Garlic Butter Pizza Pasta Bowls

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A crispy, buttery bread bowl filled with cheesy pizza-style pasta – the ultimate comfort fusion dish.

These Garlic Butter Pizza Pasta Bowls are a perfect fusion of three delicious favorites: garlic bread, pizza, and pasta. You get crispy bread bowls brushed with fragrant garlic butter, then stuffed with saucy pasta loaded with mozzarella, pepperoni (or any toppings you like), and baked until hot and bubbly. Each bite is cheesy, garlicky, and full of Italian flavor.

Ingredients (Makes 4 bowls)

For the garlic butter:

  • 1/3 cup (75 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the bread bowls:

  • 4 round bread rolls (small boules or kaiser rolls work well)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing the crust)

For the pizza pasta:

  • 200 g (7 oz) pasta (penne, rotini, or macaroni)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) pizza sauce or marinara sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup (25 g) grated parmesan
  • 20 slices of mini pepperoni or chopped regular pepperoni (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Prep & Cook Time

  • Prep: 20 minutes
  • Cook: 20 minutes
  • Total: About 40 minutes

Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)

  • Calories: ~550 kcal
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Carbs: 45 g
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Fiber: 3 g

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the garlic butter In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, and salt. Mix well and set aside.

Step 2: Make the bread bowls Preheat oven to 180°C / 350°F. Slice the tops off the bread rolls and carefully hollow out the center to form bowls. Brush the inside of each bread bowl with the garlic butter. Save some butter for brushing the outer crust later. Place the bread bowls on a baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes to lightly crisp.

Step 3: Cook the pasta Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente (follow package instructions). Drain and return to the pot. Stir in the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and half the mozzarella and parmesan. Mix in the pepperoni if using.

Step 4: Assemble and bake Spoon the pizza pasta mixture into each bread bowl. Top each with remaining mozzarella and parmesan. Brush the outer bread crust with remaining garlic butter. Bake at 200°C / 400°F for about 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the crust is golden.

Tips & Variations

  • Make it vegetarian: Skip the pepperoni or replace it with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives.
  • Add heat: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or add chopped jalapeños to the pasta mix.
  • Use different cheeses: Try provolone, fontina, or cheddar for a twist.
  • Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and serve in oven-safe ramekins instead of bread.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with a crisp green salad with balsamic dressing.
  • Add a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
  • Great as a fun main course or shared party appetizer.

Storage & Reheating

  • Store leftover pasta separately from bread bowls if possible.
  • Bread bowls are best eaten fresh, but can be reheated at 180°C / 350°F for 5–8 minutes in the oven.
  • Leftover pasta can be stored in the fridge for 2–3 days.

Final Thoughts Garlic Butter Pizza Pasta Bowls are the perfect comfort food mash-up — warm, cheesy, garlicky, and endlessly customizable. Ideal for feeding a hungry crowd or enjoying a cozy evening in, they’re guaranteed to be a hit every time.

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