This Pizza Skillet Pasta is the ultimate comfort food mashup, combining the gooey, cheesy goodness of pizza with the hearty satisfaction of pasta. In just 35 minutes, you’ll have a dish bursting with rich tomato sauce, melty mozzarella, and savory Italian sausage, all topped with golden, crispy pepperoni. Every bite is a flavor explosion, with a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and smoky notes.
The textures are irresistible—tender pasta, gooey cheese, and a slight crunch from the pepperoni create a mouthwatering experience. Packed with 31g of protein and loaded with bold flavors, this one-pan wonder is a crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Perfect for busy nights or cozy dinners, it’s a guaranteed hit!
Delicious Pizza Skillet Pasta Ingredients
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (can substitute with ground beef or turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic (use freshly minced for the best flavor)
- 8 ounces sliced fresh mushrooms
- 1¼ cups uncooked elbow macaroni (or any small pasta shape you prefer)
- 24 ounces marinara sauce (1 jar)
- 1¾ cups water
- 2.5 ounces sliced black olives, drained (1 can)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 20 slices of pepperoni (add more if you love a peppery flavor)
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Pizza Skillet Pasta Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- In a large ovenproof skillet, brown the sausage, onion, green pepper, garlic, and mushrooms over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the uncooked macaroni, marinara sauce, water, and olives to the skillet. Stir well to combine. Cook for about 15 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender, stirring occasionally.
- Once the pasta is cooked, top the mixture evenly with the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, pepperoni slices, and finally the grated parmesan cheese.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden top, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes (keep an eye on it to prevent burning).
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Pizza Skillet Pasta with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad!
Creative Sauce and Topping Ideas
Switch up the flavors by using pesto sauce or alfredo sauce instead of marinara for a creamy twist. For toppings, try adding artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers for extra depth. If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes or drizzle balsamic glaze before serving for a gourmet touch.
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh garden salad or garlic breadsticks for a complete meal. For a lighter option, serve it alongside steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus. Don’t forget a chilled glass of sparkling water or your favorite red wine to complement the rich flavors!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the microwave for quick bites or the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to restore the crispy cheese topping. Add a splash of water or extra marinara sauce to keep the pasta moist while reheating.
Time-Saving Hacks for Busy Cooks
Save time by using pre-chopped veggies or pre-cooked sausage to cut down on prep. If you’re in a rush, skip the baking step and simply melt the cheese on the stovetop by covering the skillet for a few minutes. For an even quicker version, use cooked pasta and reduce the simmering time to 5 minutes.
Equipment Tips for Perfect Results
Use a large, oven-safe skillet to streamline the process from stovetop to oven. If you don’t have one, transfer the mixture to a baking dish before adding the cheese and baking. A wooden spoon is ideal for stirring the pasta, and a microplane grater makes quick work of the Parmesan cheese topping.
Pizza Skillet Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 8 ounces sliced fresh mushrooms
- 1¼ cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 24 ounces marinara sauce 1 jar
- 1¾ cups water
- 2.5 ounces sliced black olives 1 can, drained
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 20 slices pepperoni
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat oven to 400 degrees.
- In an oven proof skillet brown sausage, onion, green pepper, garlic, and sliced mushrooms over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes or until meat is cooked through; drain excess fat.
- Add in macaroni, marinara sauce, water, and olives and cook for about 15 minutes or until macaroni is soft.
- Top with shredded cheese and pepperoni, and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in a 400 degree oven for about 15 minutes till cheese melted and bubbly.