Pizza Macaroni and Cheese

Ingredients:

1 box (16 oz) penne pasta, cooked and drained
1½ tbsp olive oil
1 medium red onion, chopped
1 medium bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 package (6 oz) pepperoni slices (reserve 12 slices for topping)
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
3½ cups milk, warmed slightly
1½ tsp dried basil
1½ tsp dried oregano
9 oz provolone cheese (about 3 cups, shredded and divided)
6 oz sharp white cheddar cheese (about 2 cups, shredded and divided)
1½ cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C).
Cook Veggies & Pepperoni: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sauté the chopped red onion and bell pepper in olive oil for 3-4 minutes. Add the chopped pepperoni and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
Make the Cheese Sauce: Lower the heat to medium, stir in the flour, and cook for 1 minute while stirring constantly. Slowly pour in the warmed milk while stirring, then add basil and oregano. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble.
Add Cheese: Stir in 1½ cups of provolone and 1 cup of cheddar cheese until melted.
Combine Pasta & Sauce: Add the cooked penne to the skillet and mix well with the cheese sauce.
Layer with Marinara & Cheese: Turn off the heat. Evenly spread the marinara sauce on top of the pasta mixture. Sprinkle the remaining provolone and cheddar cheese over the top. Arrange the reserved pepperoni slices on top.
Bake: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Serve: Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
This dish is a cheesy, pepperoni-topped pasta bake perfect for family dinners!