Pizza Mac and Cheese Recipe

If you love the ooey-gooey comfort of classic mac and cheese and the zesty, hearty flavors of your favorite pizza, this Pizza Mac and Cheese brings you the best of both worlds in a single, mouthwatering dish. It’s quick to whip up, ultra cheesy, and topped with crispy pepperoni for that unmistakable pizza vibe. This recipe turns dinnertime into pure joy—especially on busy weeknights, when you need something fast, satisfying, and crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re feeding kids, hungry teens, or adults who refuse to outgrow their love for pepperoni, this easy pasta bake is a must-try!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Below is all you need, plus tips and optional swaps for each one:

• Cellentani Pasta Noodles
  The corkscrew shape soaks up cheese sauce beautifully, but you can use any short pasta you have.
• Salted Butter
  Adds richness—if you only have unsalted, just add a pinch more salt later.
• All-Purpose Flour
  Thickens your cheese sauce so it gets perfectly creamy.
• Whole Milk
  Gives the sauce a velvety texture and that luxurious mouthfeel. Skim or 2% works in a pinch, but whole milk really shines here.
• Medium Cheddar Cheese (Shredded, Room Temp)
  Adds bold flavor and gorgeous color. Room temperature cheese melts more smoothly.
• Reduced Fat Sharp Cheese (Shredded, Room Temp)
  For extra flavor without overloading on richness—mix of cheese types boosts complexity.
• Pinch of Salt
  Essential for balancing all the other flavors. Taste and add more as needed.
• Garlic Powder
  Brings that hint of garlic you expect from pizza.
• Low Skim Mozzarella Cheese (Shredded)
  Essential for that “pizza pull” effect on top—so melty!
• Italian Breadcrumbs
  These get golden and crunchy in the oven, making every bite texturally exciting.
• Pizza Sauce
  The heart of the pizza flavor—use your favorite jarred or homemade sauce.
• Hormel Turkey Pepperoni
  Classic, crowd-pleasing pizza topping. Turkey makes it a bit lighter, but regular pepperoni works too.

Tip: Chop your pepperoni into smaller bits if you want to spread the flavor throughout every forkful.

Variations

Ready to play with your food? There are endless ways to riff on this recipe:

• Veggie Pizza Mac: Add sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or black olives for extra veggies (just like your favorite supreme pizza).
• Meat Lovers: Incorporate cooked Italian sausage or bacon bits to bump up the protein.
• Different Cheeses: Swap in smoked gouda, provolone, or even a little parmesan for a unique twist.
• Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or top with hot pepper rings for a little heat.
• Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free noodles and substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs.

How to Make Pizza Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Prepare Your Pasta

Cook your pasta according to the package directions until just al dente. Drain and set aside—don’t worry if it sits a few minutes; the sauce will bring it back to life.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a large pan over medium heat, melt the butter until bubbly. Add the flour, stirring until it forms a thick, smooth paste. Let this cook for about a minute—this removes the raw flour taste.

Gently pour in the whole milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Add in the garlic powder and your pinch of salt. Keep whisking as the sauce starts to thicken—about 3 minutes.

Step 3: Add In the Cheese

Lower the heat if needed, then slowly sprinkle in both the cheddar and reduced fat sharp cheese, stirring until everything is completely melted into a luscious cheese sauce.

Step 4: Mix It Up

Add your cooked pasta to the sauce, stirring until every noodle is thoroughly coated. Pour in the pizza sauce and stir it through—suddenly, it smells just like pizza night in your kitchen.

Here’s the fun part: you can mix those pepperoni slices (or pieces) right into the pasta now, or use them as a topping later, or both.

Step 5: Bake for Golden Perfection

Scoop your cheesy pasta mixture into a baking dish. Top generously with mozzarella, a sprinkle of Italian breadcrumbs (for that irresistible crunch), and arrange the pepperoni on top if you haven’t mixed it in.

Bake at 425°F for 10 minutes until bubbly and golden. Don’t be shy—let the cheese get as melty and brown as you like.

Step 6: Serve and Celebrate

Let your Pizza Mac and Cheese rest for a couple of minutes after baking (it’s piping hot!), then grab a spoon and serve up the goodness.

How to Serve

This dish truly shines as a standalone entrée, but you can make it a full meal by pairing it with:

• Simple Green Salad: The freshness cuts through the richness perfectly.
• Garlic Breadsticks: For full-on carb heaven, serve alongside buttery, garlicky bread.
• Roasted Veggies: Roasted broccoli or asparagus offer a pop of color and nutrition.
• Pizza Night Sides: Marinara for dipping, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes and fresh basil on top for an extra nod to pizza.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh and tasty for up to 3 days.

Freezing

This bake can be frozen, although the texture of the sauce may change slightly. Freeze individual portions wrapped tightly, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, cover and bake in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly, or microwave gently, adding a splash of milk or water if needed to keep it creamy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been dreaming of a way to combine your two favorite comfort foods, this Pizza Mac and Cheese is your new secret weapon. It’s cozy, filling, and guaranteed to bring smiles to the table—plus, it’s so quick and flexible that you’ll want to keep it in your weeknight rotation. Don’t wait to find out how outrageously delicious and easy this can be—dive in and make dinnertime an instant celebration!

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