Cheesy White Pizza Casserole

White Pizza Casserole is a delicious blend of cheesy white pizza sauce, pasta and lots of pepperoni, baked to crispy perfection in a casserole dish.

White Pizza Casserole is such a delicious dinner that is easy to make and can feed a large family. I can never say no to cheese and pasta and if it would be my way, I would probably survive on pizza and ice cream. Well, I do love greens and healthy meals, but pizza and pasta are my weaknesses. Now, wouldn’t it be great if the two were combined? Adding pizza to pasta? I have seen that done and I am NOT a fan. But making a White Pizza Casserole from pasta? That is one delicious decision that you will not regret. This easy meal is always a heat, its cheesy, with a crispy pepperoni top, and all the flavors of a tasty pizza in casserole form.

Looking for more cheesy recipes? Check these out:

• The Ultimate Cheese Ball
• Million Dollar Cheese Dip
• Creamy Parmesan Chicken Spinach
• Chicken Jalapeno Casserole
• Best Chicken Spinach Lasagna

Mix-Ins Ideas for this White Pizza Casserole Recipe:

• Pitted and diced black olives taste delicious in this White Pizza Casserole dish.
• Grape Tomatoes – you can cut the in half or leave them whole. I do not recommend using sliced tomatoes as they add extra moisture.
• Diced Bell Peppers – you can add them raw to the casserole or sauté them for 3-4 minutes before adding.
• Drained Canned Pineapple Chunks – for a Hawaiian twist.
• Sliced Jalapeños – remove the seeds, or leave them in for extra heat.
• Sliced Sausage – I like to brown it for a few minutes before mixing it in.
• Cubed Chicken – use grilled chicken, leftover rotisserie chicken, or sear some chicken on the stove until golden brown, before mixing into the casserole mixture.
• Spinach – do not use frozen, it will add extra water to the recipe.
• Drained Canned Artichokes – make sure you drain them well, and chop them.
• Bacon – I like to use store-bought pre-cooked bacon to save time.
• Caramelized Onions – you can use fresh red onions or caramelize some shallots.
• Mushrooms – slice them first, you can add them raw or you can sauté them for 4-5 minutes.

This recipe is so easy and adaptable that you can add your favorite mix-ins just like you would choose them to top a pizza. The combinations are endless, you just have to use your imagination and use the ones you like more. I am a huge fan of adding just pepperoni. We also like this casserole with spicy jalapeños, sausage and chicken. You can make it vegetarian by mixing it mushrooms, tomatoes and a handful of fresh spinach. Or transform into a Margherita casserole by adding 1/3 cup pesto and cherry tomatoes, top it with fresh buffalo mozzarella for the ultimate cheesy top!

Print

White Pizza Casserole

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

50 mins

Total Time

1 hr

 

White Pizza Casserole is a delicious blend of cheesy white pizza sauce, pasta and lots of pepperoni baked to crispy perfection in a casserole dish.

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings: 6 people

Author: Catalina Castravet

Ingredients

• 4 cups penne pasta
• 2 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 6 oz pepperoni's

Sauce:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 medium onion minced
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 2 cups heavy cream warm
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme diced
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh oregano chopped leaves only
• 1/2 cup parmesan grated
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. In a large skillet or saucepan over low heat, add butter once almost melted and diced onion and cook until transparent, about 5 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. T
4. Add the flour and stir to distribute flour. Increase heat up to medium and cook for a minute or two stirring continuously.
5. Slowly stir in warmed cream in a slow drizzle and stir constantly to avoid lumps.
6. Bring cream mixture to a very slight simmer and cook until it thickens slightly.
7. When the sauce is the consistency of a gravy, season it with fresh thyme, oregano and a pinch of salt and pepper.
8. Remove it from heat and stir in parmesan cheese.
9. Cook penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
10. Add cooked pasta, 3/4 of the pepperoni's, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and the white pizza sauce to a large bowl and gently toss to combine.
11. Pour mixture into a greased 9x13'' pan. Sprinkle 1 1/s cups of mozzarella cheese on top (you can use more or less cheese), top with remaining pepperoni pieces.
12. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is golden and bubbling.
13. For a golden brown top, broil for the last minutes of baking.
14. Enjoy!