Pizza Pasta

Pizza Pasta is loaded with hearty Italian sausage, spicy pepperoni, zesty tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese.

Prep Time10

Cook Time25

Total Time35

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Keyword: pizza pasta

Servings: servings

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound hot or mild Italian sausage casings removed
1 cup mini pepperoni or regular pepperoni roughly chopped
15 ounce can of tomato sauce
1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder
12 ounces rotini pasta
3 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
½ teaspoon Kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper to taste
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs parsley, basil and thyme; or combination of these, for garnishing

Prepare the sausage. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add the pepperoni and sauce. Stir in 1 cup of mini pepperoni, and reserve 1 tablespoon for topping. Pour in the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, dried oregano, and garlic powder. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer for 3–4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Cook the pasta. Add the rotini pasta to the skillet along with the broth. Stir well, ensuring the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Season with Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Simmer. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until the pasta is tender and the liquid has mostly absorbed.
Add cheese. Once the pasta is fully cooked, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top along with the reserved tablespoon of mini pepperoni. Cover with the lid for 2-3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt.
Garnish and serve. Just before serving, garnish with freshly chopped herbs like parsley, basil, or thyme for a burst of color and added flavor. Transfer the pasta to a serving dish or leave it in the skillet for a rustic presentation. Enjoy!