Two all-time favorite foods, pasta and pizza pair up rather temptingly ...it's a combination that's hard to resist!

Three Cheese Pasta Pizza

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 (1 1/2 ounces) grated Wisconsin Parmesan cheese
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Wisconsin Mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup (2 ounces) shredded Wisconsin Cheddar cheese
2 cups cooked spaghetti pasta

 

Topping:
1 (14 1/2-ounce) can pasta-style tomatoes, drained or 2 large fresh tomatoes, sliced
1 package (3 ounces) sliced pepperoni
1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
2 tablespoons each chopped green onions and red or green bell pepper (optional)
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Wisconsin Mozzarella cheese

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 at 375°F (190°C) for 30 to 40 minutes.

Makes 4 servings.

Tip: For more flavor, substitute Wisconsin Asiago or Romano cheese for Parmesan cheese. Substitute Wisconsin 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.