Description
Creamy Pizza Macaroni and Cheese blends Italian-American comfort foods into one irresistible dish. Classic pasta meets zesty pizza flavors, creating a mouthwatering meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 16 ounces (454 grams) elbow macaroni
- 1 package (8 ounces/227 grams) sliced pepperoni
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables and Additional Toppings:
- 1 can (14 ounces/397 grams) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) black olives, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
Seasonings:
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook elbow macaroni until tender, ensuring it remains slightly firm. Thoroughly drain and set aside in a large mixing vessel.
- Warm the oven to 375°F, creating an ideal baking environment for the cheesy casserole.
- Blend the cooked pasta with a rich medley of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses, allowing the dairy components to intermingle smoothly.
- Incorporate diced tomatoes, crisp pepperoni slices, briny black olives, and freshly chopped green bell peppers into the cheese-coated pasta mixture.
- Enhance the flavor profile by adding finely minced onion, garlic powder, aromatic Italian seasoning, and a balanced pinch of salt and pepper.
- Pour the vibrant mixture into a generously greased baking dish, spreading the ingredients evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
- Shield the dish with aluminum foil, then bake for 25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the cheese to begin melting.
- Remove the foil and return the casserole to the oven, baking for an additional 10 minutes until the top becomes golden and cheese bubbles enticingly.
- Finish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves, creating a visually appealing and fragrant presentation that bridges pizza and mac and cheese traditions.
Notes
- Boost texture by using freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged, which melts more smoothly and prevents graininess.
- Customize protein options by swapping pepperoni with grilled chicken, crispy bacon, or plant-based alternatives for vegetarian preferences.
- Control sodium levels by reducing added salt and using low-sodium cheese varieties, making the dish more heart-friendly.
- Enhance vegetable content by adding extra colorful veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for increased nutritional value.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 880 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg