Description
One Pot Pizza Pasta is a quick and easy meal that captures the cheesy, saucy flavors of classic pizza in a comforting pasta form. Made using simple pantry staples and cooked entirely in one pot, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty and flavorful dinner without the fuss. Customize it with your favorite pizza toppings or spices for a family-friendly dish everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sauce
- 2 cups dry elbow macaroni or penne pasta
- 2 cups pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 2 1/2 cups water or broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Cheese and Toppings
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices (optional but recommended)
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, or a mix)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all pasta, sauce, cheese, and toppings beforehand to have everything ready for a smooth cooking process, preventing overcooking or burning.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce in Pot: In a large pot or deep skillet, add the dry pasta, pizza sauce, water or broth, olive oil, garlic powder, and Italian herbs. Stir well to combine all ingredients before heating.
- Cook Until Pasta is Tender: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered. Stir frequently to prevent pasta from sticking to the pot. Continue cooking until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Add Cheese and Toppings: Once pasta is cooked, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices (or your choice of toppings) evenly over the top. Cover the pot with a lid and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt completely.
- Serve and Enjoy: Gently stir the pasta to incorporate the melted cheese and toppings evenly, then serve hot. Enjoy the gooey cheese, tender pasta, and rich tomato flavors in every bite.
Notes
- Use enough liquid to fully cover the pasta for even cooking without drying out.
- Stir frequently while cooking to prevent pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- If available, add fresh basil or oregano at the end for brighter flavor.
- Aim for al dente pasta to avoid mushiness when mixed with cheese.
- For creamier texture, mix mozzarella with cream cheese, ricotta, parmesan, or provolone.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: one pot pizza pasta, quick pasta dinner, easy pizza pasta, cheesy pasta, weeknight dinner, family meal, one pot meal