Bookmark
All the flavors of pizza come together in this comforting one pot pasta featuring sausage pepperoni and melty cheese. It is quick enough for a busy weeknight yet special enough to feel like a treat. The combination of tender pasta savory meats and rich sauce makes this dish a guaranteed family favorite.
I first tried this recipe on a hectic weeknight when everyone wanted different dinners. Combining pizza flavors with pasta in a single pot saved time and made everyone happy.
Ingredients
- Sweet or spicy Italian sausage: adds rich meaty flavor choose fresh links with quality spices and remove casings
- Onion: brings sweetness and depth look for firm onions without soft spots
- Bell pepper: adds color and freshness choose one that feels heavy for its size
- Pepperoni: infuses the dish with smoky tang use a quality brand for better flavor
- Garlic: provides an aromatic base opt for fresh firm cloves
- Italian seasoning: blends herbs for a classic pizza taste choose a mix with oregano basil and thyme
- Red pepper flakes: give optional heat adjust to your spice preference
- Tomato paste: creates concentrated tomato richness use a brand with no added sugar
- Short pasta: shapes like campanelle rotini or penne hold sauce well choose a sturdy pasta that cooks evenly
- Chicken broth: adds savory depth choose low sodium to control saltiness
- Mozzarella cheese: melts for a gooey topping shred it fresh for best melt
- Parmesan cheese: gives a salty nutty finish use freshly grated for stronger flavor
Step by Step Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Cook the sausage onion and bell pepper in a large Dutch oven over medium heat breaking the sausage into small pieces. Continue until the sausage browns and vegetables soften about eight minutes.
- Build the Flavor Base:
- Stir in the pepperoni garlic Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Cook one minute then mix in tomato paste until it coats everything evenly.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Add chicken broth and pasta stir well increase heat to high and bring to a boil.
- Simmer to Perfection:
- Reduce heat to medium cover and cook ten to twelve minutes stirring occasionally until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed. If liquid runs low before pasta is done add a splash of broth or water.
- Add the Cheese:
- Remove from heat stir in one cup mozzarella taste and season with salt if needed. Top with remaining mozzarella and optional Parmesan then cover for a couple minutes to melt before serving warm.
Bookmark
My favorite part is the way mozzarella stretches into long cheesy strands when you scoop the pasta. It reminds me of Friday pizza nights growing up when everyone fought for the cheesiest slice.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth to restore creaminess.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap sausage for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version with plant based sausage.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a crisp green salad or garlic bread to round out the meal. A glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon complements the flavors well.
Bookmark
Cultural Context
One pot pasta recipes are inspired by Italian cucina povera traditions which value resourcefulness and minimal cleanup. The pizza flavors give this a modern American twist.
Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes
- → What kind of pasta works best for this dish?
Short pasta shapes like campanelle, penne, rotini, or fusilli work perfectly. These shapes hold the sauce well and cook evenly in the one-pot method. Avoid long noodles like spaghetti as they make the dish harder to eat and serve.
- → Can I use different types of sausage?
Yes, both sweet and spicy Italian sausage work wonderfully. You can also substitute with turkey sausage or chicken sausage for a lighter option. Just make sure to remove the casings and break it into bite-sized pieces while cooking.
- → What should I do if the pasta absorbs all the liquid too quickly?
If the pasta isn't tender but has absorbed all the liquid, simply add ¼ cup of water or chicken broth and continue cooking. Check every 2-3 minutes until the pasta reaches al dente texture.
- → How can I customize this dish with additional ingredients?
Try adding mushrooms, black olives, or chopped spinach for extra pizza-inspired flavors. You can also adjust the heat level by adding more red pepper flakes or using spicy sausage instead of sweet.
- → Can this dish be made ahead of time?
This pasta is best served fresh, but leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to restore the creamy consistency, as the pasta will continue to absorb liquid while stored.