Pizza Pasta Bake (Printable Version)

Comforting baked penne with gooey cheese and crispy pepperoni—easy and family-friendly.

# Everything You’ll Need:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1 pound (450 g) uncooked penne pasta

02 - 3 cups (24 oz / 680 g) marinara sauce

03 - 10 ounces (280 g) pepperoni slices

04 - 2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese

# Steps to Cook:

01 - Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the rack in the upper third for optimal browning.

02 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook penne pasta for 2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain well.

03 - Return drained pasta to the pot, add marinara sauce and one-third of the pepperoni slices, then stir until evenly coated.

04 - Transfer the pasta mixture to a 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish, spreading evenly. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top and arrange remaining pepperoni slices on the cheese.

05 - Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Then broil for 2-3 minutes to crisp pepperoni and cheese, watching closely to avoid burning.

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - Undercook pasta slightly to prevent mushiness after baking.

02 - Let rest 5 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set.

03 - Use penne or similar ridged pasta for best sauce adherence.

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