Pizza pasta is the kind of weeknight dinner you dream of when time is tight and cravings are strong. Made in just one pan and ready in 20 minutes, this recipe gives you all the cheesy, pepperoni-packed joy of pizza in the comfort-food form of pasta. It’s quick, satisfying, and perfect for busy families, picky eaters, or anyone who loves pizza (so… everyone!).
This dish checks all the boxes: minimal dishes, simple ingredients, and bold, crave-worthy flavor. Plus, it sneaks in some leafy greens, so you can feel good serving it any night of the week.
Table of Contents
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pan wonder: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
- Pizza night twist: All the best pizza flavors in pasta form.
- Kid-approved: Cheesy, saucy, and topped with pepperoni — what’s not to love?
- Fast: 20 minutes from start to finish.
- Nutritious twist: Whole wheat pasta + spinach for fiber and greens.
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 jar (16 oz) pizza sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) petite diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 cups water
- ½ cup chopped pepperoni (extra for topping, optional)
- 3 cups uncooked whole wheat rotini (or pasta of choice)
- 5 oz fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus more for topping, optional)
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley or basil
👩🍳 Instructions
- Start the sauce:
In a large, deep skillet with a lid, combine pizza sauce, diced tomatoes, water, and chopped pepperoni. Bring to a boil over high heat. - Cook the pasta:
Stir in uncooked pasta. Make sure it’s fully submerged. Reduce heat to medium, cover, and simmer for 8–10 minutes, or until pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of water if needed. - Add spinach:
Remove the pan from heat. Stir in spinach. Cover and let sit for 1–2 minutes until the spinach wilts. - Add the cheese:
Stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella until melted and creamy. - Optional broil finish:
For a pizza-like topping, sprinkle extra cheese and pepperoni over the top. Broil for 2–3 minutes until golden and bubbly. - Garnish and serve:
Top with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
⏱️ Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Skill Level: Easy
- Storage: 4 days refrigerated, 3 months frozen
🔢 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 268
- Carbs: 35g
- Protein: 13g
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Sodium: 992mg
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 9g
- Vitamin A: 2979 IU
- Vitamin C: 21mg
- Calcium: 166mg
- Iron: 3mg
Note: Nutrition is estimated and may vary based on ingredients.
💡 Tips & Variations
- Make it supreme: Add sautéed mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, and olives.
- Meaty twist: Brown sausage or ground beef before adding sauces.
- Extra cheesy: Add ricotta or fresh mozzarella before serving.
- Vegetarian: Omit pepperoni and increase spinach or add extra veggies.
- Pizza pasta bake: Transfer to a baking dish, top with cheese and pepperoni, and bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes.
Pizza Pasta
Equipment
- – Large skillet with lid
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- – Optional: broiler
Ingredients
- – 1 jar 16 oz pizza sauce
- – 1 can 14.5 oz petite diced tomatoes, undrained
- – 2 cups water
- – ½ cup chopped pepperoni extra for topping, optional
- – 3 cups uncooked whole wheat rotini
- – 5 oz fresh spinach roughly chopped
- – 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese plus more for topping, optional
- – Optional garnish: chopped parsley or basil
Instructions
- In a large skillet with lid, combine pizza sauce, diced tomatoes, water, and pepperoni. Bring to a boil.
- Stir in pasta. Cover and simmer 8–10 minutes, until al dente.
- Stir in spinach. Let sit 1–2 minutes to wilt.
- Mix in 1 cup mozzarella cheese until melted.
- Optional: Top with extra cheese and pepperoni, broil until bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot.
Notes
– Add other toppings: mushrooms, peppers, sausage.
– Leftovers make a great next-day baked pasta.
❓ FAQs
Can I use regular pasta instead of whole wheat?
Absolutely. Use what you have — penne, shells, spaghetti — it all works!
Is it spicy?
Not unless you use spicy pepperoni. Want heat? Add crushed red pepper flakes.
How do I reheat it?
Microwave individual servings, or reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! It reheats well and even works great as a baked casserole the next day.
🎉 Conclusion
This pizza pasta recipe brings together the comfort of pasta and the fun of pizza in one fast, family-friendly meal. It’s the kind of dinner that disappears quickly — and gets requested again and again. Keep it simple for a weeknight or dress it up for a casual weekend dinner with friends.