Cheesy Pizza Pasta Pie
This Cheesy Pizza Pasta Pie is a delightful twist on two classic comfort foods: pizza and pasta! It's an easy, satisfying dish perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Loaded with rich Italian sausage, savory spices, and gooey mozzarella cheese, this recipe brings together the flavors of your favorite pizza toppings with the heartiness of macaroni pasta. Best of all, it's quick to prepare and bakes in just 15 minutes, making it great for last-minute meals. Serve it alongside garlic bread, garlic sticks, or a fresh side salad for a complete dinner that everyone will love!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Wagon wheel macaroni
8 ounces (Cooked)
Italian sausage
8 ounces (Break apart and cooked)
Instant minced onion
1 teaspoon (Dried)
Oregano
1/2 teaspoon (Dried)
Basil
1/2 teaspoon (Dried)
Ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (Ground)
Traditional-style pasta sauce
1 (24-ounce) jar (Store-bought or homemade)
Mozzarella cheese
1 (8-ounce) package (Cut into thin slices)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the wagon wheel macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
4
Once the sausage is cooked, add the instant minced onion, oregano, basil, and ground black pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine and let the flavors meld for another minute. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
5
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage mixture with the traditional-style pasta sauce. Mix in the cooked macaroni and ensure everything is evenly coated.
6
Transfer the pasta and sausage mixture into an ungreased 9-inch deep-dish pie plate or a 2.5-quart casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
7
Cover the top entirely with slices of mozzarella cheese, ensuring every bite will be cheesy and delicious.
8
Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing. Serve hot with garlic bread, garlic sticks, or a refreshing side salad.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Pizza Pasta Pie?
It is a delightful twist on pizza and pasta, combining Italian sausage, macaroni, and gooey mozzarella cheese.
How long does it take to bake?
The dish bakes in just 15 minutes once assembled.
What kind of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for wagon wheel macaroni, though other shapes can be substituted.
What oven temperature is required?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
What type of meat is included?
It uses 8 ounces of Italian sausage.
What size baking dish should I use?
You can use a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate or a 2.5-quart casserole dish.
Should the baking dish be greased?
No, the recipe specifies using an ungreased dish.
What seasonings are added to the sausage?
The sausage is seasoned with instant minced onion, oregano, basil, and ground black pepper.
How long should the sausage be cooked?
Sauté the sausage for about 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
What kind of cheese is used for the topping?
An 8-ounce package of mozzarella cheese, cut into thin slices, is used to cover the top.
Can I use shredded cheese instead of slices?
Yes, you can substitute shredded mozzarella if you do not have slices.
What type of sauce is recommended?
A 24-ounce jar of traditional-style pasta sauce is used.
Do I need to cook the pasta before baking?
Yes, cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente before mixing.
What should I serve with this meal?
It pairs well with garlic bread, garlic sticks, or a fresh side salad.
Should I drain the sausage fat?
Yes, drain any excess fat from the skillet after cooking the sausage.
How do I know when the pie is done?
The pie is finished when the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the Italian sausage with a plant-based meat alternative or extra vegetables.
Is the onion fresh or dried?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of dried instant minced onion.
Can I use fresh herbs?
Yes, you can replace the dried oregano and basil with fresh herbs, typically using three times the amount of fresh.
How many ingredients are needed?
There are 8 main ingredients in this recipe.
What is the preparation time for the sausage?
It takes approximately 5-7 minutes to break apart and brown the sausage.
How many servings does this make?
While not specified, a 9-inch deep-dish pie typically serves 4 to 6 people.
Can I use ground beef instead of sausage?
Yes, ground beef or ground turkey can be used as a substitute for Italian sausage.
Is this a good recipe for weeknights?
Yes, it is designed to be a quick dinner option for busy weeknights.
Should I let the dish cool before serving?
Yes, let it cool slightly after removing it from the oven to make slicing easier.
What makes this a 'pizza' pasta pie?
The combination of pizza toppings like sausage, Italian herbs, and lots of mozzarella gives it a pizza flavor profile.
Can I add extra toppings?
Absolutely, you can add pepperoni, bell peppers, or olives to enhance the pizza theme.
What is the total baking time?
The total baking time is 15 minutes.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as a classic comfort food and a family meal.
Does the recipe include nutritional information?
The current recipe data does not specify calories, fat, or other nutritional metrics.