Save
Take your pizza topping favorites and whip them into a snug one-pot pasta dish in just half an hour. This smart mix brings together two comfort classics - hearty pasta with all those pizza tastes you can't get enough of. It's exactly what you need to please everyone when weeknights get hectic.
The last time this hit our dinner table, my children jumped up and down with excitement. That moment told me this dish was definitely staying in our family menu forever.
Key Components
- Short pasta: Rotini grabs all that sauce in its twists
- Italian sausage: Delivers a deep, tasty foundation
- Tomato paste: Gives everything that punch of intense flavor
- Fresh mushrooms: Bring a wonderful earthiness
- Fresh mozzarella: Creates those stretchy, gooey strings everyone loves
Save
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
- Veggie Symphony:
- Mix your onions, peppers, and mushrooms until they soften and release their goodness.
- Tomato Integration:
- Mix in your tomato paste until everything gets coated in that rich redness.
- Sausage Foundation:
- Brown your sausage thoroughly to get those tasty crispy pieces.
- Cheesy Finale:
- Mix in the melty mozzarella and watch those delicious stretchy strings form.
- Pasta Perfection:
- Let your pasta cook directly in the tasty liquid, soaking up every bit of flavor.
I found out recently that throwing in some dried basil with the oregano really ups the game. My neighbor from Italy even wanted my recipe – can't get a better thumbs-up than that!
Creative Topping Ideas
Get creative with your mix-ins! Throw in some pepperoni during the final cooking minutes. Add black olives for that pizza joint flavor you crave. If you want more greens, toss in some baby spinach at the end to wilt down and boost nutrition.
Personal Touches
Try swapping in hot Italian sausage for a kick, or go lighter with turkey sausage instead. I sometimes add a bit of red wine with the broth to deepen the flavors. Mushroom fans will love using different types for an amazing taste boost.
Storage Tips
Pop leftovers in a sealed container and they'll stay good for three days. The pasta will soak up more liquid overnight, so add a splash of broth when warming it up to get that saucy texture back.
Speedy Dinner Tricks
Cut up your veggies ahead of time on weekends to save time. Keep some cooked sausage in your freezer – it's a lifesaver when you're in a rush.
Save
After making this dish countless times, I've realized it's more than just a quick meal – it's the answer to that endless "what should we eat tonight?" question. The way it mixes the pizza flavors everyone knows with comforting pasta makes it work every single time. It doesn't matter if you've got fussy kids or grown-ups with particular tastes, this one-pot creation rarely fails to hit the spot.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I switch out the pasta shape?
- Absolutely! Use penne, shells, or fusilli—just check the cooking time on the box.
- → What extra veggies work here?
- Spinach, olives, or any other pizza toppings like cherry tomatoes are all great ideas.
- → Is turkey sausage okay to use?
- Sure thing! It's a lighter option that still tastes amazing.
- → What's the best way to store leftovers?
- Pop them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Add some broth to reheat.
- → How can I make this vegetarian?
- Use extra veggies or plant-based sausage instead of the meat.