Description
This One-Pot Pizza Pasta is a flavorful, comforting dish that combines Italian sausage, pepperoni, and a medley of vegetables with pasta in a rich tomato broth. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner, this recipe brings all the beloved flavors of pizza into a hearty pasta meal, cooked entirely in one pot for easy cleanup.
Ingredients
Meat & 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)
Seasonings & Sauces
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 6 oz tomato paste
Pasta & Liquids
- ¾ lb. short pasta (such as campanelle, rotini, or penne)
- 4 cups chicken broth
Cheese & Garnishes
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Cook the sausage and vegetables: In a large Dutch oven or pot over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it into bite-sized pieces as it browns. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, and sauté until the sausage is browned and vegetables are softened, about 7 to 8 minutes.
- Add pepperoni and seasonings: Stir in the cut pepperoni, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook everything together for 1 minute to blend the flavors. Then add the tomato paste and stir until it coats the meat and vegetables evenly.
- Add broth and pasta: Pour in the chicken broth, then add the short pasta of your choice. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the pasta: 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 has been absorbed. If the liquid is absorbed before the pasta is cooked, add ¼ cup additional water or broth and continue cooking a few more minutes.
- Incorporate cheese and season: Remove the pot from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy. Taste the pasta and add salt if needed.
- Melt additional cheese and serve: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup mozzarella on top of the pasta. Optionally, add extra red pepper flakes or grated Parmesan cheese. Cover the pot and let it sit for 1 to 2 minutes to allow the cheese to melt fully. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use pasta shapes like campanelle, rotini, or penne that hold sauce well.
- For a spicier version, choose spicy Italian sausage and add extra red pepper flakes.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and pepperoni and use vegetable broth instead.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove.
- If the dish becomes too dry upon reheating, add a splash of broth or water.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
