Polka Dot Pasta 'Pizza'

 

     For a fun and tasty change, this Polka Dot Pasta 'Pizza' from Hunt's uses small shell pasta as it's crust in place of dough. Quick and convenient, if you prepare the pasta beforehand, it can be assembled in a matter of minutes.  If you decide to prepare the pasta ahead of time, add a few dashes of olive oil to it after cooking to prevent it from sticking.  In my 12 inch dutch oven the 'pizza' baked for a total of 30 minutes with 12 briquettes around the base of the oven and 26 spaced evenly on the lid.  Be sure to oil your dutch oven well and allow the 'pizza' to rest for about 15 minutes before serving. 

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Polka Dot Pasta 'Pizza'
10 oz dry small shell macaroni, uncooked (about 2/3 box)
4 eggs
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
1 24 oz can or jar pasta sauce
2 cups (8 oz) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
30 slices pepperoni

     Lightly oil or spray 12 inch dutch oven.
     Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain and set aside.
     Beat eggs lightly in large bowl with wire whisk.
     Add Parmesan cheese and pepper; mix well.
     Stir in macaroni.
     Spoon into prepared dutch oven.
     Cover with pasta sauce.
     Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
     Top with pepperoni.
     Bake at 375 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until mozzarella cheese is melted and golden brown.
     Let stand 15 minutes before cutting into pieces and serving.
     Makes 6 servings.

Spread pasta mixture in well-oiled 12 inch dutch oven

Cover pasta with sauce, cheese and pepperoni

Bake at 375 degrees for 25-30 minutes

Let rest for 15 minutes before cutting this kid friendly
'pizza' into squares