Elbow Mac Pepperoni Pizza

Turn your weeknight dinner into a crowd-pleasing masterpiece with this Elbow Mac Pepperoni Pizza, a delightful fusion of two all-time favorites: pasta and pizza. This comforting recipe layers tender, al dente elbow macaroni with rich pizza sauce, gooey mozzarella, and a crispy crown of pepperoni slices, all baked to golden perfection. A dash of Italian seasoning and optional red pepper flakes add a flavorful punch, while freshly grated Parmesan cheese elevates every bite. Served straight from the skillet and optionally garnished with fresh basil leaves, this dish is as visually appealing as it is delicious. Perfect for busy nights or family gatherings, this 40-minute recipe combines simple ingredients with hassle-free prep, delivering the ultimate comfort food experience.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups Elbow macaroni
• 8 cups Water
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1.5 cups Pizza sauce
• 2 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
• 24 pieces Pepperoni slices
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon Red pepper flakes (optional)
• 4 leaves Fresh basil leaves (optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Bring 8 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and the elbow macaroni. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 7-9 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 3

In a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish, drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil to coat the bottom.

Step 4

Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the skillet, spreading it out evenly.

Step 5

Pour 1.5 cups of pizza sauce over the macaroni, spreading it out evenly with a spatula or spoon.

Step 6

Sprinkle 1.5 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese over the pizza sauce, making sure it covers the macaroni completely.

Step 7

Evenly distribute the pepperoni slices over the top of the cheese.

Step 8

Sprinkle the remaining 0.5 cups of mozzarella cheese and 0.5 cups of grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Step 9

Dust the top with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and optional red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Step 10

Bake the skillet in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.

Step 11

Turn on the broiler for an additional 2-3 minutes to give the top a golden-brown crust, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

Step 12

Carefully remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.

Step 13

Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired, and serve warm. Enjoy your Elbow Mac Pepperoni Pizza!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2848.7 grams (2848.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2371

Total Fat 115.00g	147%
Saturated Fat 50.00g	250%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.30g
Cholesterol 278mg	93%
Sodium 8411mg	366%
Total Carbohydrate 207.90g	76%
Dietary Fiber 20.00g	71%
Total Sugars 31.70g
Protein 122.90g	246%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 2336mg	180%
Iron 17mg	93%
Potassium 2383mg	51%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 43.9%

Protein: 20.8%

Carbs: 35.3%