The name is a little misleading. This pasta dish is more like a spicy baked ziti and there is nothing wrong with that! The heat can be adjusted by using more crushed red pepper or none at all if you prefer however I recommend following the recipe the first time you make this and decide after you enjoy it.
Pizza Mac & Cheese
Ingredients
- kosher salt
- 1 lb penne
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 2 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp dried oregano plus more for garnish
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 3 cup grated mozzarella
- 1/4 lb mini pepperoni slices
Instructions
- Preheat oven 375°. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta according to package directions until al dente, less 2 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter, whisk in flour, and cook for 1 minute. Add tomato paste and whisk in milk until smooth. Add oregano, red pepper flakes, and 1/2 teaspoon salt and bring to a boil. Simmer for 1 minute on medium heat.
- Fold in half the cheese and add drained pasta. Top pasta with remaining cheese and sprinkle pepperoni all over.
- Bake until pepperoni is crispy and pasta is bubbling, 10 minutes. Serve immediately.
