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Savor the Mash-up: Pepperoni Pizza Mac and Cheese

Who says you can’t have the best of both worlds? If you’ve ever found yourself stuck between your love for creamy, cheesy mac and cheese and the mouthwatering, savory flavors of a pepperoni pizza, then this recipe is a dream come true.

It’s all the comfort food goodness you crave, packed into one easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

Cooking at home is so much more than just making meals; it’s about taking back control of your health, your budget, and your time. Sure, fast food might sound convenient when life gets hectic, but the truth is, those drive-thru meals come with hidden costs—like poor nutrition and a growing hole in your wallet.

When you cook at home, you know exactly what’s going into your food, and you get to create moments of connection with your family or even just a sense of pride for yourself. Plus, it’s often quicker and easier than you think, especially when you have fun, simple recipes like this Pepperoni Pizza Mac and Cheese in your arsenal!

Yes, it’s true that pepperoni pizza and mac and cheese aren’t exactly healthy, but compared to the processed, preservative-laden fast food options, this homemade version is a much better choice. You can control the ingredients and make substitutions to make it even healthier, like using whole grain pasta or adding in some veggies like diced bell peppers, onions, or spinach.

Here’s how to bring this delicious mash-up to life with a simple, step-by-step recipe even a novice cook can handle.

How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Mac and Cheese

All you need to make this Pepperoni Pizza Mac and Cheese is penne, butter, flour, garlic, milk, heavy whipping cream, pasta sauce, basil, oregano, shredded mozzarella, shredded parmesan, salt and pepper. Cook the pasta to al dente and drain well. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.

Add in the garlic, and saute for 30 seconds. Stir in the flour, and stir until a brown roux is formed.

Pour in the milk and heavy whipping cream. Mix in the oregano basil, pasta sauce, and salt and pepper to taste until the sauce has thickened.

Add in ½ the mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Stir to combine.

Stir in the pepperoni and pasta, and toss to coat well. Spread the mixture into a 9×13 baking dish, and top with the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted.

Pepperoni Pizza Mac and Cheese

Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Pasta
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 lb penne pasta
  • 3 tbsp butter, unsalted
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 2 tsp minced garlic
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 cup pasta sauce
  • 1/2 tsp basil
  • 1/2 tsp oregano
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup pepperoni, cut in half
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Cook the pasta to al dente and drain well.
  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
  • In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
  • Add in the garlic, and saute for 30 seconds.
  • Stir in the flour, and stir until a brown roux is formed.
  • Pour in the milk and heavy whipping cream.
  • Mix in the oregano basil, pasta sauce, and salt and pepper to taste until the sauce has thickened.
  • Add in ½ the mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Stir to combine.
  • Stir in the pepperoni and pasta, and toss to coat well.
  • Spread the mixture into a 9×13 baking dish, and top with the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheeses.
  • Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted.

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