If you’re craving pure comfort food magic, look no further than Pizza Mac and Cheese. This playful crowd-pleaser combines all the cozy, cheesy joy of classic mac and cheese with the bold, savory flavors of your favorite pizza. Creamy cheese sauce, a hint of garlic, gooey mozzarella, zippy pepperoni, and a pop of pizza sauce take this casserole to legendary status. It’s ridiculously easy to make, guaranteed to make you smile, and just plain fun to eat!

Pizza Mac and Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Pizza Mac and Cheese is in its simplicity—every ingredient plays a starring role, building layers of flavor and texture that keep you coming back for more. Here’s what you need and why each one is a must for this ultra-cozy bake:

Cellentani Pasta Noodles (12 oz): Their twisty, corkscrew shape is perfect for holding onto all that cheesy, saucy goodness.
Salted Butter (2 tbsp): Gives the sauce a rich, indulgent base and a buttery backdrop to all those bold flavors.
All-Purpose Flour (2 tbsp): Teams up with the butter to thicken the cheese sauce to perfection.
Whole Milk (1.5 cups): Makes the sauce ultra-creamy, so every bite melts in your mouth.
Medium Cheddar Cheese, shredded (1 cup): Adds classic sharpness and color for that picture-perfect mac.
Reduced Fat Sharp Cheese, shredded (1 cup): Brings an extra punch of flavor while keeping things just a tiny bit lighter.
Pinch of Salt (plus more to taste): Essentials for bringing out all the cheesy goodness.
Garlic Powder (1/2 tsp): The secret ingredient that ties the mac and pizza flavors together seamlessly.
Low Skim Mozzarella Cheese, shredded (1/2 cup): For that irresistible pizza-style cheese pull on top.
Italian Breadcrumbs (1/4 cup): Add a golden, toasty crunch to every bite.
Pizza Sauce (1/2 cup): The heart of the “pizza” part—zesty, bright, and tangy.
Hormel Turkey Pepperoni (30 slices): Delivers savory, smoky, slightly spicy notes for true pizza vibes.

How to Make Pizza Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking your cellentani noodles according to the package instructions. Their twisty shape is perfect for capturing loads of cheese sauce, so don’t skip this variety if you can find it! Drain well and set aside while you work your cheese sauce magic.

Step 2: Make the Roux and Sauce

Over medium heat, melt your butter in a medium saucepan. Sprinkle in the flour and stir together—they’ll form a thick, bubbly paste known as a roux. Cook this mixture for about a minute, whisking constantly. Now, slowly pour in the milk, continuing to whisk until smooth. Add your pinch of salt and the garlic powder, then keep whisking gently as the sauce simmers and thickens, about 3 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Cheese

Once your sauce is thickened, reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the shredded medium cheddar and reduced-fat sharp cheese, making sure both are at room temperature so they melt smoothly. Stir until every bit is incorporated and the sauce becomes silky and velvety—this is what dreams are made of!

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add your cooked pasta right into the cheese sauce and stir until each twist is beautifully coated. Next, pour in the pizza sauce and mix again to swirl in that signature tomato zing. Now it’s time to decide on your pepperoni: you can fold it all in for uniform bites, or save some for topping—just don’t forget to sneak a few for yourself!

Step 5: Layer and Bake

Tip the saucy pasta into a baking dish, then shower the top with mozzarella cheese shreds and Italian breadcrumbs for extra crunch. Arrange your pepperoni slices on top for pure pizza realness (if you haven’t mixed them in already). Slide the dish into a hot 425F oven and bake for 10 minutes until bubbly and golden. Serve hot and watch smiles appear instantly!

How to Serve Pizza Mac and Cheese

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley adds a pop of color and a whiff of freshness that plays beautifully off the gooey cheese. If you want extra flair, try a drizzle of olive oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes for just a touch of heat—total game changer!

Side Dishes

Serve Pizza Mac and Cheese alongside a crisp green salad tossed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic breadsticks or simple steamed broccoli also pair perfectly, making this fun main dish the star of any plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try scooping the finished casserole into individual ramekins for a party-ready twist, or pile a mound onto toasted rounds of Italian bread for a seriously decadent open-faced sandwich. For a playful family dinner, offer a “pizza bar” of toppings—think olives, diced peppers, or more cheese—to let everyone customize their serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the Pizza Mac and Cheese cool to room temperature before transferring leftovers to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days—just try not to sneak a bite every time you open the door!

Freezing

For longer storage, portion the cooled mac and cheese into freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Pro tip: Freeze in single-size servings for super quick lunches or midnight cravings!

Reheating

To reheat, microwave individual portions on medium, stirring halfway, or warm in the oven (covered) at 350F until hot. Splash in a tiny bit of milk or water if needed to bring back that creamy, saucy texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While cellentani holds the sauce beautifully, other short shapes like elbows, rotini, or penne will work just as well. Just aim for something with lots of nooks and crannies to trap all that cheesy flavor.

Is Pizza Mac and Cheese kid-friendly?

It’s practically designed for happy little eaters! The combo of cheese and pizza flavors is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for kids (and adults still young at heart).

Can I add vegetables to the mix?

Totally! Stir in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach when adding the pasta to the cheese sauce for a boost of color and nutrition.

What’s the best way to make Pizza Mac and Cheese vegetarian?

Simply skip the turkey pepperoni, or swap in your favorite plant-based pizza topping. Everything else stays just as ooey-gooey and irresistible!

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

You bet—just make sure to use a bigger baking dish and add a few extra minutes to the oven time if needed. This is the kind of dish that disappears fast at gatherings, so a double batch is always a smart move.

Final Thoughts

If you love comfort food and playful twists, you need to try Pizza Mac and Cheese soon. Every bite delivers creamy, melty cheese, the tang of tomato, and those nostalgic pizza spices—all wrapped up in one delicious casserole. It’s a guaranteed hit for family dinners, game nights, or anytime you want to treat yourself to something truly special.