Pasta Pizza Recipe

Boil pasta

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon salt and the spaghetti. Cook according to package directions until al dente, usually 8–10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and toss immediately with 1 tablespoon olive oil to prevent sticking.

Warm and season sauce

While pasta cooks, heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon olive oil (from pantry) and sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant (do not brown). Add 1.5 cups tomato pizza sauce, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, and 2 tablespoons butter. Stir and simmer gently 3–4 minutes to meld flavors. Taste and adjust salt if necessary.

Prepare toppings

While sauce simmers, shred mozzarella if needed, grate parmesan, thinly slice bell pepper and basil, and slice olives if not pre-sliced. Lay out pepperoni so it's ready to top the assembled dish.

Combine pasta with sauce

Return the drained, oiled spaghetti to the pot or to a large mixing bowl. Pour the warmed pizza sauce over the pasta and gently toss to coat. If the mixture seems thick, add up to 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the sauce coats the pasta lightly — it should be saucy but not soupy.

Transfer to baking dish

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or a large ovenproof skillet with a touch of olive oil. Spread the sauced spaghetti into the dish in an even layer, pressing lightly so it holds together.

Top like a pizza

Evenly distribute shredded mozzarella over the top of the pasta. Scatter pepperoni slices, sliced black olives, and thin bell pepper strips over the cheese. Sprinkle the grated parmesan and a pinch of freshly ground black pepper across the top. Drizzle 1 teaspoon olive oil over the assembled toppings to help browning.

Bake until bubbly

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling and edges begin to brown. For a more blistered, pizza-like finish, switch the oven to broil for the last 1–2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.

Finish and garnish

Remove from oven. Let rest 3–5 minutes to set. Scatter fresh basil leaves across the top and sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup grated parmesan if desired. Finish with an optional pinch of crushed red pepper and a final drizzle of olive oil. Slice into squares or use a large spatula to serve like pizza slices.