Print

One Pot Pizza Pasta

One Pot Pizza Pasta
Print Recipe

One Pot Pizza Pasta is a quick, comforting, and flavorful dish that combines the cheesy goodness of pizza with tender pasta, all cooked together in a single pot for easy preparation and minimal cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining, this recipe brings a hearty pizza-inspired meal to your table in about 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • Short pasta (penne or rotini) – 12 oz
  • Tomato sauce (pizza or marinara) – 2 cups
  • Fresh mozzarella cheese – 8 oz, sliced or shredded
  • Pepperoni or Italian sausage – 6 oz, sliced or crumbled
  • Bell peppers – 1 cup, diced
  • Onions – 1 medium, diced
  • Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
  • Italian herbs (dried oregano, basil) – 1 tsp combined
  • Olive oil – 2 tbsp
  • Chicken broth or water – 3 cups

Optional Variations and Additions

  • Mushrooms, olives, or zucchini (for vegetarian version) – 1 cup
  • Crushed red pepper flakes – 1/2 tsp (for spicy kick)
  • Parmesan or provolone cheese – 1/2 cup shredded (for extra cheesiness)
  • Fresh basil and oregano leaves – handful for garnish

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Sauté Aromatics and Meat
    Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic, stirring until softened and fragrant. If using pepperoni or sausage, add it now and cook until browned and flavorful.
  2. Step 2: Add Sauce and Liquid
    Pour in the tomato sauce along with chicken broth or water. Stir well to combine all ingredients, creating a rich base for cooking the pasta and infusing it with robust pizza flavor.
  3. Step 3: Stir in Pasta
    Add the short pasta directly into the pot, ensuring it is fully submerged in the sauce and liquid mixture. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
  4. Step 4: Simmer Until Pasta is Tender
    Reduce heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed the flavors, about 12 to 15 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Add Cheese and Final Touches
    Once the pasta is cooked, sprinkle shredded mozzarella or place fresh mozzarella slices on top. Cover the pot again and let the cheese melt smoothly into the pasta, creating a gooey, irresistible texture.

Notes

  • Use fresh vegetables and herbs for enhanced flavor and aroma.
  • Do not overcrowd the pot; ensure there is enough liquid for even pasta cooking to avoid burning.
  • Stir frequently during cooking to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
  • Customize the cheese blend by experimenting with Parmesan, provolone, or other melty cheeses.
  • If the sauce gets too thick before the pasta is tender, add a splash of water or chicken broth as needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: one pot meal, pizza pasta, quick dinner, comfort food, easy pasta recipe, cheesy pasta, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://recipesemilly.com/one-pot-pizza-pasta/