Delicious Pizza Casserole Recipe

This Pizza Casserole recipe is a perfect combination of the flavors of pizza and pasta. It is a crowd-pleasing dish that is great for a family dinner or a potluck gathering. The casserole is layered with pasta, marinara sauce, cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings. It is then baked to perfection, resulting in a cheesy and flavorful dish that everyone will love. With this simple recipe, you can enjoy the taste of pizza in a convenient casserole format.

Ingredients

• 12 oz rotini or penne pasta
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup sliced pepperoni
• 1/2 cup sliced black olives
• 1/2 cup sliced green bell peppers
• 1/2 cup sliced red onions
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with marinara sauce, oregano, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well to combine.
4. Spread half of the pasta mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Layer with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, olives, bell peppers, and red onions.
5. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta mixture and toppings.
6. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole.
7. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
8. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Once cooked, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
10. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
11. Slice and serve the pizza casserole hot.

Interesting Facts