Cheesy White Pizza Casserole (Printable View)
Baked penne with mozzarella, pepperoni, and rich white sauce for a bubbling, cheesy finish.
# Ingredient List:
→ Pasta
01 -
4 cups dry penne pasta
→ Cheese
02 -
2 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
03 -
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
→ Protein
04 -
6 ounces sliced pepperoni
→ Sauce
05 -
1/4 cup unsalted butter
06 -
1 medium onion, minced
07 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
08 -
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
09 -
2 cups heavy cream, warmed
10 -
1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme, diced
11 -
1/2 teaspoon fresh oregano, chopped leaves only
12 -
Salt, to taste
13 -
Black pepper, to taste
# Preparation Steps:
01 -
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
02 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
03 -
In a large skillet over low heat, melt the butter. Add minced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
04 -
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Sprinkle in flour, stirring continuously, and cook for 1–2 minutes to remove raw taste.
05 -
Gradually whisk in warmed heavy cream, pouring slowly while stirring to avoid lumps. Raise heat to medium and bring mixture to a gentle simmer, cooking until slightly thickened.
06 -
Remove sauce from heat. Add fresh thyme, oregano, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in grated parmesan cheese until smooth.
07 -
In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, 3/4 of the pepperoni, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, and cream sauce. Gently toss until evenly coated.
08 -
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish. Transfer pasta mixture into the dish and spread evenly.
09 -
Sprinkle remaining 1 1/2 cups mozzarella over pasta and distribute remaining pepperoni on top.
10 -
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until cheese is golden and bubbling.
11 -
If a deeper golden top is desired, broil for the final 1–2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
12 -
Let cool briefly, then serve warm.
# Supplementary Details:
01 -
For a crispier top, broil at the end of baking; monitor closely as cheese can brown rapidly.