Description
This One-Pot Pizza Pasta is a flavorful, easy-to-make meal combining Italian sausage, pepperoni, and a medley of savory spices with tender pasta all cooked together in one pot. Creamy mozzarella and optional Parmesan garnish complete this hearty, cheesy dish inspired by classic pizza flavors, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- ½ lb. sweet or spicy Italian sausage (casings removed)
- ½ medium onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup pepperoni, cut into fourths (about 3 oz)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Spices and Sauces
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 6 oz tomato paste
Pasta and Broth
- ¾ lb. short pasta (such as campanelle, rotini, or penne)
- 4 cups chicken broth
Cheese
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided: 1 cup and ½ cup)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Cook Sausage and Vegetables: In a large Dutch oven or pot, over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it into bite-size pieces as it cooks. Add the diced onion and bell pepper and sauté until the sausage is browned and the vegetables are soft, about 7 to 8 minutes.
- Add Pepperoni and Seasonings: Stir in the quartered pepperoni, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 1 minute to allow flavors to meld. Then, stir in the tomato paste, coating the meat and vegetables evenly.
- Add Broth and Pasta: Pour in the chicken broth and add the pasta. Stir well to combine everything.
- Boil and Simmer: Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium, cover the pot, and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed. If the pasta absorbs all the liquid before it’s tender, stir in ¼ cup of water or broth and continue cooking for a few more minutes.
- Incorporate Cheese: Remove the pot from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and well combined. Taste the dish and season with salt if needed.
- Finalize and Serve: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup mozzarella on top of the pasta along with extra red pepper flakes or grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Cover the pot and let sit for 1 to 2 minutes to allow the cheese to melt. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- The red pepper flakes are optional but add a nice subtle kick; adjust according to your spice preference.
- If preferred, you can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a slightly different flavor.
- Short pasta shapes like campanelle, rotini, or penne are ideal as they hold the sauce well.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and pepperoni and use vegetable broth instead.
- Letting the cheese melt under the covered pot at the end gives a wonderfully creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
