Recipe for Pepperoni Lover’s Pizza Pasta

Pepperoni Lover’s Pizza Pasta: A Delicious Fusion

Pizza and pasta lovers, rejoice! We have the ultimate combination that will tantalize your taste buds and satisfy your cravings. Pepperoni Lover’s Pizza Pasta brings together the cheesy, melty goodness of pizza and the comforting heartiness of baked pasta. Inspired by the "pepperoni lover’s" tag from Pizza Hut, this dish is a delightful culinary creation by recipe developer Kara Barrett. Whether you’re hosting a potluck or simply want to liven up a weeknight dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit.

Ingredients for Pepperoni Lover’s Pizza Pasta

Before getting into the step-by-step instructions, let’s gather everything needed for this flavorful dish. Here’s a quick rundown of the ingredients:

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 8 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 lemon, juiced
• ½ pound rigatoni pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1 cup sliced pepperoni, divided
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making the Sauce

1. Melting the Butter: On medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter until it starts to foam.
2. Cooking the Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for a couple of minutes to caramelize it. This deepens the flavor.
3. Adding Seasonings: Add oregano, minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Cook this mixture for about a minute until the garlic becomes fragrant.
4. Introducing the Tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add another teaspoon of salt. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Finishing Touches: Once simmered, add the juice from a lemon and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Taste and adjust the salt if necessary.

Preparing the Pasta and Layering

1. Cooking the Rigatoni: Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions in generously salted water until al dente.
2. Mixing with Oil: In a large bowl, mix the cooked rigatoni with 1 tablespoon olive oil to prevent sticking.
3. Combining with Cheese, Meat, and Sauce: Add 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, ⅓ cup of sliced pepperoni, 2 cups of the tomato sauce, and 1 teaspoon of salt to the bowl. Mix well to combine.

Assembling and Baking

1. Layering the Pasta: Add half of the pasta mixture to a standard pie dish. Top this layer with half of the remaining cheese and pepperoni.
2. Finishing the Layers: Cover with the remaining pasta mixture. Top with any leftover sauce, the remaining cheese, and pepperoni slices as desired.
3. Baking: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bake the dish for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted. For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes.
4. Cooling and Serving: Let the dish cool for about 10 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve warm.

Tips for a Quick Tomato Sauce

Although Kara Barrett prefers a homemade tomato sauce for its deeper and more complex flavors, store-bought alternatives can save you time. If you opt for a quick homemade version, caramelizing the tomato paste in butter offers a rich taste. Adding a pop of lemon juice at the end intensifies the flavors and balances the sauce’s richness. Avoid overcooking garlic, as burnt garlic may lend a bitter taste.

Customizing Your Pizza Pasta

This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to switch up the ingredients to suit your preferences or the contents of your pantry.

• Alternative Meats: Substitute turkey pepperoni, pancetta, prosciutto, salami, or even ground Italian sausage.
• Additional Toppings: Incorporate thinly sliced mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, roasted red peppers, black olives, or artichoke hearts.
• Cheese Variations: While mozzarella is classic, you could use Jack, provolone, or even a mix of ricotta for added creaminess.
• Pasta Options: Instead of rigatoni, consider using penne, ziti, or rotelle for different textures.

Pepperoni Lover’s Pizza Pasta is not just a dish; it’s an experience—a combination of beloved flavors and textures that create a memorable meal. Gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and enjoy the ultimate comfort food fusion!