Description

Garlic Butter Pizza Pasta Bowls combine the comforting flavors of pizza and pasta in a single cozy dish featuring a velvety garlic butter sauce, tomato sauce, gooey cheeses, and classic pizza toppings. Perfect for family dinners or casual meals, this easy one-pot recipe delivers rich, savory flavors with customizable options that cater to various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta & Sauce

8 oz elbow macaroni or penne pasta
2 cups tomato sauce
3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
4 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

Cheese & Toppings

1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
½ cup sliced pepperoni

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water, and set pasta aside.
Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and golden but not burned, infusing the butter with garlic flavor.
Add Tomato Sauce and Seasonings: Pour in tomato sauce, then sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir and let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes to blend the flavors.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat well. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water by the splash to loosen and achieve the perfect consistency.
Add Cheese and Pepperoni: Fold in the mozzarella cheese, half the Parmesan, and pepperoni slices. Stir gently until the cheeses melt into a creamy sauce.
Serve in Individual Bowls: Divide the pasta mixture into bowls. Sprinkle remaining Parmesan on top and optionally garnish with fresh basil or extra pepperoni for added flavor and presentation.

Notes

Always use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
Cook pasta al dente to avoid mushiness when mixing with sauce.
Use unsalted, high-quality butter for a smoother, more balanced sauce.
Combine mozzarella and Parmesan for an ideal cheese texture and flavor.
Adjust sauce thickness by adding reserved pasta water as needed.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately)
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 700 mg
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 18 g
Cholesterol: 55 mg