Craving both pizza and pasta? Why choose when you can have both in one delicious dish! These Garlic Butter Pizza Pasta Bowls combine everything you love about a cheesy pizza with the comfort of a hearty pasta, all wrapped up in a garlic butter hug.
I created this recipe on a busy weeknight when I couldn’t decide between two family favorites. The result was an instant hit that’s now on regular rotation in our home. The garlicky, buttery pasta base topped with classic pizza flavors creates a bowl of pure comfort that’s both familiar and exciting.
Why You’ll Love This
- Two comfort foods in one – pizza flavors meet pasta satisfaction
- One-pot wonder that minimizes cleanup
- Customizable with your favorite pizza toppings
- Kid-approved but sophisticated enough for adults
- Makes excellent leftovers for lunch the next day
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
- ½ medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian herb seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped
- Pepperoni slices (as many as you like)
- 1 pound rotini pasta
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 5 Italian bread boules (round bread loaves)
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Carefully cut out the center of each bread boule, leaving about 1-inch thick walls to create bowls. Save the bread pieces for dipping or making breadcrumbs.
- Cook rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside. Don't overcook since it will bake more later.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and diced onion for 6-8 minutes, breaking up the meat, until no pink remains and onions are softened. Drain off excess grease.
- Season the beef mixture with onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add marinara sauce, chopped bacon, pepperoni, and cooked pasta. Stir everything together until well combined.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter with garlic powder until well combined. This will give the bread bowls amazing flavor.
- Brush the inside and outside of each bread bowl with the garlic butter mixture. Place a small handful of mozzarella cheese in the bottom of each bowl.
- Divide the pasta mixture evenly among the bread bowls. Top each with more mozzarella cheese, extra bacon pieces, and additional pepperoni slices.
- Place the filled bowls on a large baking sheet. Bake for 5 minutes, then switch to broil on high for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Let cool for 2-3 minutes before serving. The bread bowls are edible too – just break off pieces and dip them in the pasta!
Tips & Variations
- Vegetarian option: Skip the pepperoni and add more veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or artichoke hearts
- Meat lover’s version: Add cooked Italian sausage, ground beef, or bacon bits
- Make it creamy: Stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream with the pizza sauce
- Spice it up: Double the red pepper flakes or add a drizzle of hot honey before serving
- Time-saver: Use pre-minced garlic and pre-shredded cheese
- Make ahead: Prepare through step 5, refrigerate, then reheat and add toppings before serving
Serving Suggestions
These Garlic Butter Pizza Pasta Bowls are a meal in themselves, but they pair beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with Italian vinaigrette. For a complete pizza parlor experience, serve with garlic bread sticks or a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping.
For a fun dinner party idea, set up a pasta bowl bar with different toppings so everyone can customize their own pizza pasta creation!
Notes
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Reheating: Add a splash of water before microwaving to keep pasta from drying out
- Portion size: This recipe makes generous servings for 4 people or moderate servings for 6
- Cheese check: Look for cheese that’s fully melted and slightly bubbly before serving
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Absolutely! Just cook according to package directions as gluten-free varieties often have different cooking times.
Can I make this in advance for a potluck?
Yes! Prepare through step 5, then finish with the cheese and toppings just before serving. You can reheat it in an oven-safe dish at 350°F until hot and bubbly.
My kids don’t like chunks of vegetables. Any suggestions?
Try finely dicing or even pureeing the vegetables to blend into the sauce. They’ll get the nutrition without detecting the texture.
What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?
Short, ridged pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or fusilli work best as they hold onto the sauce and toppings in their nooks and crannies.
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