Easy Weeknight Pizza Casserole is the perfect dish when you want all the tasty flavors of pizza without the fuss of rolling out dough or waiting for delivery. It’s packed with melty cheese, zesty tomato sauce, a sprinkle of pepperoni or your favorite toppings, and a base of pasta or bread that soaks up all those delicious flavors.
I love making this casserole because it’s so quick and forgiving—you can toss in whatever toppings you have on hand, and it always turns out comforting and satisfying. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser; everyone seems to enjoy that cheesy, saucy goodness layered into one simple dish.
My favorite way to serve it is hot out of the oven with a fresh green salad on the side. It’s a perfect weekday meal for busy nights when you want something hearty with minimal effort. This casserole also tastes great the next day, so leftovers make lunch something to look forward to too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Rotini works great here because its twists hold sauce and cheese nicely. If you don’t have rotini, penne or rigatoni are good swaps. Avoid very thin pasta like angel hair since it might get mushy.
Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite jarred marinara or pizza sauce for a time-saver. If you want it milder, try tomato sauce with a pinch of garlic powder and Italian herbs mixed in. Fresh sauce works too!
Cheese: Mozzarella gives that classic melty stretchiness. Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty bite. For mozzarella, fresh is lovely, but shredded low-moisture works best. If you’re dairy-free, vegan cheese brands can be used but expect flavor differences.
Pepperoni and Olives: Pepperoni offers a spicy, salty hit, but you can swap for cooked sausage, cooked ground beef, or veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers. Black olives add a nice briny touch but can be left out or replaced with green olives or even sliced jalapeños if you like heat.
How Do I Get the Perfectly Bubbly and Golden Cheese Topping?
Having that bubbly, golden cheese crust on top makes this casserole really special. Here’s how to do it:
- After mixing the pasta with cheese and sauce, add some cheese on top—not just sprinkle it—so it melts evenly.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F so moisture can escape; this helps the cheese brown instead of staying too soft.
- Keep an eye in the last 5 minutes of baking. If it’s not golden yet, you can switch to broil for 1-2 minutes but watch carefully to avoid burning.
Also, using a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan helps the top brown nicely since Parmesan crisps up well and adds texture. Let the casserole rest a few minutes once out of the oven to let the cheese set for easy slicing.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – for cooking pasta evenly without sticking.
- 9×13-inch baking dish – perfect size for layering and baking the casserole.
- Mixing spoon – to combine sauce, cheese, and pasta smoothly.
- Measuring cups – helps you get the right amount of sauce and cheese for balance.
- Oven mitts – essential for safely handling the hot baking dish.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap pepperoni for cooked sausage or ground beef for a different meaty flavor.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to sneak in extra veggies and texture.
- Use a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheese for a sharper, richer taste.
- Mix in fresh basil or spinach for a pop of green and fresh flavor.
How to Make Easy Weeknight Pizza Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 12 oz rotini or other short pasta
- 2 cups marinara or pizza sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- ½ cup sliced black olives
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of basil, oregano, thyme)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Preparing this easy pizza casserole takes about 10 minutes for prep and 20-25 minutes for baking, totaling roughly 30-35 minutes from start to finish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty meal without spending much time in the kitchen.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil so the casserole doesn’t stick and bakes evenly.
2. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini or other short pasta according to the package directions until al dente (firm to the bite). Drain the pasta, then return it to the pot for mixing.
3. Mix Sauce, Cheese, and Seasoning:
Add the marinara or pizza sauce into the cooked pasta along with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, ½ cup of shredded Parmesan, and half of the dried Italian seasoning. Stir everything well to combine all the flavors evenly.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
Transfer the cheesy pasta mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, arrange sliced pepperoni and black olives over the top, and sprinkle with the rest of the Italian seasoning for an extra burst of flavor.
5. Bake Until Golden and Bubbling:
Place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes. Bake until the cheese on top melts, bubbles, and turns slightly golden for that delicious pizza-casserole look.
6. Cool and Garnish:
Take the casserole out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This resting time helps it set so it’s easier to serve. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or basil if you like a fresh herb touch before serving.
This easy weeknight pizza casserole combines classic pizza flavors in a simple, family-friendly dish. It’s cheesy, saucy, and quick to make—perfect for any night when you want comfort food without the fuss. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Pepperoni or Other Toppings?
Yes! Just make sure frozen toppings are fully thawed and patted dry before adding them to the casserole to avoid excess moisture.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the bake time if it’s cold from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water or sauce if it feels dry.
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Definitely! Short pasta shapes like penne, ziti, or rigatoni work best to hold sauce and cheese, but feel free to use what you have on hand.
