If you’re craving the cheesy, savory flavors of pizza but want something quicker and cozier, the One-Pot Pizza Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish brings together all the classic pizza ingredients like Italian sausage, pepperoni, and mozzarella in a hearty pasta form, all cooked in one pot for easy cleanup and maximum comfort. It combines rich tomato sauce, tender pasta, and melty cheeses into a bubbling skillet meal that feels indulgent yet straightforward enough for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a vital role in layering those irresistible pizza pasta flavors. From the savory sausage to the punchy herbs and creamy cheeses, every component is essential for texture, depth, and color in this dish.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps sauté ingredients while adding a fruity richness to the base.
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage (casings removed): Adds a spicy, hearty meatiness with lots of flavor.
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices (halved): Classic pizza topping that infuses smoky, salty goodness.
- 1 small onion (diced): Softens and sweetens, balancing out savory and acidic notes.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Provides aromatic depth and a subtle kick.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that ties all flavors together.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle heat for those who like a bit of spice.
- 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes: The tangy, rich base sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Intensifies tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
- 3 cups chicken broth: Ensures the pasta cooks perfectly while adding savory depth.
- 8 ounces short pasta (like penne or rotini): Holds sauce beautifully with twists and tubes.
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives: Adds briny contrast and an extra layer of flavor complexity.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Creamy and melty, the star cheese for that perfect pizza pasta pull.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Sharp and nutty cheese to sprinkle on top for an extra punch.
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish: Provides a fresh, herbaceous finish and a burst of vibrant color.
How to Make One-Pot Pizza Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Sauté the Veggies
Start by heating olive oil in a large deep skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with your spoon as it cooks. Browning the sausage well develops a delicious savory foundation. Once the sausage is cooked through, add the pepperoni, diced onion, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté everything together for 3 to 4 minutes until the onions soften and the aromas start to fill your kitchen — this step is where the flavor magic begins.
Step 2: Season and Add Tomato Base
Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little extra heat. Stir to combine and let the herbs bloom in the hot pan. Then, pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, stirring everything together perfectly. These ingredients bring that classic tomatoey sauce you’ll want in every bite.
Step 3: Simmer with Broth and Pasta
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Now, add the uncooked short pasta directly into the pot and stir well so every piece is coated in the saucy goodness. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This one-pot method lets the pasta absorb all the flavors while cooking until tender – pure comfort cooking at its best!
Step 4: Add Olives and Cheese, Then Melt
Once the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has absorbed, stir in the sliced black olives and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and the grated Parmesan evenly over the top. Cover the pot again, letting the cheese melt into a bubbly, gooey layer in just a couple of minutes. This final cheese melt is the crowning glory that brings the dish so close to a pizza experience you’ll want to savor every forkful of.
How to Serve One-Pot Pizza Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing with chopped fresh basil or parsley adds a refreshing herbal brightness and a pop of color that immediately elevates the presentation. It cuts through some of the richness and gives your dish an inviting, fresh finish that perfectly complements all the melted cheese and savory sausage.
Side Dishes
This pizza pasta stands strong on its own but pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or some garlic bread for extra indulgence. A crisp Caesar salad or roasted veggies also offer a nice balance to the hearty pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the One-Pot Pizza Pasta Recipe in mini cast iron skillets or individual ramekins for each guest. You could also turn it into a baked casserole after cooking by topping with extra cheese and popping it under the broiler until golden and bubbly. It’s not just dinner, it’s a showstopper!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pizza pasta stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop overnight, making it a perfect next-day lunch or dinner. Just make sure to keep it tightly sealed to preserve moisture and prevent the pasta from drying out.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this dish freezes well. Place leftovers in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, ensuring as much air is removed as possible, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed. Alternatively, microwave in a covered dish, stirring halfway through, to warm the cheesy pasta without drying it out. Either way, it’s quick to bring back to life.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version of this One-Pot Pizza Pasta Recipe, simply skip the sausage and pepperoni and load up on your favorite veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. The tomato sauce and cheese provide plenty of flavor and richness to keep it satisfying.
What type of pasta works best?
Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or rigatoni work best because their nooks and curves hold the cheesy tomato sauce so well. Avoid long strands like spaghetti since the cooking time and sauce absorption might not work as smoothly in this one-pot method.
Can I use store-bought pizza seasoning instead of Italian seasoning?
Yes, pizza seasoning is a great substitute if you have it on hand as it usually contains basil, oregano, and other herbs that complement this dish well. Just start with the same amount and adjust according to your taste preferences.
Is it possible to add more cheese?
Definitely! If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add more mozzarella or even mix in some provolone or fontina for extra creaminess. Just keep an eye on melting times so everything gets wonderfully gooey without overcooking the pasta.
How spicy is the dish?
The heat level is mild by default, but the crushed red pepper flakes add a subtle kick. You can adjust the spiciness by adding more flakes or omitting them altogether for a kid-friendly version. The sausage and pepperoni typically add their own savory spice as well.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Pizza Pasta Recipe is genuinely a lifesaver when you want all the fun of pizza in a cozy pasta form with minimal mess. It’s hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor that will quickly make it a staple in your weeknight rotation. I can’t recommend it enough—grab your ingredients, gather your loved ones, and enjoy this delicious one-pot wonder that’s as easy as it is unforgettable!
Print
One-Pot Pizza Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
This One-Pot Pizza Pasta recipe brings together all your favorite pizza flavors in a quick and easy skillet meal. Sausage, pepperoni, and olives combine with pasta, rich tomato sauce, and plenty of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that cooks all in one pot for minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
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
Herbs and Spices
- 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
- 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 cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Pepperoni, Onion, and Garlic: Stir in the pepperoni slices, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the onion softens and the garlic is fragrant.
- Season and Add Tomatoes: Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the uncooked short pasta to the simmering sauce. Stir well to combine. Cover and let simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Finish with Olives and Cheese: Stir in the sliced black olives and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top. Cover and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley, and serve the pizza pasta hot.
Notes
- Feel free to add your favorite pizza toppings such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or cooked bacon.
- To make this recipe vegetarian, omit the sausage and pepperoni and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Short pasta shapes like penne or rotini work best for holding the sauce and toppings.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
