One Pot Pizza Pasta Recipe

Save this recipe on:

Craving the cheesy, saucy goodness of pizza but want the comfort and simplicity of a hearty pasta dish? Look no further than this One Pot Pizza Pasta recipe. It delivers all the bold, familiar flavors of your favorite slice—think sizzling pepperoni, savory sausage, rich tomato sauce, and melty mozzarella—combined into a fuss-free, one-pan pasta meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy weekends at home.

With just one pot and under 30 minutes, you can serve up a dish that’s both deeply satisfying and wildly delicious. Every twirl of rotini or penne is coated in gooey cheese, bursting with seasoned meat, and enriched with aromatic herbs. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal-prepping for the week, or just indulging your pizza cravings in pasta form, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

---

Ingredients for this One Pot Pizza Pasta Recipe

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
• 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices (or chopped pepperoni)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 cups uncooked rotini pasta (or any short pasta)
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1 1/2 cups marinara or pizza sauce
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish

---

Step 1: Sauté the Meat and Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles with a spoon—about 5–6 minutes. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, then stir in the minced garlic. Sauté for another minute until fragrant.

---

Step 2: Add Seasonings and Pepperoni

Sprinkle in the dried oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir in the mini pepperoni and cook for 1–2 minutes until they start to sizzle and release their oils, enhancing the flavor of the base.

---

Step 3: Add Pasta and Liquids

Pour in the uncooked pasta, chicken broth, marinara or pizza sauce, and diced tomatoes. Stir well to combine everything, making sure the pasta is mostly submerged in liquid.

---

Step 4: Simmer Until Pasta is Tender

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and let it simmer for about 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.

---

Step 5: Add the Cheese

Turn off the heat and stir in half of the shredded mozzarella and all of the Parmesan. Mix well, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top. Cover with the lid again and let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey.

---

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired. Serve hot right out of the pot—no extra dishes required!

---

Estimated Nutrition

(Per serving, based on 6 servings total)

• Calories: 490
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 43g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 920mg

Note: Nutritional values can vary depending on ingredient brands and substitutions.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ground beef instead of Italian sausage?

Yes, ground beef works well. You can also try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

2. Is it okay to use different pasta shapes?

Absolutely! Penne, shells, or macaroni all work. Just adjust cooking time slightly based on the shape.

3. What can I substitute for pepperoni?

Chopped salami, ham, or extra sausage are good alternatives—or skip it entirely for a milder version.

4. Can this be made vegetarian?

Yes, omit the sausage and pepperoni and use plant-based alternatives or add veggies like mushrooms and bell peppers.

5. How do I make it spicier?

Use spicy Italian sausage, increase red pepper flakes, or add a dash of hot sauce.

6. Can I use store-bought pizza sauce instead of marinara?

Definitely! Pizza sauce adds an extra bold, zesty flavor that works perfectly here.

7. How do I prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom?

Stir occasionally during cooking and make sure the heat isn’t too high once it starts simmering.

8. What should I serve with this dish?

A crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables are perfect side companions.

---

Print

Save this recipe on: