The ultimate fusion of two beloved comfort foods—noodles and pizza. That's what you get with a Noodle Pizza Casserole. This dish features al dente pasta mixed with flavorful Italian chicken sausages, wholesome vegetables, and savory cheeses, all topped with slices of salami. It’s the epitome of family comfort food and an easy casserole recipe that will quickly become a household favorite, just as it is in mine!
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Noodle Pizza Casserole
🎥Video Recipe:
📖Printable Recipe:
Noodle Pizza Casserole
Ingredients
- ½ bell pepper chopped
- ½ onion chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 2 oregano sprigs chopped
- 500 g 1 pound italian chicken sausages, casing removed
- 250 g 9 oz pasta
- 200 g 7 oz oyster mushrooms, chopped
- 1 cup mozzarella shredded
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 10-12 slices salami
- 400 ml 14 oz Italian tomato sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 190C/375F.
- Cook pasta in a large pot of salted water for ½ time listed in the instructions. reserve ½ cup pasta water.250 g 9 oz pasta
- Heat up 2 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken sausages and cook for 10 minutes, or until brown. Remove to the plate.500 g 1 pound italian chicken sausages, casing removed
- In the same pan saute onions with peppers for 5 minutes using residual meat fat. Add mushrooms and cook for 10 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, mix in garlic and fresh oregano. Cook for 1 minute.½ bell pepper, ½ onion, 2 garlic cloves, 200 g 7 oz oyster mushrooms, chopped, 2 oregano sprigs
- Finally add some tomato sauce, half cooked pasta and reserved pasta water. Mix well.400 ml 14 oz Italian tomato sauce
- Transfer pasta and meat into a casserole dish and sprinkle both types of cheese on top. Finish the casserole with salami slices and bake for 25-30 minutes.1 cup mozzarella, 1 cup cheddar cheese, 10-12 slices salami
Video
Nutrition
📋Ingredients
- ½ bell pepper, chopped
- ½ onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 oregano sprigs, chopped
- 500 g (1 pound) italian chicken sausages, casing removed
- 250 g (9 oz) pasta
- 200 g (7 oz) oyster mushrooms, chopped
- 1 cup mozzarella, shredded
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 10-12 slices salami
- 400 ml (14 oz) Italian tomato sauce
🔪How Do I Make It?
Preheat the oven to 190C/375F.
Cook pasta in a large pot of salted water for ½ time listed in the instructions. reserve ½ cup pasta water.
Heat up 2 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken sausages and cook for 10 minutes, or until brown. Remove to the plate.
In the same pan saute onions with peppers for 5 minutes using residual meat fat. Add mushrooms and cook for 10 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, mix in garlic and fresh oregano. Cook for 1 minute.
Finally add some tomato sauce, half cooked pasta and reserved pasta water. Mix well.
Transfer pasta and meat into a casserole dish and sprinkle both types of cheese on top. Finish the casserole with salami slices and bake for 25-30 minutes.
🍽What Do I Serve With This Casserole Dish?
Complementary Side Dishes
While Noodle Pizza Casserole stands strong on its own as a hearty meal, pairing it with the right sides can elevate the dining experience. Consider a simple garden salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to add a refreshing note.
Bread Options
Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks are fantastic companions for this casserole, perfect for soaking up the delicious, saucy goodness.
Healthier Alternatives
For those seeking a lighter fare, steamed vegetables such as broccoli or green beans provide a nutritious balance and enhance the meal's overall appeal.
⏲️Chef's Tip
Use Quality Ingredients
The quality of your ingredients can make a significant difference. Opt for fresh vegetables, high-quality sausages, and freshly grated cheese for the best results.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta
Cooking the pasta for only half the time ensures it doesn't become mushy during baking. The pasta will continue to cook and absorb flavors in the oven.
Customize to Your Taste
Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences. For example, you can use turkey sausage instead of chicken or add other vegetables like zucchini or spinach.
💭Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, then cover it and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply bake as directed.
Is This Recipe Freezer-Friendly?
Yes, you can freeze this casserole. Assemble the dish, then cover it tightly with aluminum foil and freeze for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as usual.
What Other Cheeses Can I Use?
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Parmesan, Gouda, or even a bit of blue cheese can add unique flavors to your casserole.
How Long Will It Take to Bake from Frozen?
When baking the Noodle Pizza Casserole from frozen, it typically takes about 45-60 minutes at 190C/375F. To ensure it’s heated through, insert a knife in the centre to check if it’s hot all the way through before serving.
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta?
Yes, you can substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions, as gluten-free pasta can vary in its cooking requirements.
What Can I Do With Leftovers?
Leftover Noodle Pizza Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of water to keep the dish moist as it reheats.
Is This Recipe Suitable for Meal Prep?
Absolutely! This casserole is perfect for meal prep. You can portion it into individual servings and store them in the fridge or freezer, making it easy to grab a quick, delicious meal throughout the week.
🥘More Easy Casseroles
If your family loves Noodle Pizza Casserole, they’ll likely enjoy other kid-friendly casseroles too. These dishes are not only delicious but also offer a variety of flavors and textures that keep meals exciting for kids and adults alike.
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