Looking for pure weeknight magic in a skillet? Let me introduce you to One Pot Pizza Pasta: a hearty, bubbling, crave-worthy fusion of your favorite pizza flavors and the coziness of a classic pasta bake. Imagine perfectly saucy noodles, melty cheese, zesty pepperoni, and veggies all getting comfy together in just one pan. Every bite is the best of both worlds—comfort food with almost no cleanup. Trust me, this One Pot Pizza Pasta is the stress-free, joy-packed dinner your family will ask for on repeat!

One Pot Pizza Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about how a handful of simple ingredients work total transformation magic in this dish. Each one layers on the nostalgia, color, or heartiness you crave in both pizza and pasta, making every forkful irresistibly satisfying.

Penne pasta: This sturdy shape soaks up all that savory sauce while holding its bite, for forkfuls that won’t go mushy.
Olive oil: Just a splash makes the base fragrant and helps the veggies cook up tender without sticking.
Garlic: One or two cloves—finely minced—will make your kitchen smell amazing and infuse depth into the sauce.
Onion: Diced small, it softens into sweetness and builds up irresistible flavor.
Bell pepper: Any color works, but red and green together give us that classic “supreme” pizza vibe and a rainbow pop.
Pepperoni slices: The star of the show! Layer them in for that satisfyingly spicy, chewy hit of classic pizza flavor.
Crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce: This is the saucy soul of the dish; go for a robust, high-quality jar or canned tomatoes for best flavor.
Italian seasoning: A pinch brings oregano, basil, and a hint of thyme to liven up the sauce, just like pizza night.
Salt and plenty of black pepper: Season every layer for big, bold taste.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey, golden bliss right on top for the full pizza effect.
Parmesan cheese: A few sprinkles at the end add a nutty, salty umami finish.
Fresh basil (optional): Torn leaves make it feel (and look) like a real-deal pizzeria pie.

How to Make One Pot Pizza Pasta

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies and Aromatics

Drizzle the olive oil into a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the garlic, onion, and bell pepper, stirring for 4–5 minutes until everything’s tender and smelling fantastic. This step is where all those rich pizza flavors start to build, so don’t rush the veggies!

Step 2: Layer in the Sausage or Pepperoni

Toss in the pepperoni slices and let them sizzle with the veggies for another 2 minutes. The pepperoni releases its spicy oil and infuses every bite of One Pot Pizza Pasta with dream-worthy flavor. Feel free to sub cooked sausage here if that’s more your style!

Step 3: Add the Pasta, Sauce, and Seasonings

Pour in your penne pasta, crushed tomatoes or marinara, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and enough water or broth to barely cover the noodles (about 3–3 1/2 cups). Stir well to combine, making sure the pasta is fully submerged. Scrape up any browned bits for an extra flavor boost.

Step 4: Simmer to Saucy Perfection

Bring the pot to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and cover. Simmer for about 13–15 minutes, stirring a few times, until the pasta is al dente and swimming in thick, tomatoey goodness. If the mixture looks too thick, just splash in a bit more water to loosen it up.

Step 5: Make It Cheesy Like Pizza

Once the pasta is tender, remove from heat and sprinkle mozzarella all over the top. Cover again and let it sit for 2–3 minutes so the cheese melts into that gorgeous, stretchy blanket. Finish with a snowstorm of Parmesan, plus fresh basil if you have it! Your One Pot Pizza Pasta is ready to devour.

How to Serve One Pot Pizza Pasta

Garnishes

A generous fistful of torn fresh basil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can transform the whole skillet at the table. You can also scatter more Parmesan or even drizzle a touch of olive oil for a glossy, inviting finish that echoes your favorite pizzeria pie.

Side Dishes

Keep things simple with a big, zesty green salad—think arugula or romaine tossed with a lemony vinaigrette for contrast. Warm garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks are classic, perfect for scooping up every last saucy scrap of your One Pot Pizza Pasta.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve it family-style in the skillet and let everyone scoop their own, or ladle steaming servings into mini gratin dishes for a fun, personalized experience. Feeling extra festive? Lay out toppings (olives, extra pepperoni, chopped veggies) so everyone can “customize” their pasta bowl to mimic their favorite pizza combo.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover One Pot Pizza Pasta is a total lunchbox hero. Cool it to room temp and transfer to an airtight container; it keeps happily in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making each subsequent forkful seriously crave-worthy!

Freezing

To freeze, tuck cooled pasta into a freezer-safe bag or container. Try to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label clearly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat straight from frozen with a splash of water.

Reheating

Warm up leftovers gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce, stirring until heated through. If microwaving, cover loosely to trap steam and pause once or twice to stir. Don’t forget another sprinkle of cheese on top before serving—it brings your One Pot Pizza Pasta right back to that just-baked magic!

FAQs

Can I make One Pot Pizza Pasta vegetarian?

Absolutely! Skip the pepperoni or swap it for veggie pepperoni or sautéed mushrooms. Load up on extra bell peppers, olives, or even spinach for a “veggie lovers” version bursting with color and flavor.

Which pasta shapes work best for this recipe?

Penne and rotini are favorites since their ridges hold sauce beautifully and they cook evenly in a one-pot method. You could also use farfalle or shells—just keep an eye on cooking time and adjust water if your pasta needs a little more or less.

Can I use jarred pizza sauce instead of marinara?

Definitely! Pizza sauce is usually thicker and stronger than marinara, so you may want to add a splash of water or broth to get the perfect consistency. It all adds to that pizza-inspired flavor profile!

Is this dish spicy?

One Pot Pizza Pasta gets a mild kick from the pepperoni, but it’s not truly spicy. If you love some heat, add red pepper flakes or a pinch of chili powder to the sauce, or offer hot sauce at the table for a build-your-own spice level.

Can I double the recipe?

You sure can. Just use a larger pot or divide between two pans to ensure even cooking. The method remains the same; just give everything a few extra minutes to account for the extra volume, and get ready for lots of happy faces!

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Pizza Pasta ticks every box: it’s outrageously tasty, minimal mess, and guarantees that comforting, cheesy nostalgia in every spoonful. I hope you give it a try soon—your kitchen never smelled so much like a pizza parlor, and your table is in for a treat!

One Pot Pizza Pasta Recipe