Quick Pan Pizza with Tomato Sauce and Mozzarella

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A speedy pan-cooked pizza with a soft crust, topped with homemade tomato sauce and melted mozzarella, perfect for a quick meal. This italian-inspired pizza ready in about 25 minutes blends all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 500 calories and feeds 2, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 500 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 200 g all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp salt.
  2. Step 2: Add 120 ml water and 1 tbsp olive oil; stir to form a soft dough, then knead briefly on a floured surface for 2 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  4. Step 4: Press the dough into the skillet evenly to form a 9-inch round crust, cook for 5 minutes until the bottom is golden and bubbles form on top.
  5. Step 5: Meanwhile, mix 100 g canned crushed tomatoes with 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp dried basil, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  6. Step 6: Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the partially cooked crust, tear 125 g mozzarella cheese into pieces and scatter on top.
  7. Step 7: Cover the skillet with a lid, reduce heat to low, and cook for an additional 8 minutes until the cheese melts and the crust is cooked through.
  8. Step 8: Remove the pan pizza from heat, let cool for 2 minutes, then slice and serve warm.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Quick Pan Pizza with Tomato Sauce and Mozzarella take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Quick Pan Pizza with Tomato Sauce and Mozzarella?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Quick Pan Pizza with Tomato Sauce and Mozzarella?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Quick Pan Pizza with Tomato Sauce and Mozzarella for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Quick Pan Pizza with Tomato Sauce and Mozzarella?

Italian pizza like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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