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    Home » Main Dishes

    Updated: May 16, 2024 · Published: Mar 6, 2023 · by Angela · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

    Pepperoni Spaghetti

    Jump to Recipe

    This pepperoni spaghetti is a pasta dish you will crave all the time. It is rich, hearty, spicy, & loaded with all sorts of goodies. This chunky pepperoni spaghetti sauce is ready in 30 minutes & a family and kid favorite. So if you wonder if pizza and spaghetti go together - heck yeah they do!

    Pepperoni Spaghetti Overhead of plate with parsley surrounded by checked napkin parsley and serving utensils.

    If you love pepperoni pizza and spaghetti run, do not walk, to make this dish. This was inspired by my chicken & spaghetti recipe and pairs well with a salad, or homemade ciabatta.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • How to Make Pepperoni Spaghetti
    • Top Tips
    • How to Serve Pepperoni Spaghetti
    • Substitutions & Variations
    • Equipment
    • Storage
    • FAQ
    • Pepperoni Spaghetti
    • Food safety
    Pepperoni spaghetti plated and ready to eat.

    Ingredients

    This simple but spicy homemade pepperoni spaghetti sauce only needs 6 ingredients plus some herbs & spices. This recipe uses budget-friendly staples & items commonly found in any grocery store. This is not a traditional Italian recipe but it's oh so yummy.

    Ingredients for pepperoni  spaghetti.
    • Pepperoni
    • Jarred Marinara Sauce
    • Bell Pepper
    • Onion
    • Garlic
    • Salt
    • Black Pepper
    • Dried Basil
    • Red Pepper Flakes
    • Parmesan Cheese
    • Spaghetti

    See the recipe card for quantities.

    How to Make Pepperoni Spaghetti

    Here are the easy step-by-step instructions for making this recipe for pepperoni sauce served with spaghetti. It is quick to make this in just two pots on the stovetop. Purchase store-bought precut items like pepperoni sliced or chunks, diced onions, or diced peppers to save time.

    Here is a summary of how to cook this.

    • Cut pepperoni, onion, & bell pepper
    • Sautee pepperoni & vegetables
    • Add sauce & simmer
    • Boil spaghetti
    • Plate spaghetti & top with sauce
    Pepperoni chunks cooking in the pot.

    To a medium-sized sauce pot, add the pepperoni chunks. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes.

    Vegetables cooking in the pot with the pepperoni drippings.

    Remove the pepperoni and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels. Add vegetables and garlic to the pot with the leftover pepperoni drippings.

    Pepperoni Spaghetti Add cooked pepperoni back to pot with seasoning and cheese.

    Cook the vegetables over medium heat for 5 minutes. Stir in the herbs, spices, parmesan, & pepperoni.

    Pepperoni Spaghetti Simmering in the pot.

    Add the jarred marinara sauce to the pot and stir. Simmer on medium-low for 15 minutes.

    While the pepperoni spaghetti sauce is cooking, it's time to cook the pasta. In a large pot of boiling water, add the spaghetti. Cook until al dente.

    Spaghetti noodles in a pot of boiling water.

    Hint: You can also make this in the slow cooker once the pepperoni has been cooked. Add all the ingredients (except the spaghetti) to your CrockPot and cook on low for 4-5 hours.

    Top Tips

    All of these great tips are shared in this post. But these are so good and important they are worth mentioning again so you don't miss them.

    • Buy store-bought pepperoni that is already diced to save time.
    • Cook the pepperoni so add crispiness to it & extract oils from it.
    • Sautee the veggies in the pepperoni drippings - no other oil is needed.
    • Store leftovers in the refrigerator in the jar from the store-bought sauce to ensure your bowls or containers don't stain from the red sauce.
    Pepperoni Spaghetti Plated and ready to top with parsley and cheese.

    How to Serve Pepperoni Spaghetti

    Once the spaghetti is ready, top it with pepperoni tomato sauce. Sprinkle on some additional parmesan cheese. You can also spice it up with more red pepper flakes.

    This hearty pasta dish goes well with many vegetables, salad, & bread sides. Here are my recommendations for sides that all go well with this spaghetti recipe.

    • AIR FRYER BROCCOLINI WITH LEMON & PARMESAN
    • ITALIAN CHOPPED SALAD
    • TARALLI - BLACK PEPPER BISCUITS
    • CRISPY MARINATED ARTICHOKE HEARTS
    Plate of spaghetti topped with chunks pepperoni sauce close up to front and checkered napkin utensils and parsley bunch.

    You will enjoy the combination of spicy pepperoni and savory tomato sauce. It makes for a tasty meal that will please even the pickiest eaters. With its simple ingredients and quick preparation time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends at home.

    Substitutions & Variations

    Here are some great recipe variations & ingredient substitutions that can be made. Add, omit, or use one of these alternatives for other delicious recipe ideas.  These may help you enjoy it even with dietary, health, or personal nutritional preferences. 

    • Pepperoni - use a plant-based sausage instead for a vegan or vegetarian version.
    • Spaghetti - use any pasta shape you like such as penne, linguini, or rigatoni.
    • Jarred Marinara Sauce - use your favorite homemade marinara sauce recipe instead of store-bought brands.
    • Parmesan - omit for a dairy-free version.
    • Low-Carb/Keto - serve over spaghetti squash, zoodles, or Palmini instead of regular spaghetti.

    This sauce is already gluten-free, so serve it with gluten-free pasta for a great meal for those with celiac disease or wheat sensitivities.

    Pepperoni Spaghetti Overhead of plated pasta topped with fresh parsley next to bunch of parsley and bowl of parmesan.

    Equipment

    The right ingredients, supplies, & equipment help recipes taste amazing & turn out well.  Here are recommendations for products that are needed for making this recipe.  Shop this recipe & buy these top-rated items today. 

    Cuisinart 766S-22 6 Qt. Stainless Steel Pasta Pot w/Straining Cover Chef's-Classic-Stainless-Cookware-Collection, 6-Quart
    $61.62
    Cuisinart 766S-22 6 Qt. Stainless Steel Pasta Pot w/Straining Cover Chef's-Classic-Stainless-Cookware-Collection, 6-Quart
    Buy Now
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    05/13/2025 12:46 pm GMT
    Rao's Homemade Four Cheese Pasta Sauce, 24 oz, Tomato Sauce, All Purpose, Keto Friendly Pasta Sauce, Premium Quality Tomatoes from Italy
    Rao's Homemade Four Cheese Pasta Sauce, 24 oz, Tomato Sauce, All Purpose, Keto Friendly Pasta Sauce, Premium Quality Tomatoes from Italy
    Buy Now
    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.
    De Cecco Spaghetti Pasta, 16 Oz
    $2.82
    De Cecco Spaghetti Pasta, 16 Oz
    Buy Now
    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.
    05/12/2025 05:36 pm GMT
    De Cecco Spaghetti Pasta, 16 Oz
    $2.82
    De Cecco Spaghetti Pasta, 16 Oz
    Buy Now
    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.
    05/12/2025 05:36 pm GMT
    Simply Organic Basil Certified Organic, 0.54 Oz
    $7.68
    Simply Organic Basil Certified Organic, 0.54 Oz
    Buy Now
    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.
    05/12/2025 08:50 pm GMT

    The Short Order Cook is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission on the sale at no additional cost to you. This helps with the costs of running the blog. Thank you!  

    Storage

    This chunky tomato sauce holds up well when refrigerated or frozen. To store properly place in an air-tight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or 2 months in the freezer.

    I actually put mine back into the jar from the store-bought sauce & stored it in my refrigerator. This helped ensure the tomato sauce didn't discolor any of my containers or bowls.

    Pepperoni Spaghetti plated and topped with fresh parsley leaves.

    FAQ

    Here are answers to some common questions. I hope you find what you need but if not, you are always welcome to send me a comment and I will get back to you. 

    Does pepperoni go bad?

    Hard or dry sausages can last between 3-4 weeks in the refrigerator. The large links uncut will last longer than pepperoni that has been sliced or diced.

    How much marinara for a pound of pasta?

    On average it is best to serve a pound of spaghetti with 1 ½- 2 cups of marinara sauce. This recipe makes enough sauce for a pound of spaghetti or your favorite pasta shape with plenty of leftovers to enjoy later.

    Is pepperoni raw & do I have to saute it first?

    Pepperoni is a cured salami. It is not a raw or uncooked link sausage. Though you technically do not need to cook the pepperoni before adding it to the sauce, doing so adds more flavor & texture.

    Plate of pepperoni spaghetti.

    Pepperoni Spaghetti

    Angela
    This 30-minute recipe for pepperoni spaghetti is a crowd-pleaser. You will crave the chunky pepperoni tomato sauce that is rich, hearty, & spicy. This family favorite meal is so easy, making it ideal for busy weeknight dinners.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Share on Facebook
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 20 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6
    Calories 452 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 pound spaghetti
    • 1 ½ cups stick pepperoni diced
    • ½ medium onion diced
    • 1 medium green bell pepper diced
    • 4 cloves garlic minced
    • 1 jar - 24oz marinara tomato sauce
    • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
    • ¼ teaspoon dried basil
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
    • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Dice the pepperoni, onion, & bell pepper. Mince the garlic.
    • To a medium-sized sauce pot, add the pepperoni chunks. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes.
    • Using a slotted spoon, remove the pepperoni from the pot and let drain on a plate with a paper towel. DO NOT remove the drippings from the pot.
    • Add the garlic, onion, & bell pepper to the leftover pepperoni drippings. Stir and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes.
    • Stir in the herbs, spices, parmesan, & pepperoni. Add the jarred marinara sauce to the pot and stir. Simmer on medium-low for 10-15 minutes. Stir occassionally and if it bubbles too much, turn the heat down to low.
    • While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta.
      In a large pot of boiling water, add the spaghetti. Cook until al dente.
    • Drain the pasta and top with the spaghetti sauce with pepperoni. Add more parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy

    Notes

    The nutritional informatoin for this recipe will depend on the brand of pepperoni & marina sauce you use. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 452kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 17gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 31mgSodium: 626mgPotassium: 316mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 161IUVitamin C: 17mgCalcium: 68mgIron: 2mg
    Keyword easy, family, pasta, spicy, weeknight
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    Food safety

    Here are some safety tips when cooking in the kitchen. Proper food handling is essential especially when working with meat.

    • Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
    • Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
    • Never leave cooking food unattended

    See more guidelines at USDA.gov.

    « How to Make Tanghulu (Chinese Candied Fruit)
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating




    1. David says

      March 07, 2023 at 1:59 pm

      5 stars
      Super chunky and spicy. The heat was great but I like a bit more thin sauce so added a can of tomato sauce and it was perfect.

      Reply
      • Angela says

        March 07, 2023 at 2:28 pm

        Yes, it is a very chunky sauce. I am glad you enjoyed the flavor and made it your own.

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Angela I’m Angela, a petite mom that loves to cook, eat, drink, & explore all things food. As a former personal chef & caterer, I specialize in family recipes that taste great & are easy to make. I rely on my trusty stool every day to create & test recipes I know you will love.

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