One Pot Pizza Pasta

One Pot Pizza Pasta brings together the best of two beloved comfort foods—pizza and pasta—in one easy, family-friendly dish. Loaded with savory meats, melted cheese, and bold Italian flavors, this one-pot meal is quick to prepare, easy to clean up, and guaranteed to satisfy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One Pot Convenience: Everything cooks in a single pot—less mess, less cleanup.
• Pizza-Inspired Flavors: Combines the richness of pasta with all your favorite pizza toppings.
• Quick Weeknight Dinner: Ready in under 30 minutes.
• Customizable: Use any combination of meats, vegetables, and cheeses.
• Family Favorite: Loved by kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground Italian sausage or ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 cups marinara or pizza sauce
• 3 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
• 12 ounces short pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup mini pepperoni slices or chopped regular pepperoni
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Optional toppings: black olives, mushrooms, green peppers, fresh basil

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Sauté the Meat and Aromatics
   In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground sausage (or beef) and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.

2. Add Sauce and Pasta
   Pour in marinara or pizza sauce and water (or broth). Stir to combine, then add the pasta. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover.

3. Simmer Until Tender
   Simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked and the liquid is mostly absorbed.

4. Add Toppings and Cheese
   Stir in pepperoni and half the mozzarella. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top. Cover and cook for 2–3 minutes, until cheese is melted.

5. Serve
   Garnish with extra pepperoni, basil, or your favorite pizza toppings. Serve hot.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4–6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Veggie Version: Skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
• Supreme Style: Add bell peppers, onions, black olives, and sausage.
• Cheesy Upgrade: Add ricotta or provolone for extra creaminess.
• Spicy Kick: Use hot Italian sausage or add sliced jalapeños.
• Low-Carb Option: Use low-carb pasta or substitute with zucchini noodles (cook separately).

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in a saucepan with a splash of water or sauce to loosen.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, short pasta like rotini, penne, shells, or elbow macaroni all work well.

What’s the best sauce to use?

Use a high-quality marinara or pizza sauce for the most authentic flavor.

Can I bake this after cooking?

Yes, transfer to a baking dish, top with cheese and additional toppings, and broil for a bubbly finish.

Can I use pre-cooked pasta?

It’s best to cook the pasta in the sauce for flavor and to thicken the dish, but you can stir in pre-cooked pasta at the end and simmer briefly.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Absolutely—just skip the meat and load up on vegetables and cheese.

What meats can I use besides sausage?

Try ground beef, turkey, bacon, ham, or sliced cooked chicken.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Use a dairy-free cheese substitute and ensure your sauce contains no dairy.

Will the pasta overcook if left in the pot?

To prevent overcooking, serve soon after the pasta is tender and remove from heat.

How can I make it taste more like pizza?

Add more traditional pizza toppings like olives, mushrooms, or green peppers, and finish with a sprinkle of oregano.

What side dishes go well with this?

Serve with garlic bread, a green salad, or roasted vegetables.

Conclusion

One Pot Pizza Pasta is a comforting, cheesy, and flavorful meal that combines the best of two classics in one delicious dish. With minimal prep and cleanup, it’s the perfect recipe for busy nights, picky eaters, or anytime you’re craving the taste of pizza with the heartiness of pasta.