Pizza Macaroni and Cheese
Transform your dinner table with the ultimate comfort food mash-up: Pizza Macaroni and Cheese! This irresistibly creamy dish combines the gooey decadence of classic mac and cheese with the bold, savory flavors of everyone’s favorite pizza. Perfectly al dente elbow macaroni is smothered in a luscious blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses, seasoned with Italian herbs, and topped with tangy pizza sauce and crispy pepperoni slices. Baked to golden perfection, this easy, family-friendly recipe is ready in just 40 minutes and delivers the ultimate indulgent meal in one pan. Garnish with fresh basil for a pop of color and serve warm for a crowd-pleasing dinner that’s equal parts nostalgic and innovative. Pizza night just got cheesier!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 16 oz elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 20 pieces pepperoni slices
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 5 pieces fresh basil leaves (optional garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture turns golden.
Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, to avoid lumps. Cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and bubbles gently, about 5 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses until fully melted and smooth.
Season the cheese sauce with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat evenly.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the macaroni mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese mixture.
Arrange the pepperoni slices over the sauce, and sprinkle a small handful of shredded mozzarella on top for an extra cheesy finish.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until bubbling and golden on top.
Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Serve warm and enjoy your Pizza Macaroni and Cheese!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4694 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 218.6 g | 280% | |
| Saturated Fat | 119.8 g | 599% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 638 mg | 213% | |
| Sodium | 9000 mg | 391% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 452.2 g | 164% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 26.6 g | 95% | |
| Total Sugars | 68.0 g | ||
| Protein | 227.0 g | 454% | |
| Vitamin D | 8.1 mcg | 40% | |
| Calcium | 4352 mg | 335% | |
| Iron | 24.9 mg | 138% | |
| Potassium | 2834 mg | 60% | |
*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.
