Description
Garlic Butter Pizza Mac is a cheesy, family-friendly baked pasta featuring tender macaroni tossed in a rich garlic butter pizza sauce with halal beef pepperoni, mozzarella, Parmesan, and Italian herbs. This comforting casserole combines the best flavors of pizza and macaroni in one irresistible dish.
Ingredients
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 oz halal beef pepperoni, sliced or chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- Mix in half of the mozzarella and half of the Parmesan until melted.
- Fold in the cooked macaroni and half of the halal beef pepperoni until evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Top with the remaining mozzarella, Parmesan, cheddar cheese if using, and the remaining halal beef pepperoni.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Broil for 2-3 minutes for a golden, lightly crisp topping if desired.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- Freshly shredded mozzarella and Parmesan melt more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
- Add mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, or cooked Italian-style halal sausage for extra pizza toppings.
- Do not overcook the pasta before baking.
- For extra garlic flavor, brush the finished casserole with a little melted garlic butter.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American