Pizza Pasta Skillet Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and satisfying weeknight dinner, this Pizza Pasta Skillet recipe is a great option. It brings together the delicious flavors of a classic pepperoni pizza and combines them with pasta, all in one single skillet.

It is the perfect dish for a couple or a small family. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can have a hot, cheesy, and flavorful meal on the table in under 20 minutes.

Best of all, you don’t even have to cook the pasta ahead of time. The noodles cook in the sauce right in the same skillet, saving you not only time, but extra dishes as well!

The Perfect Weeknight Meal

This Pizza Pasta Skillet recipe is perfect for weeknights because it’s quick, easy, and requires minimal cleanup. Here are a few reasons why you will love making this for dinner:

Simple Ingredients: Most of the ingredients are pantry staples or things you likely have in your fridge or pantry already. No need to run to the store for anything fancy!

Quick Cooking Time: From start to finish, this dish takes about 20 minutes, which is ideal for busy weeknights.

One-Pan Meal: Everything cooks in a single skillet, which means fewer dishes to wash after dinner. Although I love my classic Pizza Casserole Recipe, there is a huge advantage when you make a dinner entirely in one pan!

Taste: Both adults and kids love this meal. It combines pizza and pasta, two favorite classics, into one delicious dish.

Easy Recipe To Customize

One of the great things about this recipe is how customizable it is. Here are some ideas to make it just how you prefer:

Change Up the Pasta: While elbow macaroni works well in this recipe, you can use other types of pasta, like rotini, penne, or small shells. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different pasta shapes will take a little longer or shorter to cook.

Switch Up the Sauces: You can use either marinara or pizza sauce, but if you prefer a different flavor, try using a tomato basil sauce or even a spicy arrabbiata sauce for a little kick.

Add More Toppings: Just like pizza, this skillet pasta dish can be topped with your favorite pizza toppings. You can add some diced bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, olives, or how about your favorite cooked sausage. However, if you like a little heat, sprinkle on some red pepper flakes or add a few slices of pickled banana peppers or jalapeno peppers.

Go for a Different Cheese: While mozzarella is a classic choice for pizza, you could mix in some cheddar, parmesan, or even a bit of provolone for a different flavor.

Make It Vegetarian: If you want to skip the pepperoni, this dish can easily be made vegetarian. Add more veggies, like zucchini, spinach, and then some cherry tomatoes to give it some extra texture and flavor.

Perfect Recipe For Two

This Pizza Pasta Skillet is ideal for a couple or a small family. In only 20 minutes you will have a hearty meal that doesn’t require a ton of ingredients or effort.

Plus, it’s a fun twist on traditional pasta recipes that helps keep dinner interesting. In fact, it has now become one of our favorite pizza night menu items.

Not to mention that this recipe has It makes just enough for a filling dinner with a little leftover for lunch later in the week. Store the leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator and reheat with a half a teaspoon of water in the microwave for 60-90 seconds for a delicious leftover or make ahead meal.

Pizza Pasta Skillet Recipe

*A printable recipe card is located at the bottom of this article which contains the specific measurements, temperatures and cook times. However, continue reading below to learn about more helpful tips about this specific recipe.

INGREDIENTS:

• 20 slices pepperoni, quartered and divided
• 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
• pinch ground black pepper
• 20 ounces marinara or pizza sauce
• 1 cup water
• pinch red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 pound elbow macaroni
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

Optional Ingredients For Serving

• fresh parsley, minced
• grated Parmesan cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Start with the Pepperoni and Seasonings
Begin by placing most of the quartered pepperoni pieces (reserve 10-15 quartered pieces of pepperoni for the pizza topping) to a medium deep sided or large skillet that can be fitted with a lid.

Add the olive oil, minced garlic, salt and pepper and then place over medium heat for 2 minutes. Be sure to stir frequently and separate the pepperoni pieces as much as possible.

Add the Sauces and Pasta
Once the pepperoni and garlic are heated, pour in the pizza sauce, water, red pepper flakes (if using), and the dried oregano. Stir everything together until it’s well combined.

Then add the elbow macaroni and stir again, making sure the pasta is submerged in the sauce mixture.

Cook Time Required

Decrease the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer, stirring occasionally for about 11 to 14 minutes.

Check the Pasta
Once the cook time is at the 11 minute mark check the pasta for doneness. If the sauce is already absorbed and your past isn’t yet tender, you may need to add a little more water.

The type of the sauce and the pasta that you use will vary on how much liquid is required. Although I have found that 28 ounces of liquid is the perfect amount for 1/2 pound of elbow pasta in this Pizza Pasta Skillet recipe.

Add the Cheese
Once the pasta is tender and the sauce is thick, stir in half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. The addition of shredded cheese in the pasta binds everything together.

When the cheese melts into the pasta, use the remaining shredded mozzarella to sprinkle over the top of the pasta. Then add the reserved pepperoni slices.

Cover the skillet again with the lid and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese melts.

Serving Suggestions

Remove the skillet from the heat, garnish with minced parsley, and then serve. You can also sprinkle a little grated Parmesan cheese on top for even more authentic flavor.

There you have it! This Pizza Pasta Skillet is a versatile, quick, and delicious recipe that is perfect for dinner any day of the week. It combines two classic, comfort food dishes in a single skillet, making it a favorite that’s sure to please anyone who takes a bite.

With how easy it is to make and the ability to customize the recipe to you liking, you can keep this dish on your weekly menu rotation without the worry of growing tired of it.

Enjoy! Mary

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