Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Serves 5

Ingredients:

  • 12 oz. elbow pasta
  • ¼ cup salted butter
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups milk
  • 16 oz. mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 14 oz. pizza sauce
  • Pepperoni

Directions:

  • 1

    Preheat oven to 350°F.

  • 2

    Cook pasta according to package directions then drain and set aside.

  • 3

    While pasta cooks, melt butter over medium-high heat in a large saucepan. Whisk in flour, stirring constantly for 2 minutes. Add milk gradually, whisking occasionally until thickened.

  • 4

    Remove from the heat, then whisk in 1 ½ cups of mozzarella cheese until melted. Add pasta.

  • 5

    In a greased baking dish, spoon the pasta mixture into the bottom. Add in ¾ of the pizza sauce, 1 cup of cheese and half of the pepperoni. Top with remaining pasta and pizza sauce.

  • 6

    Bake for 25 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining cheese and pepperoni slices. Bake for 5 to 10 minutes or until the cheese melts.

Note:

If you have fresh basil on hand, use it as garnish before serving. For those with dietary sensitivities or preferences, swap regular pasta for gluten-free or opt for turkey pepperoni instead.