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.
In a saucepan or skillet, drizzle the olive oil and add the minced garlic. Sautè for 1-2 minutes on medium-high heat.
Add the tomato purèè and lower the heat. Add the oregano, chili pepper flakes, smoked paprika, a few basil leaves, and salt. Simmer for 20-30 minutes. Season again to taste after the cooking time, and add a pinch of sugar if needed. If the sauce becomes too dense, add a bit of water.
Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 480°F (250°C) and bring a large pot of salted water to boil.
Cook the pasta al dente, following the packaging directions, then drain it and toss it in the pizzaiolo sauce.
Spread the pasta in the skillet, then top it with shredded mozzarella. Bake in the preheated oven for 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve immediately topped with fresh basil leaves.
Notes
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.