Okay, so this recipe is very similar to baked ziti, but I put my own twist on it, kept it super duper simple and renamed it Pepperoni Pizza Pasta. You can customize this in many different ways – use regular or turkey pepperonis, use regular or whole wheat pasta, sub ricotta for the cream cheese, add extra mozzarella, etc. Serve it with garlic bread and salad, or even some simple green beans.
Ingredients:
1 box penne pasta
2 cans diced tomatoes (I used the ones pre-seasoned with garlic, basil and oregano)
1/4 cup cream cheese (or ricotta)
3 cups shredded mozzarella (about 1.5 bags)
pepperonis (however many you want – I used turkey & cut them in halves)
EVOO (extra virgin olive oil)
dried basil, garlic salt, pepper
Instructions:
Boil pasta per package instructions. Add 1 tablespoon EVOO to water while boiling. Drain.
Leave pasta in strainer and use same pot to heat up diced tomatoes.
Stir in pepperonis, cream cheese, 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella, 2 tablespoons EVOO, dried basil, garlic salt and pepper.
Stir in pasta.
Pour into 13X9 casserole dish.
Sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
Bake at 375 for 20 minutes or until cheese is bubbling and just slightly browned on top.
Please keep in mind that I am not a nutritionist, chef or doctor. This recipe is intended for fun sharing only. Calorie measurements are approximate.
Kind Kiddo 