Pizza Pasta is your new weeknight dinner hero—cheesy, saucy, and packed with flavor, all made in a single pan in just 20 minutes. Yes, really. Imagine your favorite pizza toppings tossed with pasta and melted mozzarella, and you’ve got this fast, family-friendly dish. It’s everything you love about pizza, with none of the hassle—and way fewer dishes to wash.
With just six ingredients and zero fuss, pizza pasta is perfect for busy nights, picky eaters, or anyone who craves comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🍕 One Pan Wonder – Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor
- ⏱ 20-Minute Meal – Start to finish in less time than delivery
- 🧀 Cheesy & Satisfying – Melty mozzarella makes it extra cozy
- 🧑🍳 Customizable – Add your favorite pizza toppings or veggies
- 👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly – Loved by kids and adults alike
Ingredients
- 1 jar (16 oz) pizza sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) petite diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 cups water
- ½ cup chopped pepperoni
- 3 cups uncooked whole wheat rotini (or pasta of choice)
- 5 oz baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional: extra cheese & pepperoni for topping
- Optional garnish: fresh parsley or basil
Instructions
- Start the Sauce
In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven, combine the pizza sauce, diced tomatoes (with juice), water, and pepperoni. Bring to a boil over high heat. - Add the Pasta
Stir in the uncooked pasta, making sure it’s mostly submerged. Reduce heat to a low boil and cover the pan. - Cook the Pasta
Simmer for 8–10 minutes (or according to pasta directions), stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash more water if needed. - Wilt the Spinach
Once pasta is al dente, stir in the chopped spinach. Cover for 1–2 minutes to let it wilt. - Add the Cheese
Stir in mozzarella until melted and gooey. - Optional Finish
For a cheesy topping, sprinkle extra mozzarella and pepperoni on top, then broil for 2–3 minutes until bubbly and golden. - Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with chopped parsley or basil if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 6
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 268 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 13g
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 992mg
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 9g
Nutrition info is approximate and varies by ingredients used.
Tips & Variations
- 🥦 Add Veggies: Try sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions for extra flavor
- 🧀 Extra Cheese? Yes Please! Add ricotta, provolone, or fresh mozzarella
- 🍲 Make It a Casserole: Bake in a dish at 350°F with more cheese for 20 mins
- 🌱 Vegetarian Version: Omit the pepperoni and bulk up the spinach or add olives
- 🧊 Meal Prep Friendly: Refrigerates well for 4 days; freeze up to 3 months
Pizza Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large skillet, combine pizza sauce, tomatoes, water, and pepperoni. Bring to a boil.
- Add pasta. Stir, cover, and cook on low boil for 8–10 minutes until al dente.
- Stir in spinach. Cover for 1–2 minutes to wilt.
- Stir in mozzarella until melted.
- (Optional) Broil with extra cheese and pepperoni for a bubbly topping.
- Garnish and serve.
Notes
– Make it vegetarian by skipping the pepperoni
– Can be baked into a casserole with more cheese
FAQs
Can I use any pasta?
Yes! Rotini works best, but penne, shells, or elbow macaroni are great too.
Can I skip the spinach?
Sure, but it’s an easy way to sneak in greens. You could also swap in kale or chopped arugula.
What if I don’t have pizza sauce?
Use marinara or spaghetti sauce and add Italian seasoning or garlic powder.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely! It reheats beautifully. Just add a splash of water when warming it up.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s fast, fun, and full of flavor, Pizza Pasta delivers in every way. It’s got all the cheesy, saucy goodness of pizza with the heartiness of pasta—plus only one pan to wash. What more could you want on a busy night?