Hawaiian Pizza Pasta
I've been making this recipe since I discovered it and tweaked it to our family's liking for more than 15 years. You can substitute chopped salami, pepperoni, or cooked ground beef for the ham. Or add olives and red peppers—whatever you like on a pizza.
I've been making this recipe since I discovered it and tweaked it to our family's liking for more than 15 years. You can substitute chopped salami, pepperoni, or cooked ground beef for the ham. Or add olives and red peppers—whatever you like on a pizza.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 3 tablespoons canola oil
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 medium green pepper chopped
- 1/2 pound sliced fresh mushrooms
- 3 1/2 cups spiral pasta uncooked
- 6 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese divided
- 20 ounces pineapple chunks drained
- 1 cup fully cooked ham cubed
- Carbohydrate 46.2967990519224 g
- Cholesterol 54.3433333333333 mg
- Fat 6.130492725578 g
- Fiber 1.80954758020904 g
- Protein 11.5235555154103 g
- Saturated Fat 0.81278685105937 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (202g)
- Sodium 414.98551912748 mg
- Sugar 44.4872514717134 g
- Trans Fat 0.655432417150662 g
- Calories 282 calories
Step-by-step
- In a large saucepan, saute the mushrooms, onion, and pepper in oil for 5 minutes or until tender.
- Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer.
- Add the tomato sauce, bay leaves, oregano, basil, and sugar.
- Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 20-30 minutes or until thickened, stirring frequently.
- Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions; drain.
- Discard bay leaves from sauce.
- Stir in the pasta, 5 cups of mozzarella cheese, pineapple, and ham.
- Transfer to a greased shallow 3-qt. baking dish.
- Sprinkle with remaining cheese.
- Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until heated through.
My Family's Favorite: Hawaiian Pizza Pasta
This recipe isn't just a meal; it's a time capsule. For over fifteen years, it's been a staple in our home, a comforting dish that always brings a smile to everyone's faces. It started as a simple idea—a fusion of pizza flavors and pasta—but over time, it's become something truly special, a testament to family dinners and the joy of sharing food together. The best part? It's incredibly versatile. My kids initially weren’t huge fans of pineapple on pizza, but this pasta version somehow made them love it.
The beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability. It's a blank canvas where you can truly express your culinary creativity. Don't like ham? No problem! Swap it out for salami, pepperoni, or even ground beef. Want to add some extra veggies? Toss in some olives, red peppers, or whatever your heart desires. It’s all about creating a taste that’s uniquely yours, reflecting your personal preferences and celebrating the flexibility of cooking. I've often found myself adjusting the recipe based on what's on hand in the pantry—sometimes a little extra garlic, sometimes a different type of cheese. The possibilities are endless, and the resulting dish is always delicious.
More than just a recipe, this Hawaiian Pizza Pasta is a memory maker. It’s the aroma that fills the kitchen as it simmers, the happy chatter around the dinner table, and the contented sighs after a satisfying bite. It's the simple pleasure of feeding those you love, nurturing them with a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. For me, this isn't just about following a set of instructions; it's about sharing a part of my heart, one delicious bowl of pasta at a time. The easy preparation makes it perfect for busy weeknights and, with a little advance preparation, it is easily adaptable for a larger crowd at a party. Just make extra servings.
A Taste of Home
This recipe isn’t just a dish; it’s a feeling. It evokes memories of family dinners, laughter around the table, and the warmth of sharing a meal together. It's a reminder that the simplest things in life – the comforting aroma of simmering sauce, the satisfying chew of perfectly cooked pasta, the burst of sweet and savory flavors – can bring immense joy. Over the years, this dish has served as a bridge between generations, a connection to simpler times, and a symbol of the love that binds us together. The adaptable nature of the recipe allows each family member to customize their bowl. It can be adapted for different diets and preferences. It's a truly unique and personal dish.
Beyond the Recipe
While the recipe itself is simple and straightforward, the experience of making it is where the true magic lies. The process of sautéing the vegetables, the simmering sauce, the satisfying stretch of the mozzarella cheese – these are the small moments that make cooking so rewarding. It's a chance to disconnect from the everyday hustle and bustle and connect with the simple pleasure of creating something delicious with your own hands.
The best part? Every time I make this dish, it’s a bit different. Sometimes, I might add a pinch of extra red pepper flakes for a little kick. Other times, I might use a different type of cheese, experimenting with flavors and textures. This adaptability is what keeps this recipe fresh and exciting, year after year. It's a testament to the fact that even the most simple recipes can be endlessly creative and personalized.
More Than Just Food
This recipe is more than just a collection of ingredients; it's a story. It's a story of family, tradition, and the joy of sharing food with loved ones. It's a story that evolves with each preparation, reflecting the changing seasons, the evolving tastes of my family, and the ever-changing rhythm of our lives. It's a dish that embodies the spirit of home, a warm and comforting embrace in a bowl. Each bite is a journey down memory lane, a reminder of the simple pleasures and the enduring power of shared meals.
And that's what makes this Hawaiian Pizza Pasta so much more than just a meal – it's a piece of my heart, shared with you.
