Quick Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole Recipe

Pizza nights just got a delicious cheese tortellini pepperoni pizza casserole upgrade that will make your taste buds dance!

Comfort food meets Italian-inspired magic in this crowd-pleasing dish.

Melted cheese and spicy pepperoni create a mouthwatering combination that feels like a warm hug.

Layers of pasta and classic pizza flavors blend perfectly in one incredible baking dish.

Weeknight dinner becomes an exciting culinary adventure with minimal prep and maximum satisfaction.

Families and friends will absolutely devour every single bite of this irresistible casserole.

Grab a fork and get ready to experience pure dinner delight!

Why Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole Is A Crowd-Pleaser

• Devour Cheesy Comfort: A mouthwatering pasta bake that combines tortellini, pepperoni, and multiple cheeses for ultimate comfort food satisfaction.
• Simplify Meal Prep: One-dish wonder that requires minimal kitchen skills, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious results without complex techniques.
• Create Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with kid-approved flavors like pepperoni and melted cheese, this casserole guarantees clean plates and happy faces around the dinner table.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows simple ingredient swaps like vegetarian pepperoni or different cheese blends to match personal preferences and dietary needs.

What You’ll Need For Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

• Cheese Tortellini: Filled pasta that serves as the main base of the casserole and provides a delicious cheesy core.

• Pepperoni Slices: Adds a spicy and savory flavor that complements the cheesy pasta and creates additional texture.

• Marinara Sauce: Provides a classic Italian tomato base that enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds extra tomato chunks and moisture to the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a rich and creamy texture in the sauce.
• Dried Basil, Dried Oregano: Classic Italian herbs that bring authentic Mediterranean seasoning.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers a subtle garlic flavor throughout the casserole.
• Black Pepper, Salt: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides a classic melty and stretchy texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp and nutty flavor to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Used to grease the baking dish and prevent sticking.
• Aluminum Foil: Covers the casserole during initial baking to retain moisture.

How To Cook Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Get your oven ready by heating it to 375°F. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light coating of olive oil to keep everything from sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Tortellini

Boil salted water and cook the cheese tortellini until they’re perfectly tender. Drain and set aside, keeping them ready for the delicious layers ahead.

Step 3: Create the Sauce Magic

• Marinara sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Heavy cream
• Dried basil
• Dried oregano
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper
• Salt

Blend everything until it’s smooth and combined.

Step 4: Build the First Layer

Spread half of the cooked tortellini across the bottom of the baking dish, creating a solid pasta foundation.

Step 5: Add Pepperoni Goodness

Generously distribute half of the pepperoni slices over the tortellini, covering every inch with spicy, meaty goodness.

Step 6: Sprinkle Cheese Clouds

Scatter half of the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses over the pepperoni, creating a dreamy cheese layer.

Step 7: Pour Sauce Goodness

Drizzle half of the prepared sauce mixture evenly over the cheese, making sure everything gets a good coating.

Step 8: Repeat the Layering

Repeat the entire layering process with the remaining tortellini, pepperoni, cheeses, and sauce.

Step 9: Initial Baking

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes, letting all the flavors mingle and merge.

Step 10: Final Bake

Remove the foil and continue baking for 10-15 minutes. Watch for the cheese to melt into a golden, bubbly masterpiece.

Step 11: Rest and Set

Let the casserole rest for 5-7 minutes. This helps it set and makes cutting easier.

Step 12: Serve and Enjoy

Slice up this comfort meal and serve it hot. Feel free to sprinkle some extra herbs on top for a fresh finish.

Tips To Improve Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

• Prevent Sticking: Generously coat the baking dish with olive oil to ensure easy serving and clean-up.
• Achieve Perfect Pasta: Cook tortellini just until al dente to maintain a tender, slightly firm texture that won't become mushy during baking.
• Balance Flavor Layers: Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly to create a uniform, rich blend that coats every bite with delicious seasoning.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Remove foil for the final 10-15 minutes to allow cheese to develop golden, crispy edges and achieve maximum flavor.
• Resting Time Matters: Let the casserole rest 5-7 minutes after baking to help ingredients set and make cutting and serving easier.

Different Takes On Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

• Vegetarian Tortellini Bake: Replace pepperoni with roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach for a meatless version packed with vegetables.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap cheese tortellini with gluten-free tortellini made from rice or corn flour to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
• Spicy Lovers' Version: Add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, and swap regular mozzarella for pepper jack cheese to create a fiery pasta casserole.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute tortellini with roasted cauliflower or zucchini noodles and use lighter cream sauce to reduce carbohydrate content.

Pairing Tips For Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a bold Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich, tomato-based sauce and hearty pepperoni flavors.
• Serve with Crisp Caesar Salad: Create a light, tangy side that balances the casserole's creamy, cheesy intensity with fresh romaine, zesty dressing, and crunchy croutons.
• Enhance with Garlic Bread: Prepare warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a crispy textural contrast to the soft tortellini.
• Complement with Sparkling Water: Offer a refreshing, palate-cleansing beverage that cuts through the dish's richness and provides a clean, crisp drinking experience.

How To Store Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

• Transfer cooled casserole to an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap, keeping fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Pack leftovers in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air, and store up to 2 months for best quality.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel, heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute tortellini with other filled pasta like ravioli or use regular pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni.

• Is this dish spicy?

The recipe has mild seasoning. If you want heat, add red pepper flakes or use spicy pepperoni for extra kick.

• Can I make this vegetarian?

Replace pepperoni with vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini, and use vegetarian cheese.

• Do I need to precook the pepperoni?

No, pepperoni will cook and crisp up during baking, releasing its flavor into the casserole.

Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 50-55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets excitement in this cheese tortellini pepperoni pizza casserole, blending Italian-inspired flavors into one irresistible dish. Melted cheese, zesty pepperoni, and tender tortellini create a quick weeknight meal that satisfies hearty appetites and brings smiles to the dinner table.

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Ingredients

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Pasta Ingredients:

• 1 package (9 oz/255 g) cheese tortellini
• 1 package (16 oz/450 g) pepperoni

Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 ml) marinara sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz/410 g) diced tomatoes

Cheese and Topping Ingredients:

• 2 cups (225 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup (113 g) shredded parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Salt to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the cheese tortellini in boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, heavy cream, dried basil, dried oregano, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt, whisking until thoroughly blended.
4. Layer half of the cooked tortellini across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even base.
5. Distribute half of the pepperoni slices over the tortellini, covering the pasta generously.
6. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses across the pepperoni layer.
7. Pour half of the prepared sauce mixture evenly over the cheese, ensuring complete coverage.
8. Repeat the layering process with remaining tortellini, pepperoni, cheeses, and sauce.
9. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
10. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly with golden edges.
11. Allow the casserole to rest for 5-7 minutes before serving to help it set and cool slightly.
12. Slice and serve hot, garnishing with additional herbs if desired.

Notes

• Perfectly cook tortellini just until al dente to maintain a tender, springy texture that won’t become mushy during baking.
• Drain pasta thoroughly to prevent excess water from diluting the rich, creamy sauce and compromising the casserole’s consistency.
• Choose high-quality marinara sauce for deeper flavor complexity, considering low-sodium options for those watching salt intake.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like adding provolone or fontina for extra depth and creaminess in the dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 610
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 1200 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg