Description
A delightful mashup of pizza and mac and cheese, this comfort food dish combines gooey cheese with flavor-packed toppings for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups Elbow Macaroni
- 2 cups Cheddar Cheese, shredded
- 2 cups Milk
- 3 tablespoons Butter
- 3 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour
- 1 cup Pepperoni, sliced
- ½ cup Pizza Sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- ½ cup Red Bell Peppers, diced
- Breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your elbow macaroni, cooking it according to package directions until al dente (usually around 7-8 minutes).
- Make the Cheese Sauce: While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour, whisking continuously for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk and let it come to a gentle simmer.
- Add the Cheeses: Once your sauce is smooth, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Drain the cooked pasta and fold it into your creamy cheese sauce, ensuring every noodle gets coated in cheesy goodness. Toss in half of the pepperoni and red bell peppers.
- Add Pizza Sauce and Italian Seasoning: Spoon in the pizza sauce and sprinkle in your Italian seasoning, giving everything a good stir to combine.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the cheesy pasta mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top it off with the remaining shredded cheese, pepperoni, and breadcrumbs if you’re using them.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and pop the baking dish in there for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve Hot: Once out of the oven, let it sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set a little.
Notes
Consider garnishing with fresh parsley or basil before serving. This dish pairs well with a light salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: pizza, mac and cheese, comfort food, family recipe, cheesy, baking