Pizza Pasta Bites

Pizza Pasta Bites are a seriously good mashup of two comfort food favorites. These cheesy, saucy bites are super easy to make, perfect for kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

• 225 grams elbow macaroni or small pasta shapes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 0.75 cup marinara sauce
• 0.5 cup vegetable broth
• 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.25 teaspoon dried basil
• 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 0.75 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 0.25 cup diced bell pepper (any color)
• 0.25 cup sliced black olives
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• salt to taste
• black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray or a little olive oil. Set aside.
2. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add 225 grams elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta well.
3. While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent, stirring occasionally.
4. Add 2 finely chopped cloves garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
5. Stir in 0.75 cup marinara sauce, 0.5 cup vegetable broth, 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano, 0.25 teaspoon dried basil, and 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the drained cooked pasta to the sauce mixture. Add 0.25 cup diced bell pepper and 0.25 cup sliced black olives. Mix everything to combine well.
7. Stir in 0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese and 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese into the pasta mixture until just combined.
8. Divide the pasta mixture evenly among the 12 muffin cups, pressing it down lightly into each cup.
9. Sprinkle the remaining 0.25 cup shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of each pasta bite.
10. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown around the edges.
11. Let the Pizza Pasta Bites cool in the muffin tin for 5 minutes before carefully removing them with a knife or small spatula.
12. Garnish with 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley before serving. Serve warm.

View the interactive Pizza Pasta Bites recipe