Description
This Pizza Macaroni and Cheese recipe combines the comforting creaminess of classic macaroni and cheese with the bold flavors of pizza, featuring gooey mozzarella, tangy pizza sauce, and savory pepperoni. Baked to bubbly perfection, it’s a delightful 7-cheesy comfort meal perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sauce
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup pizza sauce
Cheeses
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Other Ingredients
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the macaroni and cheese mixture.
- Cook Macaroni: Boil the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain well to remove excess water.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked macaroni with pizza sauce, shredded mozzarella, shredded cheddar, pepperoni slices, olive oil, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning until everything is evenly distributed.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish lightly with oil or butter, then pour the macaroni mixture into the dish and spread it evenly.
- Add Parmesan Topping: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the macaroni mixture to create a flavorful crust as it bakes.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the top is slightly golden.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly and enhance the flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute pepperoni with cooked sausage or omit for a vegetarian version.
- Use fresh herbs like basil or oregano for added freshness instead of dried Italian seasoning.
- To make it spicier, add red pepper flakes when mixing the ingredients.
- For a creamier texture, stir in some cream cheese or heavy cream with the cheeses before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
