Hot Honey Pepperoni Pizza Pasta Bake

• 12 oz pasta (penne or ziti)
• 1 lb ground Italian sausage
• 8 oz pepperoni slices, chopped
• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup hot honey
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Steps

1. 1 Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. 2 Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
3. 3 In a large skillet, cook sausage until browned; drain fat if necessary.
4. 4 Add pepperoni to skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes.
5. 5 Stir in marinara sauce, oregano, and basil; simmer for 5 minutes.
6. 6 Combine pasta and sauce in a baking dish.
7. 7 Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
8. 8 Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
9. 9 Remove from oven, drizzle with hot honey, and sprinkle with parsley if desired.

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Baking dish
• Mixing spoon

Variations

• Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for veggie lovers.
• Substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.

Substitutions

• Use honey mustard in place of hot honey for a tangy twist.
• Substitute ricotta cheese for mozzarella for a creamier texture.

Pairings

• A cold beer or a glass of red wine complements this dish perfectly.
• Finish with a slice of lemon sorbet for a palate cleanser.

Nutrition

Tips

• For extra spice, add crushed red pepper flakes.
• Use store-bought pizza sauce for a quicker option.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Freezing: Freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a preheated 350°F oven until heated through.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a crisp Caesar salad.
• Pair with garlic bread for extra indulgence.

FAQ