Dump & Bake Pizza Pasta Casserole

4.4
(5)
5 Reviews

This easy, toss-together casserole offers all the flavors of a pepperoni pizza, with fusilli pasta absorbing the rich tomato sauce while mingling with gooey melted cheese and meaty pepperoni slices. For a meatless option, simply replace the pepperoni with sliced mushrooms and frozen bell peppers. Pair it with a Caesar salad for a complete meal.

By
Amanda Stanfield
Amanda Stanfield Headshot
Amanda Stanfield

Amanda Stanfield is a Test Kitchen assistant in the Dotdash Meredith Food Studios. She completed her undergraduate degree in journalism and strategic communications at Hampton University. After graduation, Amanda worked in the nonprofit sector as a marketing associate for a global nonprofit organization. In 2018, she pivoted into the food industry and began training in fine-dining restaurants around Atlanta. Later she gained her culinary degree from Johnson & Wales University and went on to work in a variety of kitchens from boutique restaurants to conference hotels. As a true foodie, Amanda seeks out nutritious and unique flavors to inspire others to eat happily and healthfully. When she's not cooking up delicious recipes, you can find her lap swimming in the pool or watching a good sci-fi movie.

EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines
Updated on March 27, 2024
Tested by
Renu Anshie Dhar
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Tested by Renu Anshie Dhar
Renu Dhar has more than a decade of cumulative experience cooking as a personal chef and culinary instructor. As a personal chef, she developed over 1,000 personalized recipes and meal plans for her clients.
Meet the EatingWell Test Kitchen
Reviewed by Dietitian
Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD
Emily Lachtrupp Headshot
Reviewed by Dietitian Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD

Emily Lachtrupp is a registered dietitian experienced in nutritional counseling, recipe analysis and meal plans. She's worked with clients who struggle with diabetes, weight loss, digestive issues and more. In her spare time, you can find her enjoying all that Vermont has to offer with her family and her dog, Winston.

EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines
a recipe photo of the Pasta Casserole
Photo:

Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Lydia Purcell
Active Time:
15 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 10 mins
Servings:
8
Nutrition Profile:
Sesame-Free Nut-Free Soy-Free High-Protein Egg-Free
the ingredients to make the Pasta Casserole

Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Lydia Purcell

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces whole-wheat fusilli 

  • 1 (28-ounce can) no-salt-added crushed tomatoes (3 1/2 cups)

  • 2 1/2 cups water

  • 4 ounces baby spinach (about 4 cups)

  • 1 cup frozen chopped onion

  • 1/2 cup torn fresh basil leaves

  • 1 tablespoon salt-free tomato-and-basil seasoning, such as Mrs. Dash

  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper

  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper

  • 2 cups thick-cut shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese

  • 4 ounces mini pepperoni slices

Directions

  1. Position oven rack in center; preheat to 425°F. Lightly coat a 9-by-13-inch broiler-safe baking dish with cooking spray. Combine pasta, tomatoes, water, spinach, onion, basil, tomato-and-basil seasoning, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, pepper and crushed red pepper in the prepared baking dish; toss to mix well, making sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid.

    a step in making the Pasta Bake

    Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Lydia Purcell

  2. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven; stir the mixture. (This will ensure the pasta cooks evenly.) Re-cover with the foil. Bake for 10 minutes. Stir, sprinkle with cheese and dot with pepperoni. Cover and bake until the pasta is tender, about 15 minutes more.

    a step in making the Pasta Bake

    Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Lydia Purcell

  3. Remove the foil (without removing the baking dish from the oven) and bake until the cheese is golden brown in spots, about 5 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

    a recipe photo of the Pasta Casserole

    Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Lydia Purcell

Nutrition Information

Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups

Calories 358, Fat 13g, Saturated Fat 6g, Cholesterol 36mg, Carbohydrates 45g, Total Sugars 6g, Added Sugars 0g, Protein 17g, Fiber 7g, Sodium 489mg, Potassium 647mg

EatingWell.com, March 2024

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