Pizza Macaroni and Cheese
For those times when you can't decide what to eat, I suggest you whip up this unbelievably cheesy Pizza Macaroni and Cheese. It's a cross between two of your favorite things.
Prep Time15 minutes mins
Cook Time20 minutes mins
Total Time35 minutes mins
Course: Entree, Main Course, Pasta
Cuisine: Italian
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 395kcal
- 1 box (16 ounces) penne pasta cooked according to package directions, drained, and kept warm.
- 1½ tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium red onion chopped
- 1 medium bell pepper seeded and chopped
- 1 package (6 ounces) pepperoni slices reserve 12 for the topping
- 3 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 3½ cups milk warmed slightly
- 1½ teaspoons dried basil
- 1½ teaspoons dried oregano
- 9 ounces provolone cheese about 3 cups, shredded and divided
- 6 ounces sharp white cheddar cheese about 2 cups, shredded and divided
- 1½ cups marinara sauce store bought or homemade
Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (205 degrees Celsius)
In a large skillet over medium/high heat, sweat the green pepper and onion in the olive oil, stirring frequently for 3-4 minutes.
Add the chopped pepperoni and continue to cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.
Turn the heat to medium and stir in the flour. Cook, stirring frequently for 1 minute
Slowly stir in the milk along with the basil and oregano.
Continue to stir until the liquid begins to bubble and thicken.
Stir in 1½ cups of provolone and 1 cup of the cheddar cheese. Stir to combine.
Add the cooked and drained pasta to the cheese sauce and stir well to combine.
Turn the heat off under the skillet and top the pasta evenly with the marinara sauce.
Top the pasta and sauce evenly with the remaining cheese and top with the rounds of pepperoni.
Carefully place the skillet in a preheated oven and cook until the cheese is browned and bubbly, approximately 15-20 minutes.
Allow the pasta to cool slightly before serving.
Enjoy!
Pizza macaroni and cheese may be adapted with your favorite pizza toppings. *Note - if using sausage, precook it before adding it to the skillet.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
May be frozen. Pack in an airtight freezer container and freeze for up to 4 months.
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 395kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 52mg | Sodium: 704mg | Potassium: 447mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 1270IU | Vitamin C: 23.4mg | Calcium: 542mg | Iron: 2mg