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Allison Bryant

Ultimate Macaroni Pizza Bake

A creamy mac and cheese base topped with tangy tomato sauce, mozzarella, and pizza toppings. This hybrid dish combines familiar textures with hidden nutrition, perfect for picky eaters.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz short pasta (elbow or rotini)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup tomato passata
  • 1 tsp Italian herbs
  • 1 small grated carrot (optional)
  • 1/4 cup nutritional yeast (optional)

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
  2. Cook pasta until al dente, drain
  3. Make béchamel: Melt butter, whisk in flour, gradually add milk until smooth
  4. Mix pasta with cheeses and béchamel
  5. Spread in a 9x13" baking dish
  6. Spoon tomato passata over the top
  7. Sprinkle mozzarella and carrot
  8. Bake 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden

Notes

Grate vegetables finely to avoid texture surprises
Add red pepper flakes for a subtle kick
Store leftovers in airtight container up to 3 days