A delicious baked pasta casserole combining creamy cheese, savory pepperoni, and tender pasta, perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale:
12 ounces of penne or rigatoni
6 ounces of sliced pepperoni
2 cups of marinara sauce
8 ounces of cream cheese, softened
2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon of garlic powder
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined and creamy.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, pepperoni, marinara sauce, and the cheese mixture. Stir until everything is well coated.
Pour the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
