Pizza Macaroni and Cheese
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
40 mins
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Total Time
50 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
567 kcal
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Course
Side Dish, Main Course
Pizza Macaroni and Cheese
Description
Pizza Macaroni and Cheese uses cavatappi pasta cooked to al dente and combined with a cheese sauce made by whisking butter, flour, Italian seasoning, and spices into milk and then melting in white cheddar cheese. Diced pepperoni is mixed into the sauce and pasta before transferring to a baking dish. The top is garnished with pepperoni slices, marinara sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, then baked until golden and bubbling, producing a rich and hearty dish. The interplay of melted cheese, tomato sauce, and pepperoni adds complexity to traditional macaroni and cheese.
The textures range from tender pasta to crispy edges on top where the cheese caramelizes. This casserole can be served as a main dish and pairs well with a simple salad or steamed vegetables to complement the richness.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces cavatappi pasta , cooked al dente according to package directions
- 3 ounces pepperoni , sliced and divided
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning homemade
- 2 cups milk whole
- 1 cup White Cheddar Cheese , shredded
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese shredded, low-moisture
- 1 cup marinara sauce , plus more for serving
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan Cheese , shredded
- parsley , for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Cook the pasta accordingly to package directions for al dente. Drain, toss with a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Chop about ½ cup of the pepperoni, leaving 10-12 slices whole.
- Melt the butter, adding the flour, garlic and onion powder and Italian seasoning in large saucepan set over medium heat. Whisk together until it forms a paste.
- Slowly whisk in the milk. Continue to whisk and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 2-3 minutes, until it thickens slightly and flavors marry.
- Remove the sauce from heat and whisk in the white cheddar cheese.
- Toss in the pasta and chopped pepperoni.
- Transfer to greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish (or any 3-quart casserole, baking dish or cast iron skillet).
- Top with the reserved sliced pepperoni. Spoon marinara sauce on top. Sprinkle with the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden and bubbling.
- Remove and allow to sit for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with additional pasta sauce, cheese and chopped parsley, if desired.
- If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or ratings!
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 567 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 567kcal | 28% |
| Carbohydrates | 66g | 22% |
| Protein | 24g | 48% |
| Fat | 22g | 34% |
| Saturated Fat | 12g | 60% |
| Cholesterol | 59mg | 20% |
| Sodium | 742mg | 31% |
| Potassium | 484mg | 10% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 8g | 16% |
| Vitamin A | 684IU | 14% |
| Vitamin C | 3mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 346mg | 35% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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