If you could dream up the ultimate family-friendly comfort food, it might just be this Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole. Imagine plump, cheesy tortellini blanketed in rich marinara, showered with gooey melted cheese, and topped with crispy, savory pepperoni—then baked to bubbling perfection. It’s a magical mashup of flavors and textures guaranteed to bring smiles to the table, whether for an easy weeknight dinner or a casual get-together. If you love pizza and pasta, get ready: this dish is about to become your new go-to favorite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Despite delivering big, bold flavors, the ingredients for Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole are surprisingly simple. Each one is chosen to make the casserole deliciously satisfying—stretchy cheese, saucy goodness, and just the right pop of seasoning to tie the whole thing together. Here’s what you’ll need and why each ingredient matters:
- Cheese tortellini (20 oz): These pillowy bundles provide the pasta base, delivering a creamy cheese finish in every bite.
- Marinara or pizza sauce (24 oz jar): A good, flavorful sauce is the heart of this casserole, bringing tang, moisture, and classic pizza vibes.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1½ cups): Melts perfectly over the top for that irresistible, stretchy blanket of cheese.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Adds a nutty, salty kick that makes the casserole extra rich and savory.
- Italian seasoning (1 tsp): A blend of herbs like oregano and basil to boost both the pizza and pasta personality.
- Garlic powder (½ tsp): Delivers just the right undertone of garlicky warmth, tying all the flavors together.
- Mini pepperoni or sliced pepperoni (1 cup): That classic pizza topping—crispy, zesty, and perfectly distributed in bite-sized pieces.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp): Used to warm the sauce and lend a subtle richness throughout.
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley, optional: Add a bright green pop and fresh aroma for a beautiful finish when serving.
How to Make Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Get things rolling by preheating your oven to 375°F. While the oven heats up, set a large pot of salted water on the stove and cook your cheese tortellini according to the package directions. This step ensures each noodle stays tender but sturdy once baked. Drain well and set aside—you want those little pillows ready for their flavor bath!
Step 2: Make the Savory Sauce
In a large skillet, pour in your olive oil and gently warm it over medium heat. Add the marinara or pizza sauce, then stir in the Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Let this mixture bubble together for two to three minutes so the flavors really meld. Your kitchen will start to smell like your favorite pizzeria within seconds!
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add your cooked tortellini to the skillet with the sauce. Gently stir and toss until every piece is coated. This is where the pasta absorbs that wonderful herby, garlicky, tomato flavor, making each bite extra special.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Now, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish (a mist of cooking spray works great). Pour in half of your tortellini and sauce mixture. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan over it, then layer on half the pepperoni. Repeat with the rest of the tortellini mix, cheeses, and pepperoni so you end up with a double layer of bubbling, cheesy goodness, pepperoni crowning the top. Cover tightly with foil to lock in moisture while baking.
Step 5: Bake and Finish
Bake the casserole covered for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, just until the cheese is melted, golden, and gorgeous. If you love crispy edges, pop it under the broiler for 1–2 extra minutes (keep a close eye!). Let it cool for a couple of minutes before serving—then garnish with fresh basil or parsley if you want that Italian restaurant flourish.
How to Serve Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole
Garnishes
A little sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or parsley right before serving gives your Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole not just a restaurant-style look, but also a fresh and vibrant aroma. If you’re feeling extra, add some extra grated Parmesan or a drizzle of good olive oil on top—these finishing touches take flavor and presentation over the top!
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy Italian vinaigrette to cut the richness. Don’t forget some garlic bread or classic breadsticks for mopping up every bit of saucy, cheesy goodness. If you want something lighter, roasted or steamed veggies are always a delicious, colorful addition alongside your cheesy main.
Creative Ways to Present
To really wow your family or friends, scoop the Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole into individual ramekins for single-serve portions—super cute and perfect for parties! Or try serving it family-style in a deep, rustic dish with a big spoon and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for that cozy, invitation-to-dig-in vibe. For kids (and the young at heart), let everyone top their own portion with extra pepperoni, olives, or chili flakes at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is a total treat the next day! Once fully cooled, cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer portions to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and enjoy quick, crave-worthy lunches or easy dinners all week.
Freezing
If you want to stash some away, Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole freezes beautifully. Assemble the casserole as directed, but stop before baking. Wrap tightly in foil and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as the recipe details—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
Reheating
For best results, reheat individual servings in the microwave until hot and bubbly. If you’re warming up a larger portion, cover with foil and heat in a 350°F oven until the cheese melts and everything is heated through. A splash of extra sauce on top helps keep everything moist and dreamy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Absolutely! Just make sure to cook your frozen tortellini according to package instructions before combining with the sauce. Frozen tortellini works just as well, and is perfect for keeping in the freezer for those last-minute dinner needs.
Is there a vegetarian version of Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole?
Yes! Simply swap the regular pepperoni for a plant-based or vegetarian-friendly version. Everything else in the recipe can stay the same, so it’s easy to please everyone at the table—meat-eaters and vegetarians alike.
What other pizza toppings can I add?
Feel free to get creative—sliced mushrooms, black olives, chopped bell peppers, or onions fit right in with the pizza theme. Add your favorite toppings in between layers or sprinkle them on just before serving for extra flavor and personality.
Can I make Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole ahead of time?
You sure can! Assemble the casserole as directed, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10 to 15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s bubbly and hot all the way through.
How can I make this casserole lighter?
To lighten things up, use part-skim mozzarella, reduced-fat Parmesan, and turkey or plant-based pepperoni. You can also stir in extra veggies like spinach, roasted red peppers, or zucchini to up the nutrition without sacrificing that classic Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a pasta bake that delivers all the fun and flavor of pizza night with the hearty comfort of a casserole, this Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is about to be your new secret weapon. Give it a try—you’ll love how easy, cheesy, and incredibly crowd-pleasing it is. Go ahead and make your weeknights (or any night!) more delicious than ever.
Print
Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food mashup with this Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole. It’s a delicious blend of cheesy tortellini, savory marinara sauce, gooey mozzarella, and zesty pepperoni, all baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Cheese Tortellini:
- 1 (20 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
Sauce:
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or pizza sauce
Cheese Blend:
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Pepperoni:
- 1 cup mini pepperoni or sliced pepperoni (cut into halves)
Other:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Cook Tortellini: Cook the tortellini according to package directions, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: In a large skillet, warm olive oil and mix in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked tortellini to the sauce, toss gently to coat. Pour half into a greased baking dish. Layer with cheeses and pepperoni. Repeat layers.
- Bake: Cover and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and browned.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot.
Notes
- You can add sliced mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers for extra pizza flavor.
- Substitute turkey or plant-based pepperoni for a lighter or vegetarian version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
