One-Pan Pizza Pasta Skillet: The Ultimate 20-Minute Weeknight Dinner Solution

Transform your pizza night into a lightning-fast, incredibly easy, one-pan pasta dinner that the entire family will adore and request again and again.

Life can get hectic, and finding time for elaborate dinners often feels impossible. That’s why I’m always on the hunt for delicious, no-fuss meals that can be on the table in a flash. My family absolutely loves pizza night – in fact, they’d be happy to have it practically every evening! While ordering a pizza is undeniably easy, it’s not always the freshest or the fastest option, and definitely not the most budget-friendly for regular consumption.

But what if you could capture all those beloved pizza flavors in a comforting pasta dish that’s ready in mere minutes? Enter the Pizza Pasta Skillet! This recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights, delivering the savory taste of pizza in a hearty, satisfying pasta meal that cooks in just one pan. Forget waiting for delivery; this incredible dinner goes from prep to plate in about 20 minutes, making it significantly faster than even the quickest takeout. Plus, it’s completely customizable, allowing everyone to enjoy their favorite pizza toppings mixed right into their pasta.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Pizza Pasta Skillet

Unbeatable Speed: With just 5 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking, this meal is perfect for even the busiest evenings. You’ll beat the delivery driver every time!
Effortless One-Pan Cooking: Say goodbye to multiple pots and pans! Everything cooks in a single skillet, which means less cleanup and more time for you.
Ultimate Customization: Treat this recipe like a blank canvas for your favorite pizza toppings. It’s easy to adapt for different tastes and dietary preferences.
Family-Friendly Favorite: Kids and adults alike will devour this dish. It combines two universally loved foods – pizza and pasta – into one delightful meal.
Fresh and Hot Every Time: No more lukewarm, soggy delivered pizza. Enjoy a piping hot, perfectly cooked meal straight from your stove.
Budget-Conscious: Making dinner at home is almost always cheaper than ordering takeout, and this recipe uses common, affordable ingredients.

What You’ll Need: Key Ingredients for Success

For the full, printable recipe card with exact measurements, be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post.

Italian Sausage: I typically use bulk ground Italian sausage. You have the flexibility to choose between mild, sweet, or hot varieties. For those who love a bit of a kick and deeper flavor, hot Italian sausage is fantastic, but any type works beautifully to build the base of your pizza flavor. If you’re looking to lighten up the dish, turkey sausage is an excellent substitute, or you can even omit the meat entirely for a vegetarian version.
Onion: Finely chopped onion adds a foundational layer of aromatic sweetness that complements the sausage and tomato sauce. Don’t skip this key ingredient!
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is crucial for that authentic Italian flavor. It adds a pungent, savory depth that really makes the dish sing.
Pepperoni: Chopped pepperoni brings that classic, slightly spicy, and salty pizza flavor that everyone recognizes and loves. It crisps up slightly as it cooks, adding texture.
Tomato Sauce: This forms the rich, flavorful base of our pasta sauce. Use a good quality plain tomato sauce, not pasta sauce which may already have added herbs and sugar.
Italian Seasoning: A convenient blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary that instantly infuses the dish with classic Italian notes.
Dried Oregano: Essential for that unmistakable pizza parlor aroma and taste.
Dried Basil: Adds a sweet, peppery flavor that is characteristic of Italian cuisine and pairs perfectly with tomatoes.
Salt & Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance all the other flavors. Adjust to your personal preference.
Uncooked Pasta: The key here is to use a “short-cut” pasta that will cook evenly in the skillet. Great options include rotini, penne, bowtie (farfalle), or even elbow macaroni. Avoid long strands like spaghetti or linguine as they don’t cook as well in this one-pan method.
Chicken Broth: We use chicken broth as the liquid to cook the pasta, infusing it with extra flavor rather than just water. I recommend low-sodium chicken broth to give you more control over the overall saltiness of the dish.
Mozzarella Cheese: The quintessential pizza cheese! Mozzarella melts beautifully, creating that irresistible gooey topping. Freshly shredded mozzarella often melts better than pre-shredded.

How to Make Pizza Pasta Skillet: A Simple Guide

Cook Sausage and Onions: Begin by heating a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add your Italian sausage and finely chopped onions. Break the sausage apart with a spoon as it cooks. Sauté for about 5-6 minutes, or until the sausage is thoroughly cooked through and the onions have softened and become translucent. It’s crucial to drain any excess fat from the pan at this stage to prevent your pasta dish from becoming greasy.
Add Aromatics and Pepperoni: Once the sausage is browned, stir in the minced garlic and chopped pepperoni. Cook for just about 1 minute more, stirring constantly, until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter. This brief cooking step allows the pepperoni to release some of its delicious, savory oils into the mix.
Cook the Pasta in Sauce: Now it’s time to bring all the flavors together! Stir in the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, pepper, uncooked short-cut pasta, and chicken broth. Mix everything well to ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The pasta will absorb the liquid as it cooks. The goal is for the pasta to be tender and the liquid mostly absorbed. Don’t worry if there’s a small amount of liquid left; it will thicken as it rests.
Melt the Cheese: After the pasta is cooked to your desired al dente tenderness, sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta. Place the lid back on the skillet and let it sit for a couple of minutes off the heat. The residual heat will perfectly melt the cheese into a gooey, irresistible layer.
Serve Immediately: Remove the lid, and your piping hot, flavorful Pizza Pasta Skillet is ready to serve!

Customize Your Pizza Pasta: Topping Ideas Galore!

The beauty of this pizza pasta skillet lies in its versatility. Just like your favorite pizza, you can customize it with a wide array of toppings. While I’ve used classic pepperoni and sausage for this version, the possibilities are truly endless!

Mushrooms: Sliced fresh mushrooms add an earthy flavor and a tender texture. You can sauté them with the sausage or add them directly to the sauce.
Bell Peppers: Red, green, or yellow bell peppers, diced, provide a sweet crunch and vibrant color. Add them with the onions for a slight char.
Onions: Beyond the initial chopped onion, you can add thin slices of red onion or caramelized onions for different flavor profiles.
Black Olives: Sliced black olives offer a briny, savory element that’s quintessential for pizza. Add them in with the tomato sauce.
Ham: Diced ham adds a smoky, salty taste. This works wonderfully if you prefer a ‘meat lover’s’ style pasta.
Cooked Chicken: Shredded or diced cooked chicken can be added for a leaner protein option, making it a “chicken pizza” pasta.
Spinach or Arugula: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach or arugula at the very end for a touch of freshness and greens. The residual heat will wilt them perfectly.
Artichoke Hearts: Quartered artichoke hearts (canned or jarred, drained) add a tangy, unique flavor.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained) provide an intense, concentrated tomato flavor.
Ricotta Cheese: For an extra creamy and decadent touch, dollop some ricotta cheese on top of the melted mozzarella.
Red Pepper Flakes: If you love extra heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes along with the other seasonings.

Essential Tips for Pizza Pasta Success

Lighter Options: To reduce fat or calories, swap out traditional Italian sausage for turkey sausage or lean ground beef. For a fantastic vegetarian meal, simply omit the meat and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. The flavors are still incredible!
Pasta Choice is Key: Any short-cut pasta will work perfectly for this recipe. Varieties like rotini, penne, bowtie (farfalle), or even ditalini are ideal as they cook evenly in the sauce. Ensure they are fully submerged initially.
Marinara Shortcut: If you’re really pressed for time, you can replace the plain tomato sauce and individual dried spices (Italian seasoning, oregano, basil) with 14-16 oz of your favorite prepared marinara sauce. Just check the salt content and adjust accordingly.
Perfect Pasta Cooking: It’s critical to cover the pan tightly when the pasta is simmering in the sauce. This traps the steam, ensuring the pasta cooks thoroughly and absorbs the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If the pasta is still a bit firm but the liquid is gone, add a quarter cup more chicken broth or water, cover, and continue cooking for a few more minutes. Conversely, if there’s a little liquid left when the pasta is cooked, don’t worry! Remove it from the heat and let it rest, covered, for a couple of minutes – the sauce will thicken beautifully.
Skillet Selection: Use a large (10-12 inch) deep skillet or a Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid. This ensures enough space for all ingredients and prevents boil-overs.
Flavor Boost: A sprinkle of fresh Parmesan cheese and a handful of fresh basil or parsley just before serving can elevate the flavors even further.
Serving Suggestions: This hearty dish is fantastic on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with Olive Garden Breadsticks, Parmesan Garlic Knots, or a simple crisp green salad.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this pizza pasta vegetarian?: Absolutely! Simply omit the Italian sausage and pepperoni. You can replace them with an equal amount of plant-based crumbles, or load up on extra vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. Adjust seasonings if needed.
What if my pasta isn’t fully cooked but all the liquid is absorbed?: This can happen if your stove runs hotter or your pasta is a thicker cut. Don’t panic! Just add another 1/4 to 1/2 cup of chicken broth or water, stir, cover, and continue to simmer for a few more minutes until the pasta reaches your desired tenderness.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, leftovers store well. You can cook the entire dish and refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you might want to add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce as pasta tends to absorb more liquid upon sitting.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?: You can freeze portions of the cooked pizza pasta, but be aware that pasta can sometimes become a bit softer or mushier in texture after freezing and thawing. If freezing, make sure it’s in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

More Easy Dinner Recipes You’ll Love

Sausage and Rice Skillet
Cheesy Skillet Chili Mac
One Pan Cajun Pasta
One Pot Beef Stroganoff
Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet
Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet

5 from 1 vote

Pizza Pasta Skillet

By Erin Sellin

Pizza Pasta Skillet – turn pizza night into a 20 minute, super easy pasta dinner that everyone will go crazy for.

Prep: 5 minutes

Cook: 20 minutes

Total: 25 minutes

Servings: 5

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Ingredients

▢ 12 oz Italian sausage
▢ 1 cup onion, finely chopped
▢ 2 cloves garlic, minced
▢ ½ cup pepperoni, chopped
▢ 14 oz tomato sauce
▢ 2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
▢ 1 teaspoon dried oregano
▢ 1 teaspoon dried basil
▢ 1 teaspoon salt
▢ ½ teaspoon black pepper
▢ 2 ½ cups dried short cut pasta
▢ 1 ½ cup low sodium chicken broth
▢ 1 cup Mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add Italian sausage and onions, breaking apart the sausage. Cook for 5-6 minutes, until cooked.

12 oz Italian sausage, 1 cup onion
Add garlic and pepperoni. Stir and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.

2 cloves garlic, ½ cup pepperoni
Stir in tomato sauce, seasonings, dried pasta, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil. Cover and reduce heat to medium. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is cooked.

14 oz tomato sauce, 2 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 2 ½ cups dried short cut pasta, 1 ½ cup low sodium chicken broth
Sprinkle cheese over pasta. Cover and heat until melted.

1 cup Mozzarella cheese
Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author: Erin Sellin

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Course: Dinner Recipes

Cuisine: American

Servings: 5

Calories: 451

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