One-Pot Pizza Pasta Express (Print Version)

Quick pasta with marinara, cheese, olives, and veggies cooked together for a simple, tasty meal.

# Components:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz short pasta (penne, fusilli, or rotini)

→ Sauce

02 - 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
03 - 1/2 cup water

→ Cheese

04 - 2 cups pre-shredded mozzarella cheese
05 - 1/2 cup pre-shredded Parmesan cheese

→ Toppings

06 - 1/2 cup sliced black olives
07 - 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni (optional)
08 - 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
09 - 1/2 bell pepper, diced
10 - 1 tsp dried oregano
11 - 1/2 tsp dried basil
12 - Salt and pepper to taste

# Directions:

01 - In a large deep skillet or pot, combine pasta, marinara sauce, and water. Stir until blended.
02 - Bring mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium heat. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 7 to 8 minutes until pasta is nearly tender.
03 - Stir in black olives, pepperoni if desired, red onion, and bell pepper. Cook uncovered for 2 minutes until vegetables soften slightly and pasta reaches al dente texture.
04 - Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top. Cover and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until cheese melts and becomes bubbly.
05 - Season with dried oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Everything cooks in a single pot, which means minimal cleanup and maximum time with your family instead of over the sink.
  • Fifteen minutes from start to finish, and it tastes like comfort food, not a rushed meal.
  • The cheese melts right into the warm pasta, creating pockets of creamy richness that feel indulgent without any special technique.
02 -
  • Don't skip the water—it's what keeps the pasta from drying out or getting mushy, and it helps the sauce coat every piece evenly.
  • Always taste before serving and adjust seasoning; the jarred sauce and cheese are salty already, so go easy on the salt.
  • If your pepperoni gets too crispy or your vegetables stay too firm, you can adjust the final cooking time by thirty seconds, but the magic is in the slight firmness that means everything just came together.
03 -
  • Don't be shy with the Parmesan—that salty, nutty flavor is what makes people say this tastes like real pizza.
  • If your pasta is still firm after eight minutes, give it another minute or two rather than worrying; different pasta shapes cook at slightly different rates.
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