Cheesy Pizza Pasta with Pepperoni and Sausage: A Slice of Heaven!
Oh, let me just tell you how much I love this Cheesy Pizza Pasta recipe! Picture this: a cozy evening, family gathered around the table, and the aroma of sizzling sausage and melting cheese wafting through the air. It’s one of those meals that feels like a warm hug. ☁️🍝
This dish takes everything you love about pizza – the gooey cheese, the savory toppings, even that delightful kick from pepperoni – and melds it with pasta for an indulgent dinner that’s sure to spark joy (and perhaps a food coma!). Trust me, it’s a total crowd-pleaser! I once made this for a get-together, and I think my friends nearly hugged me in gratitude. So let’s dive in, shall we?
What’s in Cheesy Pizza Pasta?
– Pasta (8 oz / 225 g): You can use any pasta shape like rigatoni or penne. I prefer the ridged shapes since they trap more sauce—yum!
– Olive oil (1 tablespoon): A splash of this golden elixir is perfect for sautéing and adding depth to our dish. I always go for extra virgin for that robust flavor.
– Small onion (1, diced): Onions are the base of flavor in this recipe. Plus, they make your house smell amazing while cooking!
– Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Because let’s be honest, what’s life without garlic? It’s the real MVP here.
– Italian sausage (8 oz / 225 g, removed from casing): Adds that hearty, meaty goodness we crave in a pizza! I usually opt for mild sausage, but feel free to spice it up if you dare.
– Pepperoni slices (6 oz / 170 g): Another pizza classic that brings a delightful crunch to our dish. I mean, is it even a pizza pasta without pepperoni?
– Diced tomatoes (1 can, 14 oz, drained): This adds freshness and helps balance the creaminess of the sauce. You can use fresh tomatoes if you’re feeling fancy!
– Heavy cream (1 cup / 240 ml): A luxurious ingredient for that creamy sauce we crave. Absolutely necessary for indulgence!
– Mozzarella cheese (1 cup / 100 g, shredded) & Parmesan cheese (½ cup / 50 g, grated): The cheese trifecta! Together, they create a smooth, melty experience that’s hard to resist.
– Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A pinch of this brings all those wonderful herb flavors together.
– Red pepper flakes (to taste): For those who love a little heat! Just sprinkle in as much (or as little) as you like.
– Fresh parsley (for garnish): Because we all need a pop of color, right?
– Salt and pepper (to taste): Always taste as you go!
– Garlic bread (for serving): Seriously, can you even have pasta without garlic bread? I think not!
Is Cheesy Pizza Pasta Good for You?
Now, let’s talk about the health side of things. This Cheesy Pizza Pasta is certainly a treat. The Italian sausage and pepperoni do bring protein to the table, which is fantastic, but they’re also a little higher in fat and sodium. Comfortable moderation is key!
On the plus side, the heavy cream and cheeses offer calcium and can be part of a balanced diet if enjoyed occasionally. Plus, with the addition of diced tomatoes, you get a nice dose of vitamins too!
If you’re looking to lighten this recipe up, consider swapping the heavy cream with a lighter alternative or using a bit less cheese. You can even sneak in some veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor. Your body will thank you later!
Ingredients List
– 8 oz (225 g) pasta (e.g., rigatoni or penne)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 8 oz (225 g) Italian sausage, removed from casing
– 6 oz (170 g) pepperoni slices
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
– 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
– 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
– ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Red pepper flakes (to taste)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– Salt and pepper (to taste)
– Garlic bread (for serving)
How to Make Cheesy Pizza Pasta?
1. First things first, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. You don’t want it mushy, trust me! Drain and set it aside for now.
2. In a large skillet, heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Add in the diced onion and sauté until it’s translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This step makes your kitchen smell divine!
3. Toss in the minced garlic and Italian sausage. Cook until the sausage is browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. You want perfectly crumbled goodness here!
4. Now, add the pepperoni slices and let them cook for another 2 minutes until they start to crisp up. This is the moment you realize how awesome things smell—try not to nibble too much!
5. Next, pour in the diced tomatoes and heavy cream. Mix everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer.
6. Stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until melted and the sauce becomes creamy. Add in the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to taste.
7. Finally, combine the cooked pasta with the cheesy sauce in the skillet, tossing to thoroughly coat every delicious piece.
8. Serve up this cheesy scrumptiousness immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and let’s not forget the garlic bread on the side—heavenly!
Get Creative with Your Cheesy Pizza Pasta!
Feel free to make this recipe your own! If you’re looking to switch it up, consider adding diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even some spinach for a pop of color and added nutrients.
And if you’ve got kiddos around, this is a great way to sneak in some veggies without them even realizing it! Plus, you could totally use leftover rotisserie chicken or turkey instead of sausage for a different protein option. Spice lovers can increase the amount of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Let your imagination run wild, and don’t forget to enjoy every gooey bite! I can’t wait to hear how much you love this dish. So roll up your sleeves, grab an apron, and bring a little cheesy joy into your kitchen! 🍕❤️
I hope you enjoy making and sharing this Cheesy Pizza Pasta as much as I do. It’s truly a meal made with love that brings everyone together. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out!
