Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole Recipe
If you’re looking for a recipe that guarantees empty plates and happy smiles, the Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is about to steal your heart (and quite possibly take the crown as your new go-to comfort dish). Juicy cheese tortellini mingle with savory pepperoni, gooey mozzarella, an herby tomato sauce, and a golden Parmesan topping – all baked up bubbly and irresistible. It’s easy enough for a weeknight, yet has all the crave-worthy flavors of everyone’s favorite slice. Pizza meets pasta in one cozy, crowd-pleasing bake.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This casserole calls for just a handful of simple pantry and fridge staples, each one playing a delicious part in the final dish. With a little chopping and stirring, you’ll have everything layered and ready for a trip to the oven.
- Refrigerated cheese tortellini (20 oz): These pillowy, cheesy bites are the hearty foundation and absorb all that pizza flavor.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a hint of richness and helps soften the onion for a flavor base.
- Diced onion (1/2 cup): Sautéed to sweet perfection, it brings depth and a subtle crunch.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses every bite with aromatic, savory magic.
- Pizza or marinara sauce (24 oz jar): The classic “pizza” flavor backbone of your casserole; use your favorite brand.
- Dried oregano (1/2 teaspoon): Lends unmistakable pizzeria vibes to the sauce.
- Italian seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): An herb blend that instantly makes everything taste like Nonna’s kitchen.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 1/2 cups): The essential melt factor for stretchy, gooey goodness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Adds salty depth and helps the top turn golden and crisp.
- Sliced pepperoni (1 cup): Brings the iconic pizza flavor and a delightfully crispy edge after baking.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For a little extra kick – totally up to you!
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley: A bright, herby sprinkle as the finishing touch just before serving.
How to Make Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole
Step 1: Boil the Tortellini
Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil. Add your refrigerated cheese tortellini and cook just until tender – usually just a few minutes. Keep an eye on them, because overcooking can make them fall apart. Drain the tortellini and set aside while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle in the olive oil. Toss in the diced onion and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until softened and slightly golden. Add the minced garlic and sauté for just 30 seconds, stirring constantly so the garlic doesn’t burn and turns fragrant.
Step 3: Make the Pizza Sauce
Pour the jar of pizza or marinara sauce right into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Sprinkle in the dried oregano, Italian seasoning, and, if you like it spicy, some red pepper flakes. Give everything a good stir and let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes. This gives those flavors time to get cozy together and form a flavorful base for your Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole.
Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Grab a large mixing bowl and add the cooked tortellini. Pour your simmered sauce over top, then add half of the shredded mozzarella and half the pepperoni slices. Gently fold everything together, making sure every tortellini is coated in that luscious sauce and dotted with cheese and pepperoni magic.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Transfer the cheesy, saucy mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan. Arrange the rest of the pepperoni slices on top for that truly “pizza” look. Slide the dish into a preheated 375°F oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, until the casserole is bubbling and the top turns perfectly golden.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once your Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole comes out of the oven, let it cool for just a couple minutes. Right before serving, scatter chopped fresh basil or parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness. Dig in while it’s melty and hot!
How to Serve Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole
Garnishes
Finish your casserole with a flurry of fresh basil or parsley right before serving. For extra flair, add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or even some sliced black olives if you have pizza lovers in the house. These little touches make every bite even more irresistible.
Side Dishes
This hearty casserole doesn’t need much alongside it, but a crisp green salad with an Italian vinaigrette or some roasted veggies are perfect partners. Of course, warm garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks are classic for scooping up extra sauce!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets for a dinner party. Pack leftovers into thermoses for a work or school lunch that will be the envy of everyone around you.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with any leftovers (which is a big “if” with this crowd-pleaser), simply let the casserole cool to room temperature, then cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer portions to airtight containers. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days, making for awesome reheatable lunches or dinners.
Freezing
This casserole shines as a make-ahead meal. Assemble it all the way up to baking, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Pop it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
Reheating
To reheat, simply cover and bake at 350°F until hot and bubbly. Smaller portions can be microwaved in short bursts until heated through. Sometimes casseroles thicken after chilling, so adding a tablespoon or two of water or sauce can return that perfect creamy consistency when warming up.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cheese tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Absolutely! Just cook frozen tortellini according to the package directions before combining with the sauce. The taste and texture will be fantastic in your Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole.
Do I have to use pepperoni, or can I make it vegetarian?
You can skip the pepperoni or use a vegetarian alternative to keep things meat-free. If you like, toss in extra veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers to amp up the flavor and color.
What’s the best way to keep leftovers from drying out?
Make sure your casserole is tightly sealed with foil or an airtight lid before refrigerating. When reheating, cover the dish so the moisture stays trapped, and add a splash of water or sauce if it seems too thick.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead for a party?
Yes! Assemble Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole a day in advance and keep it chilled (uncooked) in the refrigerator until ready to bake. It’s a fantastic stress-free option for feeding a crowd.
How can I make this spicier?
For extra heat, stir more red pepper flakes into the sauce, or drizzle a little hot sauce over your serving. Spicy Italian sausage as an add-in also gives the dish an extra kick!
Final Thoughts
It’s truly hard to beat the effortless joy of digging into a bubbling, cheesy Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole with friends or family at the table. If you’re craving something warm, crowd-pleasing, and loaded with familiar flavors, this recipe has you covered. Try it once and it just might become a new household favorite!
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Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole combines the flavors of pizza with cheesy tortellini in a hearty baked dish. Perfect for a comforting family meal or a potluck dinner.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 (20-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24-ounce) jar pizza or marinara sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Cook the tortellini: Cook the tortellini according to package directions, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In a skillet, sauté onion and garlic. Add the sauce, oregano, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer.
- Combine ingredients: Mix cooked tortellini with sauce, half of mozzarella, and half of pepperoni.
- Assemble: Transfer mixture to a baking dish, top with remaining cheeses and pepperoni.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with basil or parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- For a meatier version, add cooked ground sausage or beef.
- Consider turkey pepperoni or mini pepperoni for variation.
- This casserole can be frozen before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
