One-Pot Pizza Pasta Recipe
If you crave the best of both worlds—saucy, cheesy pizza and cozy pasta—all in a single pan, this One-Pot Pizza Pasta Recipe is your new weeknight hero. It combines the irresistible flavors of Italian sausage, pepperoni, zesty tomato sauce, melty mozzarella, and tender pasta, all simmered to hearty perfection. Every bite brings a little taste of your favorite slice and a whole lot of comfort, with zero fuss and just one pot to clean. Trust me, this is the kind of dish that wins over everyone at the table, from picky kids to grown-up pizza fanatics.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this One-Pot Pizza Pasta Recipe is how it turns simple pantry staples into something fabulous. Each ingredient brings its own magic: a pop of color, a burst of flavor, or a cozy texture that keeps you coming back for more.
- Olive Oil: Adds a silky, savory base that keeps everything from sticking and infuses the dish with a hint of fruitiness.
- Italian Sausage (casings removed): Delivers bold, meaty flavor that anchors the whole dish—choose spicy or sweet, your call!
- Pepperoni Slices (halved): For smoky, classic pizza flavor in every layer; halving makes sure you get a little in every bite.
- Onion (diced): Sautéed onion brings natural sweetness and depth that blends perfectly with the tomato sauce.
- Garlic (minced): Just two cloves needed for big aroma and that classic Italian warmth.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that instantly delivers pizzeria flavor.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): A pinch adds gentle heat—totally up to you!
- Crushed Tomatoes (one 14 oz can): The rich, tangy backbone of your sauce.
- Tomato Paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor for an authentic, saucy kick.
- Chicken Broth: Cooks the pasta right in the pot, adding seasoned depth and richness.
- Short Pasta (8 ounces, like penne or rotini): Holds the sauce beautifully and cooks perfectly in one pot.
- Black Olives (sliced): Brings briny pops of flavor, just like a loaded pizza.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melty, gooey goodness—half stirs in, half melts on top.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: A finishing sprinkle for a savory, nutty boost.
- Fresh Basil or Parsley (chopped, for garnish): Adds color, aroma, and a flash of freshness to finish.
How to Make One-Pot Pizza Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or pot over medium heat. Toss in the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. This step sets up a rich, savory base for the whole dish.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Once the sausage is done, stir in the pepperoni, diced onion, and minced garlic. Let everything cook together for three or four minutes, until the onion softens and the kitchen fills with those classic pizza-shop aromas.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Add Italian seasoning and, if you’re in the mood, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Pour in the can of crushed tomatoes, add the tomato paste, and stir in the chicken broth. At this point, you’ve got a sauce that’s bursting with all your favorite pizzeria flavors!
Step 4: Simmer with the Pasta
Toss the uncooked pasta right into the pot. Give everything a good stir to combine, then cover and let it simmer for 12 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally as the pasta soaks up those bold flavors and the sauce thickens beautifully.
Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Olives
When the pasta is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed, stir in the sliced black olives and half the mozzarella for melty pops of flavor throughout. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top, cover, and cook just a few minutes more for that signature cheesy finish.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Turn off the heat and garnish with plenty of chopped basil or parsley for a final shot of color and freshness. Dig in while it’s hot and gooey!
How to Serve One-Pot Pizza Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Top your One-Pot Pizza Pasta Recipe with a scatter of fresh basil or parsley, an extra sprinkle of Parmesan, and a few sliced black olives for a true pizzeria look. A drizzle of good olive oil or a dusting of crushed red pepper flakes can dial up the flavor even more, especially for grown-up palates.
Side Dishes
This pasta is a meal on its own, but serving it with a crisp green salad and some garlic bread takes things to the next level. If you want a lighter side, roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus add color and crunch to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Spoon your One-Pot Pizza Pasta Recipe into bowls and top each with individual “pizza toppings” like mini pepperoni, extra cheese, or even a dollop of ricotta. For a fun party twist, set up a topping bar and let everyone customize their own pasta “slice.”
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool leftovers to room temperature before popping them into an airtight container. This pasta keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it perfect for lunch boxes or quick dinners later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your One-Pot Pizza Pasta Recipe, transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or bags (skip the fresh herbs until serving). It freezes beautifully for up to 2 months—just be sure to let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of chicken broth to loosen things up, or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. Add a fresh sprinkle of cheese or herbs when serving to revive all those pizza flavors.
FAQs
Can I make this One-Pot Pizza Pasta Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just leave out the sausage and pepperoni, and load it up with your favorite pizza veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach. Use veggie broth in place of chicken broth for extra flavor.
What pasta shapes work best?
Any short, sturdy pasta is great for this recipe—think penne, rotini, rigatoni, or even shells. They soak up the sauce without turning mushy and hold up well when reheated.
How spicy is the final dish?
The One-Pot Pizza Pasta Recipe is pretty mild unless you add red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage. Adjust those extras to fit your family’s heat preference!
Can I use a different kind of cheese?
You bet—while mozzarella is classic, feel free to stir in provolone, cheddar, or even Monterey jack for a twist. Just make sure it’s a good melting cheese to get that gooey, pizza-style topping.
What’s the best way to make it ahead for a party?
Cook the pasta until just al dente, then store the pot in the fridge (unbaked) for up to a day. When ready to serve, reheat gently, add the last layer of cheese, and let it melt before garnishing and dishing up.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a new family favorite, there’s nothing more satisfying or crowd-pleasing than this One-Pot Pizza Pasta Recipe. It’s bursting with familiar flavors, easy enough for weeknights, and fun to make your own. Give it a try and bring a little pizza-party magic right to your dinner table!
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One-Pot Pizza Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This One-Pot Pizza Pasta recipe combines all the flavors of a classic pizza in a hearty pasta dish. It’s a simple and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 pound Italian sausage (casings removed), 1/2 cup pepperoni slices (halved), 1 small onion (diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional), 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 3 cups chicken broth, 8 ounces short pasta (like penne or rotini), 1/2 cup sliced black olives, 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large deep skillet or pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
- Stir in the pepperoni, onion, and garlic, and cook for another 3–4 minutes until the onion is softened.
- Add Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, then add the uncooked pasta and stir well.
- Cover and simmer for about 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in the black olives and half of the mozzarella. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan over the top, then cover and cook for another 2–3 minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot.
Notes
- Feel free to mix in your favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms, bell peppers, or cooked bacon.
- For a vegetarian version, skip the sausage and use veggie toppings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
