Dump & Bake Pizza Pasta Casserole

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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.

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
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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