Three Cheese Pasta Pizza

Two popular foods, pasta and pizza, team up to create an irresistible combination.

Recipe Ingredients:

Crust:
1/4 cup melted butter
2 cups bread crumbs
1/4 teaspoon each dried basil, dried oregano, dried parsley and garlic salt
2 tablespoons grated Wisconsin Parmesan cheese

Pasta Layer:
1/2 cup sour cream
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon each dried basil and dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 cup grated Wisconsin Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded Wisconsin Mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded Wisconsin Cheddar cheese
2 cups cooked spaghetti pasta

Topping:
1 (14.5-ounce) can pasta-style tomatoes, drained or 2 large fresh tomatoes, sliced
1 (3-ounce) package sliced pepperoni
1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
2 tablespoons each chopped green onions and red or green bell pepper (optional)
1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 cup shredded Wisconsin Mozzarella cheese

Cooking Directions:

1. Mix crust ingredients in 11-inch deep dish pizza pan or a 12x8 inch baking dish at least 1 1/4 inches deep. Firmly press into bottom of dish, forming crust.
2. Mix all ingredients for pasta layer.
3. Arrange half of tomatoes and half of pepperoni on top of crust mixture. Top with pasta mixture. Top with mushrooms, onions and pepper. Cover with tomato sauce, remaining tomatoes, pepperoni and mozzarella cheese.
4. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30 to 40 minutes.

Makes 4 servings.

Tip: For more flavor, substitute asiago or Romano cheese for Parmesan cheese. Substitute provolone or Gruyère cheese for mozzarella and cheddar cheese in pasta layer for a stronger flavor.

Recipe and photograph provided courtesy of Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, Inc.