Deluxe Pepperoni Pizza Pasta Bake
Ingredients:
Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 45 minutes | Serves: 6-8
Est. calories per serving: 202-405 (per 1/6th or 1/8th pizza bake)
- 4c. Kaslo Rotini
- 1c. Diced tomatoes
- 1c. White onion
- 1c. Green peppers
- 2c. Mushrooms
- 1/3c. Sliced black olives
- 2c. Tomato Sauce
- 2 Cloves crushed garlic
- 1/4c. Pepperoni
- 2c. Grated Mozzarella cheese
- 1tsp. Dried parsley
- 1tsp. Butter
Toppings:
- Ranch dressing
- Grated parmesan
- Chili flakes
- Garlic salt or powder
- Italian seasoning
Instructions:
- Bring a medium-sized pot of water to boil. Cook pasta about 5 minutes, until almost al dente, but not quite cooked through. Strain, return to the pot (without rinsing), cover, and set aside.
- Slice mushrooms and add to a large saucepan, along with butter. Sauté over medium-high heat until browned and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Lower heat to medium.
- Dice and mince onions, tomatoes, and green pepper into small pieces, and add to the pan, along with garlic, olives and tomato sauce. Grate cheeses, and stir 1/2c. of the mozzarella into the pan. Add cooked pasta to the pan, and stir mixture well until completely blended.
- Pour mixture into a large casserole dish (preferably round, for the ‘pizza’ effect). Spread evenly, and top with remaining mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and sprinkle with dried parsley.
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Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 30-40 minutes, until cheese is crispy golden brown, and pepperoni is curling. Serve family style at the table, with plenty of toppings so everyone can customize their ‘pizza’! Serve with your family’s favourite mealtime beverages, and a garden or caesar salad on the side. Feel free to experiment with different flavours, your family is sure to request this dish again (and again!)!
