What type of pasta is best for making one pot pizza pasta?

Short-cut pastas like penne, rigatoni, or rotini are ideal for one pot pizza pasta. These shapes hold sauce well and cook evenly in a single pot. Long pastas such as spaghetti or fettuccine can be more difficult to cook evenly in one pot and may lead to clumping or uneven texture.

How much liquid should I use to cook pasta properly in a one pot recipe?

Use enough liquid—usually water, broth, or a sauce component—to just cover the pasta in the pot. This ensures the pasta cooks fully without drying out. Adding liquid gradually and stirring helps prevent sticking and gives the pasta time to absorb flavors without becoming mushy.

Can I prepare one pot pizza pasta ahead of time without losing flavor or texture?

It’s best to cook and serve one pot pizza pasta fresh to avoid soggy pasta. However, you can prepare ingredients like browned sausage, chopped vegetables, or sauce in advance. Assemble and cook the pasta close to serving time for the best texture and flavor.

What if my cooking pot isn’t safe for the oven or broiler when melting the cheese?

If your pot can’t go in the oven, sprinkle cheese and toppings like pepperoni on the cooked pasta, then cover and heat on low on the stovetop until the cheese melts. This won’t crisp toppings like a broiler, but it will melt the cheese without extra dishes.

How can I get crispy pepperoni for one pot pizza pasta without an oven-safe pot?

Fry pepperoni slices in a small amount of oil in the pot over medium-high heat before cooking the pasta. Cook until crisp, then remove and drain on paper towels. Add crispy pepperoni on top of the pasta just before serving for added texture.

One Pot Pizza Pasta Recipe With Cheesy Savory Sauce

Ingredients

– 1 lb mild Italian sausage, casings removed or pre-ground sausage

– 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni, divided

– 1/2 green bell pepper, diced

– 1/2 yellow onion, diced

– 4 cloves garlic, minced

– 24 oz jar of marinara sauce

– 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

– 1/4 teaspoon dried basil

– 3 cups water

– 1 lb dry, uncooked short cut pasta such as penne or rigatoni

– 2 cups mozzarella cheese, divided

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Fresh minced parsley or basil for garnish

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Instructions

1-First: follow the directions to get that savory sauce and melted cheese just right. Begin by cutting half of the pepperoni slices into four pieces and set aside.

2-Heat a dutch oven or deep pot over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. You’ll brown the Italian sausage, crumbling it as it cooks, for about 4-5 minutes, then drain excess grease and return to pot. This builds a strong base for your one pot pizza pasta.

3-Next, add the cut pepperoni pieces, diced onion, and diced green pepper and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds or until fragrant, then stir in marinara sauce, oregano, and basil.

4-Add water and bring to a boil over high heat, then add pasta, stir, reduce heat to simmer, cover, and cook for 12-15 minutes until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed. Stir in 1 cup mozzarella cheese, remove from heat, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

5-Top with remaining mozzarella and pepperoni slices, then broil on high for 1-3 minutes until cheese is bubbly and slightly golden. Finally, garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.

Notes

🍝 Use short cut pasta like penne to ensure even cooking.
🍲 Stir frequently in last minutes to prevent sticking and maintain a gentle simmer.
🍄 Customize with extra toppings like mushrooms, olives, or ham for variety.

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 7 minutes
Cook Time: 23 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Boiling, Broiling, Sautéing
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Contains Dairy, Gluten

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 441