian version.
- 1 cup Mozzarella cheese: For that stringy, melty goodness. You can always throw in some extra cheese if you’re feeling indulgent!
- 1/4 cup pepperoni: These crispy circles add delightful flavor bursts. You can mix it up by using turkey or spicy pepperoni.
How to Make Pizza Pasta
- Cook the Sausage and Onions: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 12 oz of Italian sausage and chopped onions, breaking apart the sausage as it cooks. After about 5-6 minutes, when the sausage is browned and the onions are translucent, you’re ready for the next step.
- Add Garlic: Stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Your kitchen should start smelling heavenly at this point!
- Combine With Sauce and Pasta: Pour in 14 oz of pizza sauce, your 8 oz of dried short cut pasta, and 1 ½ cups of low sodium chicken broth. Bring everything to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to medium. Let it cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is tender and cooked through.
- Melt the Cheese: Once the pasta is just right, sprinkle 1 cup of Mozzarella cheese over the top, and arrange 1/4 cup of sliced pepperoni on top. Cover the skillet and heat just until the cheese is melted. This usually takes another minute or so.
- Serve With Love: Your creation is complete! Scoop generous portions into bowls and dig in while it’s hot.
Storing & Reheating
This Pizza Pasta can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two hours after cooking. If you want to keep it for longer, refrigerate it in a well-sealed container for up to four days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to three months. When reheating, the microwave works wonders—just zap it for about 2-3 minutes until heated through. Keep in mind that the pasta may absorb some sauce, so a splash of broth or water can refresh its texture.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcooking the pasta in the skillet—make sure to stir it occasionally to achieve even cooking and prevent sticking.
- If you’re using gluten-free pasta, keep an eye on cooking time since gluten-free varieties often cook faster.
- For added depth of flavor, consider tossing in your favorite Italian herbs like oregano or basil while cooking.
- Leftovers can be transformed into a delicious breakfast by adding an egg on top and baking it for a cozy frittata-style meal.
- Feel free to mix in vegetables, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, for a little extra nutrition and flavor.
There’s no denying that this Pizza Pasta Skillet is a fantastic way to satisfy a pizza craving without the fuss of making crust. Plus, it’s a great recipe to involve the kids; let them help sprinkle the cheese or arrange the pepperoni. I encourage you to make this recipe your own by experimenting with different toppings like olives or veggies. Enjoy your culinary adventure, and happy cooking!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be excellent substitutes if you prefer a leaner option. Of course, this dish can also be made vegetarian by omitting the meat altogether and adding in vegetables like spinach or zucchini.
What pasta shapes work best for this recipe?
While short cut pasta like penne or rotini is ideal because it holds the sauce well, you can use any pasta shape you have on hand. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly as different types may cook at different rates.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta in advance, keeping both refrigerated until you’re ready to combine them for the final cook. Just remember that the pasta may soak up more sauce as it sits, so you might want to add a little extra broth or sauce when you reheat.
How do I store leftovers?
Store your leftover Pizza Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. If you don’t think you’ll finish it in that time, freezing it is a great option. Remember to use freezer-safe containers and enjoy it within three months.
Print
Pizza Pasta
This Pizza Pasta combines the irresistible flavors of Italian sausage, mozzarella, and pepperoni for a comforting dish. It’s quick to prepare and makes an ideal meal for any night of the week.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
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
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add Italian sausage and onions, breaking apart the sausage. Cook for 5-6 minutes, until cooked.
- Add garlic, stir and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Stir in pizza sauce, dried pasta, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to medium. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
- Sprinkle cheese over the cooked pasta and arrange the sliced pepperoni on top. Cover and heat until the cheese is melted.
- Serve immediately.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
For a spicier kick, use spicy Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes to taste.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1100mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
