Description
This One-Pot Pizza Pasta Recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dinner that combines the flavors of classic pizza with hearty pasta. Featuring Italian sausage, pepperoni, melted mozzarella, and a savory tomato sauce all cooked together in one pot, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Proteins
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices (halved)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Liquids and Sauces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 cups chicken broth
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Pasta and Cheese
- 8 ounces short pasta (like penne or rotini)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the sausage: In a large deep skillet or pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked through.
- Sauté pepperoni and aromatics: Stir in the halved pepperoni slices, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant.
- Add seasonings and sauces: Mix in the Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Then stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and chicken broth until well combined.
- Simmer with pasta: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the uncooked pasta. Stir well to combine. Cover the pot and simmer for about 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Incorporate olives and cheese: Stir in the sliced black olives and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top. Cover again and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese melts completely.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the lid, garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley, and serve the pasta hot straight from the pot.
Notes
- Feel free to customize with your favorite pizza toppings such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or cooked bacon.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and pepperoni and use extra veggies instead.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the crushed red pepper flakes according to taste.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
