If you find yourself asking, “What should I have for dinner?” and feeling uninspired by the same old meals, you’re not alone! Sometimes, all you need is a fresh take on your usual favorites.

This dinner ideas list is packed with easy unusual dinners that put a fun twist on comfort food classics. From fast dinner options like Pepperoni Pizza Quesadillas to hearty family favorites like Chili Cheese Dog Casserole, these creative recipes will shake up your routine.

Save this what’s for dinner list and try something new tonight!

Pizza Mac & Cheese

There are two types of people in this world: those who crave pizza, and those who crave mac & cheese. And then there are the rest of us—the indecisive, flavor-hungry geniuses who just make both.

This Pizza Mac & Cheese is the culinary mashup we didn’t know we needed but now can’t live without. It’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with all the best pizza vibes—melty mozzarella, garlicky sauce, and those little pepperoni bites that make you feel like you’re getting away with something indulgent (because, honestly, you are).

Perfect for lazy weeknights, movie nights, or anytime you want to feel like a kid again—but with grown-up cooking skills. Go ahead and take full credit when everyone’s licking their bowls.

Ingredients

• 2 oz elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup pizza sauce
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ cup mini pepperoni
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnishes:
Fresh basil, crushed red pepper flakes, or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan

Kitchen Tool Tips

Stainless Steel Saucepan: A solid saucepan makes all the difference when you’re whisking up that creamy cheese sauce. I like the Cuisinart 3-Quart Stainless Steel Saucepan – it heats evenly and has a pour spout that saves a lot of mess.

Whisk: You’ll need one to keep your sauce smooth and lump-free. A Tovolo Silicone Whisk works well and won’t scratch your pan.

Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring the pasta and sauce together at the end. The OXO Good Grips Wooden Spoon Set is sturdy and feels good in your hand.

Colander:
Nothing fancy needed here — just one that drains well and doesn’t wobble. The OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Colander is a solid, reliable pick.

How to Make Pizza Mac & Cheese

Cook your pasta: Follow the package directions, then drain and set aside. (Save a splash of pasta water if you want to loosen your sauce later.)

Make the roux:

In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute—it should smell nutty, not burnt.

Add the milk: Slowly whisk in milk, stirring constantly until thickened (about 3 minutes).

Get cheesy: Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until fully melted and smooth.

Add the pizza magic: Mix in pizza sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything’s cozy and combined.

Combine: Toss in your cooked pasta and mini pepperoni. Give it all a good stir until evenly coated.

Serve hot and melty: Optional: top with a few more pepperoni and broil for 1–2 minutes for that pizza-style bubbly top.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: ~480
Protein: 25g
Carbs: 36g
Fat: 22g

How to Serve

This dish is a full-on comfort meal by itself, but if you want to round it out:

• Add a quick side salad with balsamic dressing (to feel balanced).
• Garlic bread on the side? Absolutely. Double carbs, double happiness.

Storage

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. I love the Rubbermaid Brilliance containers for this.
Reheat: Add a splash of milk before microwaving or heating on the stove to bring back the creaminess.
Freezer: Not ideal—the sauce tends to separate—but if you must, freeze in single portions and thaw slowly before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese?
Totally! Cheddar or provolone work great if that’s what you have.

Can I make it ahead?
Yes, assemble everything except the pepperoni, refrigerate, then reheat and add the pepperoni before serving.

Is this spicy?
Not really – but you can toss in crushed red pepper flakes for a little kick.

What’s the best pizza sauce?
Use your favorite jarred brand or leftover marinara. I like Rao’s for its rich flavor.

Flavor Pairing Suggestions

• Garlic knots
• Caesar salad
• Roasted broccoli
• A cold soda or light red wine (yes, wine with mac & cheese—don’t knock it till you try it)

If you try this Pizza Mac & Cheese, let me know how it goes in the comments—I’m betting it’ll be a new weeknight favorite.

Pizza Mac & Cheese

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Servings

4

servings

A creamy mac & cheese loaded with melty mozzarella, pizza sauce, and mini pepperoni—it’s like pizza in pasta form!

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Ingredients

• 2 oz elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 2 cups whole milk

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 cup pizza sauce

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp Italian seasoning

• ½ cup mini pepperoni

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

• Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
• In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
• Slowly whisk in milk, stirring constantly until thickened (about 3 minutes).
• Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until fully melted.
• Add pizza sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until combined.
• Mix in cooked pasta and mini pepperoni. Serve immediately!

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