Elbow Mac Pepperoni Pizza
Turn your weeknight dinner into a crowd-pleasing masterpiece with this Elbow Mac Pepperoni Pizza, a delightful fusion of two all-time favorites: pasta and pizza. This comforting recipe layers tender, al dente elbow macaroni with rich pizza sauce, gooey mozzarella, and a crispy crown of pepperoni slices, all baked to golden perfection. A dash of Italian seasoning and optional red pepper flakes add a flavorful punch, while freshly grated Parmesan cheese elevates every bite. Served straight from the skillet and optionally garnished with fresh basil leaves, this dish is as visually appealing as it is delicious. Perfect for busy nights or family gatherings, this 40-minute recipe combines simple ingredients with hassle-free prep, delivering the ultimate comfort food experience.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Elbow macaroni
- 8 cups Water
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1.5 cups Pizza sauce
- 2 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
- 24 pieces Pepperoni slices
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon Red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 leaves Fresh basil leaves (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Bring 8 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and the elbow macaroni. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 7-9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish, drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil to coat the bottom.
Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the skillet, spreading it out evenly.
Pour 1.5 cups of pizza sauce over the macaroni, spreading it out evenly with a spatula or spoon.
Sprinkle 1.5 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese over the pizza sauce, making sure it covers the macaroni completely.
Evenly distribute the pepperoni slices over the top of the cheese.
Sprinkle the remaining 0.5 cups of mozzarella cheese and 0.5 cups of grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Dust the top with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and optional red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Bake the skillet in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Turn on the broiler for an additional 2-3 minutes to give the top a golden-brown crust, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Carefully remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired, and serve warm. Enjoy your Elbow Mac Pepperoni Pizza!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2371 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 115.0 g | 147% | |
| Saturated Fat | 50.0 g | 250% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 278 mg | 93% | |
| Sodium | 8411 mg | 366% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 207.9 g | 76% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 20.0 g | 71% | |
| Total Sugars | 31.7 g | ||
| Protein | 122.9 g | 246% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 2336 mg | 180% | |
| Iron | 16.7 mg | 93% | |
| Potassium | 2383 mg | 51% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
