Type of Pasta to Use
I am calling for rotini in this recipe, those spiral shaped noodles. You could definitely use something else here, but keep in mind that it might alter the cooking time and you may need to add more liquid. If you do use a different type of noodle, I suggest picking the noodle that is closest in shape to these that your kids like best. I would not suggest using spaghetti, as it would be difficult for this cooking method. This One Pot Pizza Casserole is it! It has all the flavors you love of pizza in a cheesy skillet with pasta. It is easy to make, and absolutely delicious. Besides, it is easy to customize with things your family loves. This is just a brief overview of the recipe, please make sure to read the full ingredient list and instructions in the recipe card below. Another key component of this recipe is starting it on the stove and then finishing it off in the oven. It makes it a quick meal. But by making it in an oven proof skillet, we also save on clean up time! Below you will see one of my favorite brands of oven proof skillet. The one you see pictured here is from IKEA. I also love it, but it isn’t as easy to purchase online.
Shredding Cheese for Pizza Casserole
You know this story by now! This recipe call for shredded cheese. And you can see by that glorious pulled cheese photo above how key it is to this recipe. While buying cheese that is pre-shredded is a great time saver, I argue that it isn’t one that is worth it. In order to keep the shreds separated before they make it to your kitchen, that cheese is coated in preservatives. Those same preservatives make it harder for it to melt. Taking the time to shred your own cheese is definitely worth it.
Substitutions and Variations
While you need to keep the amount of pasta and liquids the same, there are a few changes you can make without affecting things.
Mix up the vegetables. You could leave out the green pepper or swap it for a red bell pepper. You could also add an onion in here.Make it vegetarian. Instead of using pork sausage, heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sauté the green pepper and garlic with onions, some carrots, zucchini, and a second pepper. The proceed to step 3.Switch up the meat. If you can’t find Italian sausage, you could substitute with ground beef or ground turkey and it would be fine. If you are using ground beef, you may need to drain off a little grease at the end of step 2.Leave off the final toppings.The topping with pepperoni and olives at the end is totally optional. I think it adds something nice, but it is not necessary. If your family loves pepperoni, you could also chop some and stir it in before topping with cheese in step 5.
Other Great 30 Minute Meals
If your family can’t get enough of quick pasta dinners, I have you covered!
Beef and NoodlesOne Pot Creamy Shrimp PastaPasta Carbonara
If you make this pizza casserole recipe or any of my other recipes, please leave me a comment and let me know what you think! I love hearing from you.
