One bite of One Pot Pepperoni Pizza Pasta and you’ll be hooked. Imagine a steaming bowl filled with cheesy goodness, savory pepperoni, and al dente pasta, all mingling together like long-lost friends at a reunion. perfect side dish of mashed potatoes This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that dances on your taste buds and wraps you in its comforting embrace. crispy potatoes with pesto. For more inspiration, check out this Buffalo Chicken Wrap recipe.
Picture this: You’ve had a long day, and the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. Enter One Pot Pepperoni Pizza Pasta! This dish promises to deliver all the flavors of your favorite pizza without the fuss of multiple pots and pans. Trust me, it’ll make your weeknight dinners feel like a gourmet affair while still being ridiculously easy to whip up. For more inspiration, check out this Chocolate Peanut Butter Blossoms recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- One Pot Pepperoni Pizza Pasta brings convenience right to your table, combining ease of preparation with incredible flavor
- The vibrant colors and enticing aromas will have everyone clamoring for seconds
- Plus, it’s versatile enough for any occasion, from casual family dinners to game nights with friends
I vividly remember the first time I made One Pot Pepperoni Pizza Pasta for my friends during a cozy movie night—laughter filled the air as we devoured every last bite. cozy pumpkin spice pancakes
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Rotini Pasta: This shape holds onto the sauce wonderfully, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
- Pepperoni Slices: Choose your favorite brand; they add that classic pizza punch that’s hard to resist.
- Marinara Sauce: Use store-bought or homemade; either way, it should be rich and flavorful for best results.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Opt for whole milk mozzarella for an extra creamy texture that melts beautifully.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs enhances the overall flavor profile, providing that authentic pizza taste.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: These add a fresh pop of color and flavor right before serving—don’t skip this!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Start Cooking the Pasta: In a large pot over medium heat, combine rotini pasta with water and bring it to a boil. Ensure there’s enough water to cook the pasta evenly until al dente.
Add in Flavorful Sauces: Once boiling, stir in marinara sauce along with Italian seasoning. Allow it to simmer while stirring occasionally until everything’s well combined.
Toss in Pepperoni Slices: Add pepperoni slices into the pot and let them float around in the sauce. Their edges will crisp slightly while infusing more flavor into your pasta.
Melt the Cheese: Lower the heat and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Cover with a lid until melted—this usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
Garnish with Fresh Basil: Once cheese is gooey and bubbly, remove from heat. Toss in fresh basil leaves for that aromatic freshness that elevates everything.
Serve Hot!: Dish out generous portions while still warm, making sure each bowl has plenty of cheese and pepperoni visible on top. Enjoy immediately!
Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. One Pot Pepperoni Pizza Pasta proves that delicious meals can be simple yet satisfying. autumn-inspired pumpkin hummus So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready for an explosion of flavors!
You Must Know
- This One Pot Pepperoni Pizza Pasta is a game changer for busy weeknights
- With its rich flavors and cheesy goodness, it’s a family favorite that can be ready in under 30 minutes
- The enticing aroma will have everyone gathering around the table in no time
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions and garlic until fragrant, then add pasta, sauce, and broth all at once. This method ensures every bite is bursting with flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out pepperoni for your favorite meats or veggies. Toss in some bell peppers or mushrooms for an extra punch of flavor and nutrition.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water to bring back the creamy texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use high-quality pepperoni for maximum flavor impact
- Always taste your sauce before adding salt; it may already be seasoned enough
- Stir occasionally while cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking throughout
Sometimes I wonder if this One Pot Pepperoni Pizza Pasta was sent from the heavens; it received rave reviews from my picky eaters during our last family gathering!
FAQ
Can I make this One Pot Pepperoni Pizza Pasta vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just omit the pepperoni and add more veggies like zucchini or spinach.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes or spicy sausage for an extra kick of heat.
What if I don’t have penne pasta?
Any short pasta works well, like rotini or fusilli; just adjust cooking times accordingly.
One Pot Pepperoni Pizza Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
One Pot Pepperoni Pizza Pasta is a mouthwatering dish that combines the flavors of your favorite pizza with the comforting texture of pasta—all cooked in just one pot! This easy, 30-minute recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, bringing together cheesy goodness, savory pepperoni, and al dente rotini pasta. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, it’s a meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 5 oz sliced pepperoni
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, bring 6 cups of water to a boil and add rotini pasta. Cook until al dente.
- Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning; let simmer for 5 minutes while stirring occasionally.
- Add pepperoni slices and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
- Lower the heat and top with mozzarella cheese. Cover until melted (3-5 minutes).
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
