Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Skillet 🍕🔥

This Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Skillet is the ultimate comfort dish that's quick to prepare, bursting with flavor, and perfect for a cozy night in. It's a one-pan wonder that combines all the best elements of a classic pizza, minus the fuss of dough-making! This dish is perfect for a family dinner, game night, or anytime you crave pizza without the delivery wait. Pair it with a refreshing side salad for a balanced meal! 🥗

Ingredients

For the base

• 2 cups of cooked pasta (penne or rotini works great)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) pizza sauce or marinara
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the toppings

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup sliced pepperoni
• 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

• Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

🧄 Don’t let the garlic burn! Stir it around to prevent browning. A little bit of browning is okay for flavor, but burnt garlic can taste bitter.

• Stir in the cooked pasta, pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper. Mix well until the pasta is evenly coated.

• Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the pasta mixture, followed by the slices of pepperoni, black olives, and the remaining mozzarella.

🍖 Feel free to customize your toppings! Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or even a dash of red pepper flakes for some heat!

• Now, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra cheesy crust!

• Preheat your broiler to high. Place the skillet under the broiler for about 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

🔥 Watch closely to avoid burning. Every broiler is different, so keep an eye on your pizza skillet!

• Once done, remove the skillet from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Variations

• Vegetarian: Replace pepperoni with sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions for a veggie-packed version. 🍆
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Meat Lovers: Add cooked sausage or diced ham with the pepperoni for an extra meaty twist. 🥓
• Spicy: Toss in some jalapeños or drizzle with sriracha before broiling for an extra kick!

Enjoy your cheesy, delicious Pepperoni Pizza Skillet! 🍽️