Pizzaiolo Pasta (Pizza Pasta Bake)

Pizzaiolo Pasta or Pasta alla Pizzaiola, is a delicious and easy-to-make pasta recipe that combines the flavors of pizza with the comfort of baked pasta. It's a perfect dish to make for a quick weeknight dinner or to impress your guests at a dinner party.

Pizzaiolo pasta is a dish that originated in Italy and has gained popularity around the world. The dish is made with a simple tomato sauce, garlic, and oregano, and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. The sauce is mixed with al dente pasta, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The dish can be customized to your liking by adding your favorite pizza toppings like vegetables or meats, making it a versatile and delicious meal.

Whether you're a fan of classic pizza flavors or looking to experiment with your pasta dishes, Pizzaiolo Pasta provides a delicious and fulfilling experience that bridges the gap between two of the world's most beloved cuisines.

If you are looking for more fun pizza-flavored easy recipes, try also these Eggplant Pizza Bites, or these Puff Pastry Mini Pizzas.

Jump to:

• 🧾Ingredients
• 🍳Substitutions
• 🥣Variations
• 📋Instructions with Photos
• 🍽 Serving Suggestions
• 🔪Equipment
• ❄️Storage
• 💭Recipe FAQs
• 🫶Related Recipes you might like
• 📖 RECIPE

🧾Ingredients

Pizzaiolo pasta is a flavorful and hearty dish that requires a few essential ingredients to achieve its signature taste. Here are the must-have ingredients:

• Pasta: Any pasta shape will work for this recipe. However, traditionally, penne or rigatoni are used. You can also use whole wheat pasta or gluten free pasta.
• Tomato Sauce: Fresh or canned tomato passata (tomato purèe) is used to make the tomato sauce. San Marzano tomatoes are the preferred variety for their sweet and low acidity flavor. To cut time, you can also use your favorite marinara sauce or pizza sauce.
• Garlic: Garlic is a key ingredient in pizzaiolo pasta. It adds a pungent and savory flavor to the sauce. Fresh garlic is preferred for best results.
• Olive Oil: Olive oil is used to sauté garlic and add flavor to the tomato sauce. Use good quality extra-virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
• Oregano: Dried oregano is used to add a warm and earthy flavor to the tomato sauce. You can also use fresh oregano if you have it. For a different flavor, you can also use a mix of Italian seasoning.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Fresh mozzarella cheese is added to the pasta before baking. It melts and creates a gooey and cheesy texture.
• Salt and Pepper: Salt and black pepper are used to season the tomato sauce and pasta.
• Smoked Paprika: It adds a nice and subtle smoky flavor to the pizzaiola sauce pasta.

🍳Substitutions

If you have dietary restrictions, you can make a few substitutions to customize the recipe to your needs. Here are some substitutes for common dietary restrictions:

• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta made from corn, rice, or quinoa.
• Dairy-free: Skip the mozzarella cheese and use a vegan cheese substitute or nutritional yeast.
• Low-carb: Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of pasta.

It's important to note that making substitutions may alter the taste and texture of the dish. However, with a little experimentation and creativity, you can still enjoy a delicious and personalized version of pizza pasta bake.

🥣Variations

• Pepperoni Pizza: One of the classic pizza toppings. Add some pepperoni slices on top of the mozzarella before baking.
• Seafood: Incorporate seafood such as shrimp, scallops, or mussels into the pizzaiolo pasta. Finish with a sprinkle of parsley and lemon zest for added freshness.
• Vegetarian: Mix cooked penne with pizzaiolo sauce, roasted green peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms.
• Spicy Sausage: Brown spicy Italian sausage in a pan before adding to the pizzaiolo sauce.
• Grilled Vegetables: Toss grilled eggplant, zucchini, and red pepper with the pizzaiolo sauce. Add a touch of balsamic vinegar for depth and top with shaved Parmesan cheese.
• Gnocchi: Swap traditional pasta for potato gnocchi, served with a hearty pizzaiolo sauce. Add dollops of burrata or fresh mozzarella on top, melting slightly before serving.

📋Instructions with Photos

This Pizzaiola Pasta is a family favorite and perfect for busy weeknights when you don't want to spend too much time in the kitchen.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

This Pizza Pasta Bake is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. You can serve it as a main course, or as a side dish. This pasta recipe pairs well with a variety of sides. You can serve it with a simple salad, garlic bread, or sautéed vegetables.

🔪Equipment

For preparing pizzaiolo pasta in its various forms, here's a concise list of essential kitchen equipment:

• Large Pot: For boiling pasta. Choose one that can hold enough water to fully submerge the pasta and allow it to move freely during cooking.
• Saucepan: For preparing the pizzaiolo sauce and sautéing any additions like vegetables or meats. A saucepan with higher sides is beneficial for sauces.
• Cast Iron Skillet: A cast iron skillet is one of the best tools to have in your kitchen. You could also use an ovenproof skillet or pan.

❄️Storage

If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Pizzaiolo Pasta is also a great dish to make ahead of time and bake later or the next day. Simply assemble the pasta in a baking dish, cover with foil, and refrigerate until you are ready to bake it.

This affordable meal can feed a crowd, making it a great option for dinner parties or potlucks. It is also an easy pasta recipe that even novice cooks can master. With a few simple ingredients and one pot, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal in no time.

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📖 RECIPE