Looking for a dinner idea that pleases both kids and adults alike? This Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole combines the best of both worlds—cheesy pasta and the bold, savory flavors of pepperoni pizza. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights, casual weekend meals, or potlucks with friends and family.
This hearty casserole features tender cheese tortellini smothered in rich pizza sauce, loaded with melty mozzarella cheese, and topped with slices of pepperoni. Every bite delivers gooey, cheesy goodness with the nostalgic flavor of your favorite pizza. Whether you call it a Cheese Tortellini Casserole or a Pepperoni Pizza Bake, this dish is destined to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s a lot to love about this Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole. First, it comes together in under an hour and uses everyday pantry staples. Second, it’s incredibly versatile—you can tweak the ingredients to fit your taste or dietary needs. And most importantly, it’s loaded with cheesy, saucy, pizza-inspired goodness that hits the spot every time.
Whether you’re looking for easy weeknight dinner recipes or a cheesy pasta casserole to serve at a get-together, this recipe is reliable, hearty, and crowd-pleasing. It’s the kind of dish that makes everyone go back for seconds.
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Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole: Cheesy Comfort Dish
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Description
A hearty and cheesy casserole that blends the bold flavors of pepperoni pizza with tender cheese tortellini—perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 1 jar (24 oz) pizza sauce
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded Italian cheese blend (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Ingredients for Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole
- Cheese tortellini – I’m using a 9 oz package of either fresh or frozen tortellini. Cooked until al dente, this forms the hearty base of the casserole.
- Pizza sauce – A 24 oz jar provides that classic tomato-rich pizza flavor. Choose your favorite brand or go homemade.
- Sliced pepperoni – A full cup brings that bold, slightly spicy taste you love in a pepperoni pizza.
- Mozzarella cheese – Two cups of shredded mozzarella for melty, cheesy goodness.
- Italian cheese blend – Optional, but adds a mix of provolone, Parmesan, and more for extra flavor depth.
- Italian seasoning – Optional but recommended for boosting the herby pizza vibe.
- Garlic powder – A half teaspoon enhances the overall savory taste.
- Red pepper flakes – Optional, for a little kick of heat.
- Fresh basil or parsley – Optional garnish that adds color and a fresh finish to your casserole.
How to Make Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking or casserole dish with cooking spray or a touch of olive oil.
2. Cook the Tortellini
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked tortellini, pizza sauce, sliced pepperoni, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, and the optional seasonings: 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, and ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Stir until everything is evenly coated and mixed.
4. Assemble the Casserole
Pour the tortellini mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly, then top with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. If you’re using the Italian cheese blend, sprinkle that on top as well.
5. Bake It
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown.
6. Garnish and Serve
Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy every cheesy, comforting bite!
Serving Suggestions
This family-friendly comfort food pairs well with a crisp green salad tossed in a balsamic vinaigrette or creamy ranch dressing. For heartier meals, serve it alongside garlic bread or roasted vegetables like zucchini or Brussels sprouts.
To elevate your presentation, sprinkle a little grated Parmesan on top before serving. A glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Cabernet, pairs beautifully with this casserole. For kids, apple juice or sparkling water with lemon complements the cheesy richness without overpowering the flavor.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the tortellini – It will continue to cook in the oven, so keep it just al dente when boiling.
- Grease your baking dish well to prevent sticking and make for easier cleanup.
- Customize the toppings – You can add sliced olives, mushrooms, or bell peppers to suit your preferences.
- Add extra cheese if you love a super cheesy casserole. A handful of grated Parmesan mixed into the mozzarella adds even more flavor.
- Make ahead option – You can assemble this casserole ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just bake when ready to serve.
Variations
Looking to change things up or make the recipe fit your dietary needs? Here are a few fun variations:
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the pepperoni or use a plant-based alternative. Add more veggies like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- Meat Lover’s Twist: Add cooked sausage or ground beef along with the pepperoni for a protein-packed version.
- Spicy Style: Use spicy pepperoni and increase the red pepper flakes. Add a few dashes of hot sauce to the pizza sauce before mixing.
- White Pizza Version: Substitute Alfredo sauce for pizza sauce and use white cheeses like provolone and mozzarella.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free tortellini and make sure your pizza sauce is certified gluten-free.
- Kid-Friendly Version: Leave out the red pepper flakes and use mini pepperoni slices for easier bites.
This Cheese Tortellini Casserole is adaptable and easy to make your own!
Storage and Reheating
Storage:
Allow the casserole to cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
You can freeze the unbaked or baked casserole. For unbaked, assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. For baked leftovers, portion and freeze in airtight containers.
Reheating:
Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat the whole dish in a 350°F oven for 20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: ~350 kcal
- Protein: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Sugar: 6g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 750mg
For a lighter version, reduce the cheese by half or use low-fat cheese and turkey pepperoni.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, both fresh and frozen tortellini work well. Just cook according to package directions before mixing.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare it up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when you’re ready to eat.
What can I use instead of pepperoni?
Feel free to use cooked sausage, ham, or a vegetarian option like sautéed mushrooms or olives.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes! Freeze the assembled, unbaked casserole or freeze leftovers in portions for easy reheating.
Can I add more vegetables?
Of course. Try adding diced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to increase the veggie content.
Conclusion
This Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is the ultimate in family-friendly comfort food. It combines everything you love about pizza with the cozy feel of a cheesy pasta casserole. Easy to prepare, fun to customize, and guaranteed to satisfy, it’s the kind of dish that brings people together at the table.
From weeknight dinners to casual gatherings, this Pepperoni Pizza Bake hits all the right notes. Try it once, and it just might earn a regular spot in your easy weeknight dinner recipes rotation!