The Best Cheesy Baked Pizza Spaghetti Recipe You’ll Ever Try

Comfort food reaches new heights with this irresistible cheesy baked pizza spaghetti that combines two beloved classics into one mouthwatering dish.

Pasta lovers will swoon over the perfect blend of marinara, melted cheese, and crispy pepperoni.

Every forkful delivers a delightful explosion of flavor that satisfies deep cravings for something hearty and delicious.

The recipe transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing meal that disappears quickly from the dinner table.

Layers of tender spaghetti mingle with zesty pizza sauce and gooey mozzarella, creating a culinary masterpiece.

Weeknight dinners just got an exciting upgrade with this easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing recipe.

Prepare to wow your taste buds and become the dinner hero your family will cheer for.

Pizza Spaghetti Options for Variety

• Vegetarian Veggie Blast: Replace sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles or extra roasted vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and eggplant for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or chickpea flour to accommodate gluten-sensitive diets.
• Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the sauce for heat lovers, creating a zesty and bold flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Swap: Use spiralized zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta to reduce carbohydrate content and boost vegetable intake.

Serving Suggestions for Baked Pizza Spaghetti

• Pizza Party Platter: Create a festive spread by serving this cheesy bake with garlic breadsticks, crisp green salad, and extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
• Hearty Family Feast: Pair the spaghetti bake with a chilled Caesar salad and crusty Italian bread to transform the dish into a complete, satisfying meal that will please everyone at the table.
• Game Night Delight: Slice into smaller portions for a crowd-pleasing appetizer during sports events or movie marathons, perfect for sharing with friends and family.
• Weekend Comfort Combo: Complement the dish with a light red wine or sparkling Italian soda to elevate the dining experience and add a touch of sophistication to this casual comfort food.

Storage Tips for Pizza Spaghetti Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the flavor.
• Transfer cooled spaghetti to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Stays good for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place portion on microwave-safe plate. Add 1-2 tablespoons water to prevent drying. Cover with microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute spaghetti with other pasta like penne, rotini, or fettuccine. Just ensure they are cooked al dente to maintain the right texture.

• Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the sausage with plant-based alternatives like vegetarian sausage, mushrooms, or extra bell peppers to keep the protein and flavor.

• How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce, use spicy sausage, or include sliced jalapeños when mixing ingredients for an extra kick of heat.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

Cheesy Pizza Spaghetti Pleases Every Crowd

• This recipe transforms classic spaghetti into a fun, pizza-inspired casserole that will have everyone at the table cheering with excitement.
• Swap ingredients like sausage or peppers to match your family's taste preferences, making it a super flexible meal that adapts to what you have on hand.
• With simple steps and minimal ingredients, you can get this cheesy dish from kitchen to table quickly, perfect for busy weeknights when hunger strikes.
• Kids and adults alike will love the familiar flavors of pizza and pasta combined into one delicious, cheese-covered masterpiece that brings everyone together.

Pizza Spaghetti Ingredient Must-Haves

• Spaghetti: A classic pasta that serves as the hearty base of this delicious casserole.
• Marinara Sauce: A flavorful tomato sauce that adds rich, tangy taste to the dish.
• Sausage: Provides savory meat and adds depth of flavor to the casserole.
• Bell Pepper: Adds a fresh crunch and colorful vegetable element to the recipe.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy cheeses that create a gooey, golden-brown topping with irresistible melted texture.
• Pepperoni: Adds a spicy, crispy layer of meat that brings extra flavor and visual appeal.

• Salt: Enhances the overall seasoning of the pasta and ingredients.
• Water: Necessary for cooking the spaghetti to perfect al dente texture.

Essential Tools for Pizza Spaghetti Night

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling spaghetti with plenty of space.
• Colander: Perfect for draining pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Ideal for combining spaghetti and other ingredients thoroughly.
• 9×13 Inch Baking Dish: Necessary for assembling and baking the casserole.
• Cheese Grater: Helpful for freshly grating parmesan if desired.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for mixing ingredients evenly.
• Sharp Knife: Useful for slicing sausage and bell peppers.
• Oven Mitts: Crucial for safely handling hot baking dishes.

Step-by-Step Cheesy Pizza Spaghetti Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a sizzling 425F, getting ready for a mouthwatering pizza spaghetti adventure.

Step 2: Boil Pasta Perfection

Fill a large pot with water and sprinkle in some salt.

Toss in spaghetti and cook until it’s perfectly tender.

Once done, drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 3: Create Flavor Fusion

• Cooked spaghetti
• Zesty marinara sauce
• Savory sliced sausage
• Colorful bell peppers

Stir everything together until each strand is beautifully coated.

Step 4: Layer With Love

Slide the spaghetti mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.

• Melty mozzarella cheese
• Sharp parmesan cheese
• Crispy pepperoni slices

Spread these toppings evenly for maximum deliciousness.

Step 5: Bake Into Bubbly Bliss

Slide the dish into the hot oven and bake for 15 minutes.

Watch the cheese transform into a golden, bubbling masterpiece that’ll make everyone’s mouth water.

Cheesy Pizza Spaghetti Cooking Tips

• Cook spaghetti just until al dente to avoid mushy texture when baking, ensuring a perfect pasta bite.
• Sprinkle mozzarella first, then top with parmesan for a crispy, golden cheese crust that adds extra flavor.
• Replace sausage with ground beef, chicken, or keep it vegetarian by adding more bell peppers or mushrooms.
• Stir in some dried oregano or fresh basil into the pasta mixture for a more aromatic and authentic pizza-inspired taste.
• Assemble the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerate, then bake just before serving for a convenient meal prep option.

Cheesy Baked Pizza Spaghetti Recipe

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4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Cheesy baked pizza spaghetti brings Italian comfort to your dinner table, blending pasta and pizza flavors into one delightful dish. Layers of melted cheese, savory sauce, and crispy edges make this meal irresistible for hungry families seeking a quick, satisfying dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) spaghetti noodles
• 4 cups (946 milliliters) marinara sauce
• 12 ounces (340 grams) fully-cooked Italian sausage links, sliced
• 24 pepperonis

Vegetables:

• 1 cup (150 grams) red bell pepper, diced

Cheese:

• 2 cups (226 grams) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup (100 grams) parmesan cheese, finely grated

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F, creating an ideal baking environment for the pizza spaghetti fusion.
2. Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Cook spaghetti until perfectly al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Thoroughly drain pasta in a colander.
3. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti with rich marinara sauce, creating a vibrant base. Incorporate sliced sausage and chopped bell peppers, ensuring every strand is generously coated.
4. Spread the saucy spaghetti mixture evenly into a 9×13 inch baking dish, creating a uniform layer. Generously sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese across the surface, providing a luxurious cheese blanket.
5. Artfully arrange pepperoni slices across the cheese-covered dish, creating an appetizing mosaic of toppings. Place the casserole in the preheated oven.
6. Bake for 15 minutes, watching the cheese transform into a golden, bubbling masterpiece. Remove when the edges are crispy and cheese is completely melted.

Notes

• Choose fresh, high-quality ingredients like San Marzano tomatoes for marinara sauce to enhance the dish’s authentic flavor profile.
• Prevent soggy pasta by slightly undercooking spaghetti before baking, allowing it to finish cooking in the casserole and absorb sauce perfectly.
• Customize protein options by substituting sausage with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for dietary preferences and healthier alternatives.
• Boost nutritional value by adding spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to increase vegetable content without compromising the delicious cheesy texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg