The Art of Pizza Casserole Perfection

Pasta Preparation

Learning to cook pasta slightly under al dente ensures it won't become mushy during the baking process, maintaining ideal texture in the finished casserole.

Mushroom Sautéing

Mastering the technique of properly browning mushrooms removes excess moisture and intensifies their flavor, preventing a watery casserole while adding rich umami depth.

Strategic Layering

Building the casserole in deliberate layers ensures even distribution of flavors and cheese throughout, creating a cohesive dish where every portion has the perfect balance of ingredients.

Temperature Control

Understanding when to bake covered versus uncovered allows the casserole to heat through completely while achieving that golden, bubbly cheese topping everyone craves.

Resting Period

Allowing the finished casserole to rest before serving lets the cheese set slightly and makes clean serving possible while maintaining optimal temperature for the perfect first bite.

Secrets to Pizza Casserole Perfection

Pasta Choice: Rigatoni, penne, or ziti work best as their tubular shape holds the sauce beautifully and creates perfect texture throughout the casserole.

Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Add 10 extra minutes to covered baking time when cooking from cold.

Mushroom Mastery: Don't skip sautéing the mushrooms first - this removes excess moisture and concentrates their flavor, preventing a watery casserole.

Cheese Layering: Using both shredded and fresh mozzarella creates the perfect balance of even melting and those gorgeous cheese pulls everyone loves.

Customization Options: Feel free to add Italian sausage, bell peppers, olives, or any favorite pizza toppings to make this recipe your own signature dish.

Freezer Friendly: This casserole freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking.

Supreme Pizza Pasta Casserole with Pepperoni, Mushrooms, Fresh Mozzarella and Marinara Sauce Baked to Golden Perfection

Name: Supreme Pizza Pasta Casserole with Pepperoni, Mushrooms, Fresh Mozzarella and Marinara Sauce Baked to Golden Perfection
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: For the Pasta Base:; 1 pound penne pasta or rigatoni; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt for pasta water; For the Pizza Sauce Layer:; 24 ounces marinara sauce or pizza sauce; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional; For the Toppings:; 6 ounces pepperoni slices; 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced; 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, torn into pieces; 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped for garnish; For Special Equipment:; 9x13 inch baking dish; Large pot for boiling pasta; Medium skillet for sautéing mushrooms

The ultimate pizza pasta casserole featuring zesty pepperoni, savory mushrooms, and creamy mozzarella cheese. This comforting baked dish combines the familiar flavors of supreme pizza with the heartiness of pasta, creating an unforgettable family-style dinner that elevates the classic casserole to extraordinary heights perfect for weeknight dinners, game day parties, or any time you crave the perfect balance of Italian comfort and convenience.

Prep Time

20 Minutes

Cook Time

35 Minutes

Total Time

55 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the Pasta Base:

1 pound penne pasta or rigatoni

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon salt for pasta water

For the Pizza Sauce Layer:

24 ounces marinara sauce or pizza sauce

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional

For the Toppings:

6 ounces pepperoni slices

8 ounces mushrooms, sliced

3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

8 ounces fresh mozzarella, torn into pieces

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped for garnish

For Special Equipment:

9x13 inch baking dish

Large pot for boiling pasta

Medium skillet for sautéing mushrooms

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.

Cook pasta in salted boiling water until 2 minutes less than al dente (it will finish cooking in the oven). Drain and toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil to prevent sticking.

In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, sauté sliced mushrooms in remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil for 5-6 minutes until golden and moisture has evaporated. Season with salt and pepper.

In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta with marinara sauce, minced garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix until pasta is evenly coated.

Spread half of the sauced pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer.

Layer with 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella, half of the Parmesan cheese, half the pepperoni slices, and half the sautéed mushrooms.

Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, then finish with remaining shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, pepperoni, mushrooms, and torn fresh mozzarella pieces distributed evenly across the surface.

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes, then remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.

Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped basil and serve hot.

Supreme Pizza Pasta Casserole with Pepperoni, Mushrooms, Fresh Mozzarella and Marinara Sauce Baked to Golden Perfection

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

The Art of Pizza Casserole Perfection

Supreme Pizza Pasta Casserole with Pepperoni, Mushrooms, Fresh Mozzarella and Marinara Sauce Baked to Golden Perfection

Ingredients

Instructions