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Tasty Pizza Pasta Kids Love Easy Cheesy Pepperoni Recipe

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A quick and easy cheesy pepperoni pasta dish that combines the flavors of pizza and pasta, perfect for kids and busy families. Ready in about 30 minutes, this comforting meal is a guaranteed hit with picky eaters.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) elbow macaroni or small shells
  • 1 cup (about 30 slices) sliced pepperoni (classic spicy or turkey pepperoni)
  • 2 cups (480 ml) marinara or pizza sauce
  • 2 cups (200 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup (50 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 grams) of elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Toss in 2 cloves minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  4. Add 1 cup (about 30 slices) pepperoni and cook until edges start to crisp, around 3-4 minutes. Watch closely so garlic doesn’t burn.
  5. Pour 2 cups (480 ml) marinara sauce into the skillet with pepperoni. Stir in 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Let it simmer gently for 5 minutes so flavors meld together.
  6. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with sauce and pepperoni.
  7. Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch oven-safe baking dish. Sprinkle 2 cups (200 grams) shredded mozzarella evenly on top, then finish with ½ cup (50 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
  8. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden brown.
  9. Remove from oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta; al dente works best to prevent mushiness. Use fresh garlic and thin pepperoni slices for best flavor and texture. Simmer sauce and pepperoni to meld flavors. Check oven at 12 minutes if it runs hot to avoid burning cheese. Stir pasta gently before baking for even cheese melting. Can be made ahead by preparing pasta and sauce separately and assembling before baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: pizza pasta, cheesy pepperoni pasta, kids dinner, easy pasta recipe, family meal, quick dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://yumbelle.com/tasty-pizza-pasta-kids-love-easy-cheesy-pepperoni-recipe/