Cheesy Baked Pizza Spaghetti

This Baked Pizza Spaghetti brings together everything you love about cheesy pizza night and pasta comfort into one irresistibly crowd-pleasing dish. Tender spaghetti tangled with a rich tomato sauce and plenty of gooey mozzarella is layered with flavorful sausage, sweet red peppers, and crispy pepperoni. It is perfect for busy weeks or family gatherings and guarantees that signature cheese pull everyone dives for.

My family fell for this the very first time I made it and now it is our go-to for game nights. There is something about that golden baked cheese over saucy pasta that vanishes from the table in minutes.

Essential Ingredients

• Spaghetti Choose a durum wheat spaghetti and cook it just shy of al dente for a sturdy texture once baked
• Marinara sauce A thick high-quality sauce clings to every strand homemade or a robust jarred variety works well
• Italian sausage Fresh sausage brings deep flavor remove from casing and crumble for best distribution
• Red bell pepper Vibrant red peppers add gentle sweetness and contrast keep them crisp and fresh for best results
• Mozzarella Always grate from a whole block for the smoothest melting fresh mozzarella offers extra creaminess
• Pepperoni Go for thin slices to crisp up on top and deliver that classic pizza bite

Step-by-Step Instructions

Boil the Pasta:

Fill a large pot with water and salt generously. Add the spaghetti and stir often to keep strands separate. Cook just until barely tender as it will finish in the oven.

Prep the Toppings:

While pasta cooks dice red pepper and remove sausage from its casing. Have everything ready for layering.

Brown the Sausage:

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add sausage. Break into small chunks and brown thoroughly this builds deep flavor and prevents greasiness.

Reserve Pasta Water:

Before draining the pasta scoop out a cup of the starchy water. This can help loosen the sauce if it gets too thick.

Mix Pasta and Sauce:

Return cooked pasta to the warm pot and begin adding marinara a little at a time. Toss to coat each strand thoroughly so every bite is saucy.

Layer the Toppings:

Fold in browned sausage and diced peppers. Take the time to mix evenly so each forkful has a taste of everything.

Assemble in Baking Dish:

Coat your baking dish lightly with oil to prevent sticking. Spread the pasta mixture evenly into the dish.

Layer the Cheese:

Scatter a mound of freshly grated mozzarella over the surface covering every bit of pasta for an even melt.

Add More Flavor:

Sprinkle with parmesan for a sharp salty kick and golden color as it bakes.

Finish with Pepperoni:

Lay pepperoni slices in a pattern ensuring every scoop will boast that classic pizza flavor.

Bake to Perfection:

Place casserole in a preheated oven. Bake until cheese is melted and bubbling with golden spots forming across the top.

Rest Before Serving:

Allow the dish to cool for at least five minutes. This step sets the cheese so portions stay neat and the flavor comes together.

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Storage Tips
Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to four days. To freeze individual portions cool completely then wrap tightly in foil and store in a freezer bag for up to two months. Reheat in the oven to revive the crispy cheese and gooey texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Sub in penne or rotini if you don’t have spaghetti. For a lighter dish swap sausage for turkey or bulk up with extra vegetables like mushrooms or spinach. Dairy-free cheese melts better when applied in a thick layer.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Pizza Spaghetti with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. This is also fantastic with classic antipasto sides or simply served in bowls for movie night comfort.

Roots of the Dish

This recipe effortlessly blends two icons of Italian American cooking. Pizza baked pasta casseroles first gained popularity when home cooks needed hearty one-pan meals that brought families together. Today it is loved for its easy prep and crowd-pleasing potential.

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Recipe FAQs

→ How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?

Cook the pasta just shy of al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven. This slight firmness helps maintain texture after baking.

→ Can I use different types of cheese?

Mozzarella is ideal for melting and stretchiness, but adding parmesan on top boosts flavor and creates crispy spots when baked.

→ Is it necessary to brown the sausage before baking?

Yes, browning the sausage first enhances its flavor and ensures even cooking and distribution throughout the dish.

→ How should I arrange the pepperoni for best results?

Place pepperoni slices evenly in a pattern that ensures each serving gets crispy edges after baking.

→ Why should I not rinse the pasta after cooking?

Leaving the starch on the pasta helps sauce cling better, resulting in a more flavorful and cohesive dish.

→ Can this dish be customized with other toppings?

Absolutely, you can add vegetables, different meats, or herbs to tailor flavors to your preference.