Making A Pepperoni Pasta Bake

Here’s a Pepperoni Pasta Bake for Two – a comforting, cheesy dish with a rich tomato base, spicy pepperoni, and a trio of melted cheeses. Perfect for a cozy dinner!

Ingredients:

Main

• 150g rigatoni (or penne)

• 75g pepperoni, sliced (about 25–30 slices)

• 250ml passata (or canned crushed tomatoes)

• 1 tbsp tomato purée

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• ½ small onion, finely chopped

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp dried basil

• ½ tsp sugar

• Salt & pepper to taste

• 1 tbsp olive oil

Toppings

• 75g mozzarella, torn

• 40g mature cheddar, shredded

• 30g red leicester, shredded

• Optional: fresh basil for garnish

 Equipment:

• Medium saucepan

• Frying pan

• Medium mixing bowl

• Ovenproof baking dish (approx. 20x15cm / 8×6″)

• Cheese grater

• Knife and chopping board

• Colander or sieve

 Time:

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 30 minutes (15 on stove, 15 in oven)

• Total time: ~40 minutes

 Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan) / 400°F / Gas 6

2. Cook pasta

• Bring a pan of salted water to the boil.

• Cook rigatoni for 2 minutes less than the packet time (about 8–9 minutes).

• Drain and set aside.

3. Make the sauce

• In a frying pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.

• Sauté the onion for 3–4 minutes until soft.

• Add garlic, cook 1 minute.

• Stir in tomato purée, passata, oregano, basil, and sugar.

• Simmer for 10 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Assemble

• In a mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, pepperoni slices (reserve a few for topping), and the tomato sauce.

• Spoon into the baking dish.

• Scatter over the mozzarella, cheddar, and red leicester.

• Top with the remaining pepperoni slices.

5. Bake

• Bake uncovered for 15 minutes or until bubbling and golden on top.

6. Serve

• Let it cool for 2–3 minutes.

• Garnish with fresh basil if using.

 Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.):

Note: Values are estimates based on standard ingredients. Pepperoni and cheese types can significantly affect sodium and fat content.