Clare's Quick Pepperoni Pizza Mac

Indulge in a comforting blend of classic flavors with Clare's Quick Pepperoni Pizza Mac—a deliciously simple mash-up of creamy mac and cheese and everyone’s favorite pizza toppings. Ready in just 30 minutes, this crowd-pleasing recipe combines tender elbow macaroni with a rich, velvety cheese sauce infused with marinara, savory garlic, and aromatic oregano. Toss in spicy pepperoni slices and finish with fresh basil for a dish that’s equal parts cozy and flavorful. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners, this one-pot meal delivers pizzeria vibes without ever leaving your kitchen!

Nutriscore Rating: 58/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce
• 0.5 cup pepperoni slices
• 0.5 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.25 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture becomes golden and smooth.

Step 3

Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens slightly.

Step 4

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 5

Add the marinara or pizza sauce, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) to the cheese sauce. Stir to combine.

Step 6

Fold the cooked macaroni into the sauce, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated.

Step 7

Stir in the pepperoni slices, reserving a few for garnish if desired.

Step 8

Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes over low heat to warm everything through.

Step 9

Serve immediately, garnished with the reserved pepperoni slices and fresh basil leaves, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1360.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2916.7

Total Fat 150.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 74.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.0g
Cholesterol 437.5mg	0%
Sodium 6886.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 230.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 14.2g	0%
Total Sugars 48.3g
Protein 148.9g	0%

Vitamin D 219.2IU	0%
Calcium 2770.8mg	0%
Iron 13.5mg	0%
Potassium 1966.2mg	0%

*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: 47.2%

Protein: 20.8%

Carbs: 32.1%