Hawaiian Pizza Pasta
Hawaiian Pizza Pasta is a delightful one-pot meal that combines the flavors of Hawaiian pizza with pasta, making it a quick and comforting dinner option for the whole family.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta or any pasta you prefer; fusilli works too!
- 1 cup diced ham feel free to swap with turkey for a healthier option
- 1 cup pineapple chunks fresh or canned, but if you opt for canned, make sure to drain them
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese try using a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for a richer flavor
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce store-bought or homemade—whichever you have on hand
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish optional but oh-so-fresh!
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In the same pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced ham and sauté for about 3–4 minutes until it’s warmed through and slightly crispy.
Cooking
- Lower the heat and add the cooked pasta back to the pot. Stir in the pizza sauce, pineapple chunks, Italian seasoning, and season with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until the pasta is coated in the sauce.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the top. Cover the pot with a lid for 2–3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and become gooey.
Serving
- Once the cheese has melted, give it a gentle stir to incorporate everything. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
Notes
This dish is versatile; you can make it vegetarian by substituting the ham with sautéed vegetables or add spices for a kick. Leftovers can be stored for up to 3 days in the fridge.