One Pot Pizza Pasta
One Pot Pizza Pasta is a quick, flavor-packed dinner combining the cheesy goodness of pizza with hearty pasta, made entirely in one pot for easy cleanup. Ready in under 30 minutes, this comforting dish features rich tomato sauce, melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, classic pizza seasonings, and optional pepperoni for an authentic taste perfect for busy nights.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian (optional to omit pepperoni), Gluten Free (if gluten-free pasta used)
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 1/2 cups water or broth
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices (optional)
Seasonings & Others
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Step 1: Sauté and Prepare the Base. Warm olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat, then add garlic powder and Italian seasoning to gently toast. This releases aromatic flavors, laying the foundation for a deeply seasoned sauce.
- Step 2: Add Liquids and Pasta. Pour in marinara sauce and water or broth, stirring to combine. Add the uncooked penne pasta directly into the tomato mixture, ensuring the pasta is mostly submerged.
- Step 3: Cook Pasta Until Tender. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and cook until the pasta is al dente, about 12 to 15 minutes, allowing it to absorb the sauce and flavor.
- Step 4: Stir in Cheeses and Pepperoni. Once the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened, fold in shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses. Add pepperoni slices if using, letting them warm through and infuse the dish with classic pizza flavor.
- Step 5: Finish and Serve. Stir everything one last time until the cheese is fully melted and gooey. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired, turn off heat, and let the pasta rest for a couple of minutes. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot to ensure even heat and avoid sticking or burning.
- Do not overfill the pot; keep pasta mostly covered by liquids for even cooking.
- Stir frequently, especially near the end, to prevent clumping and encourage a creamy sauce.
- Adjust liquid amount depending on pasta shape and brand.
- Let the dish rest before serving to thicken the sauce and meld flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: one pot pasta, pizza pasta, easy dinner, weeknight meal, cheesy pasta, quick dinner, comfort food