Loaded Pizza Pasta Bake (Printable Version)
Ziti layered with marinara, pepperoni, olives, and bubbling mozzarella in an oven-baked classic.
# What You'll Need:
→ Pasta & Sauce
01 - 12 ounces ziti pasta
02 - 2 cups marinara sauce
→ Toppings
03 - 1/2 cup sliced black olives
04 - 12 to 15 slices pepperoni
05 - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain thoroughly.
02 - In a large bowl, mix cooked ziti with marinara sauce. Spread half of the mixture evenly in a baking dish. Layer with half the pepperoni slices, black olives, and mozzarella cheese.
03 - Spoon the remaining pasta mixture on top. Finish with remaining pepperoni slices, olives, and mozzarella cheese.
04 - Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and golden on top.
# Additional Tips::
01 -
- Fun mash-up of two family favorites
- Customizable with your favorite pizza toppings
- Ready in forty minutes
- Great way to use pantry pasta and jarred sauce
- Satisfies both pasta and pizza cravings in a single dish
02 -
- This recipe freezes beautifully in individual portions
- Packs in protein and calcium thanks to mozzarella and pepperoni
- Easy to double for a crowd or potluck
03 -
- Always undercook the pasta by a minute to keep it from turning mushy later
- Shred your own mozzarella for the stretchiest strands and better browning
- Let the bake sit before serving so each piece stays intact and extra gooey