One Pot Pizza Pasta

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Few dishes hit the comfort food sweet spot quite like One Pot Pizza Pasta. With all the beloved flavors of a gooey, cheesy pizza and the hearty satisfaction of a pasta dinner, this one-pot wonder is a weeknight dream. Tender rotini pasta soaks up the rich tomato sauce, mingling with juicy sausage, melty mozzarella, pepperoni, olives, and a sprinkle of Italian herbs. Every forkful delivers the ultimate bite—savory, cheesy, and loaded with bold pizza flavor.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. It’s made entirely in one pot, meaning fewer dishes and more flavor as everything cooks together and develops richness. It’s an ideal meal for busy families, spontaneous dinner guests, or anyone who needs a low-effort but high-reward recipe that satisfies every time. Whether you’re craving a pizza night or pasta night, One Pot Pizza Pasta is the delicious compromise you didn’t know you needed.

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Why You’ll Love This One Pot Pizza Pasta

• All-in-One Meal: Protein, carbs, veggies, and dairy in a single dish—no need for side dishes unless you want to.
• Quick Cleanup: One pot = minimal dishes.
• Customizable: Add your favorite pizza toppings—mushrooms, green peppers, jalapeños—anything goes.
• Kid-Friendly: What child doesn’t love pizza and pasta?
• Perfect for Leftovers: Reheats beautifully for lunch or dinner the next day.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it earlier in the day and reheat when ready to serve.
• Budget Conscious: Uses pantry staples and stretches well.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Great for potlucks, family dinners, or casual get-togethers.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and the Importance of Each Tool)

To pull off this flavorful and hearty One Pot Pizza Pasta, you don’t need a fully stocked kitchen—just a few key tools that make cooking and cleanup a breeze.

• Large Deep Skillet or Dutch Oven: This is the star of the show. A wide, heavy-bottomed pot distributes heat evenly and is essential for browning the meat and simmering everything without overflow. Make sure it has a lid to trap steam and help the pasta cook perfectly.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Ideal for breaking up the sausage as it cooks and stirring without damaging your cookware.
• Chef’s Knife and Cutting Board: Needed for dicing onions, slicing olives, or any other add-ins you love.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: Precision is key for the right sauce-to-pasta ratio and seasoning balance.
• Grater (if shredding your own cheese): Freshly shredded cheese melts better and adds that gooey texture you crave.

Keeping these tools nearby makes prep quicker and the cooking process smoother.

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Preparation Tips

• Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent proper melting. Grating your own mozzarella makes a big difference in creaminess.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: Once you add the ingredients, give them space to combine well and simmer evenly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Brown the Meat Properly: Let the sausage get that nice golden sear—it adds depth to the entire dish.
• Add Water or Broth Gradually: Start with the required liquid and add a splash more if the pasta seems too dry before it’s fully cooked.
• Taste as You Go: Pizza pasta is all about bold, balanced flavor. Adjust salt, herbs, or heat to match your taste buds.

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Ingredients for this One Pot Pizza Pasta

Here’s everything you need to bring this comforting dish to life. Feel free to swap or add ingredients based on your favorite pizza toppings!

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casing removed)
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
• 8 oz rotini pasta, uncooked
• 2½ cups chicken broth (or water with bouillon for flavor)
• ½ cup sliced black olives
• 1 cup mini pepperoni
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, plus more for topping
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Optional add-ins: Sliced mushrooms, chopped green bell peppers, or spinach can be stirred in with the sauce for added veggies.

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Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink—about 5–7 minutes. Remove excess grease if necessary.

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Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

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Step 3: Build the Sauce

Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir well. Add Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and black pepper. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to deepen the flavors.

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Step 4: Add the Pasta and Liquid

Stir in the uncooked rotini pasta and pour in the chicken broth. Make sure the pasta is mostly submerged. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.

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Step 5: Mix in Toppings

Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the olives, mini pepperoni, and 1½ cups of mozzarella cheese. Let the cheese melt into the pasta, creating that gooey, stretchy texture.

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Step 6: Broil (Optional for Extra Cheesy Top)

If your skillet is oven-safe, sprinkle additional mozzarella on top and place it under a preheated broiler for 2–3 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.

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Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or basil. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting, cheesy goodness of your One Pot Pizza Pasta!

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Notes

• Choose Your Heat: Use hot Italian sausage or add extra chili flakes if you prefer spicier flavors.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap the sausage for plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers.
• Cheese Matters: Mozzarella is classic, but you can mix in provolone or a handful of shredded Parmesan for depth.
• Pasta Types: Rotini works best due to its shape and ability to hold sauce, but penne or fusilli are good alternatives.
• Make It a Supreme: Add chopped green peppers, onions, mushrooms, and olives to replicate a supreme pizza in pasta form.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and verify that all other ingredients (like sausage and broth) are gluten-free as well.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Not Stirring the Pasta: Stir occasionally as it simmers to prevent sticking or uneven cooking.
• Too Much Liquid: Don’t overdo the broth—start with the listed amount and only add more if the pasta is too dry before fully cooked.
• Skipping the Lid: Covering the pot helps steam the pasta evenly and reduces cooking time.
• Overcooking the Pasta: Keep an eye on the time—pasta can go from perfectly al dente to mushy quickly in one-pot meals.
• Using Pre-Shredded Cheese Only: It won’t melt as smoothly due to anti-caking agents. Use freshly shredded for that creamy, melty texture.
• Crowding the Pan: Avoid overfilling your pot with toppings before the pasta finishes cooking, or it may become soggy or unevenly cooked.
• Forgetting to Season Gradually: Taste as you go and adjust—pizza pasta should have bold, balanced flavor.
• Skipping the Broil Step (if broiling): That final blast under the broiler adds a perfect cheesy finish—don’t miss it if your pan is oven-safe.

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What to Serve With One Pot Pizza Pasta?

While this dish is a complete meal on its own, pairing it with complementary sides can take dinner to the next level. Whether you’re entertaining or just feeding a hungry household, here are some tasty additions.

8 Recommendations

1. Garlic Bread or Cheesy Breadsticks
   Crunchy, buttery, and perfect for scooping up any extra sauce.
2. Caesar Salad
   Crisp romaine with creamy Caesar dressing, Parmesan, and croutons adds a fresh contrast.
3. Caprese Skewers
   Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a refreshing bite.
4. Roasted Vegetables
   A medley of zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots balances out the richness of the pasta.
5. Antipasto Platter
   Olives, marinated artichokes, salami, and provolone make a great appetizer or side.
6. Bruschetta
   Toasted baguette topped with fresh tomato, garlic, and basil pairs well with the pasta’s bold flavors.
7. Simple Arugula Salad
   Peppery greens with a lemon vinaigrette cut through the cheese and sausage beautifully.
8. Stuffed Mushrooms
   A savory side that echoes the pizza flavors—especially with cheese and breadcrumbs inside.

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Storage Instructions

One Pot Pizza Pasta stores like a dream, making it ideal for leftovers or make-ahead meals.

• Refrigerator: Allow the pasta to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days in the fridge.
• Freezer: Place cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Flatten it out for quick thawing. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in the microwave or in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or broth if the pasta seems dry. For oven reheating, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – based on 6 servings)

Note: Nutrition will vary depending on ingredients and serving sizes.

• Calories: 520
• Total Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 55mg
• Sodium: 910mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 45g
• Dietary Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 6g
• Protein: 26g
• Serving Size: ~1.5 cups
• Diet: Can be adapted for gluten-free or vegetarian diets
• Category: Main Dish / One-Pot Meals

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make One Pot Pizza Pasta ahead of time?

Yes! You can make it earlier in the day and reheat it just before serving. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making leftovers even better.

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2. What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Rotini is ideal because its shape holds the sauce well. Penne, fusilli, or shells are great alternatives that maintain their texture in one-pot meals.

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3. Can I use ground beef or turkey instead of sausage?

Absolutely. Ground beef, turkey, or even chicken can be used in place of Italian sausage. Just add extra herbs and spices to mimic that pizza-like flavor.

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4. How do I make this dish vegetarian?

Skip the sausage and pepperoni, and load up on veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, and spinach. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

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5. What if I don’t have mini pepperoni?

You can use regular pepperoni cut into quarters, or leave it out entirely and add more sausage or veggies.

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6. Can I add more cheese?

Yes, and why not? This dish welcomes extra mozzarella, Parmesan, or even a bit of provolone for extra meltiness and flavor.

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7. Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be! Just use gluten-free pasta and double-check that your sausage, broth, and tomato products are gluten-free certified.

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8. Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely. Just use a larger pot and increase the ingredients proportionally. You may need to add a few more minutes to the cooking time.

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Conclusion

One Pot Pizza Pasta combines the heartiness of pasta with the bold, crave-worthy flavors of a loaded pizza—all in one skillet. It’s fast, flexible, and fantastically cheesy. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, busy weeknights, or casual gatherings, this recipe delivers every time. The best part? Just one pot to wash after dinner. This is the kind of meal you’ll want to keep in heavy rotation.

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