I’m so glad you’re here, because this recipe is a weeknight lifesaver and a comfort food dream come true. This Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is everything we love about pizza—ooey-gooey cheese, zesty sauce, crispy pepperoni—baked into a cozy pasta dish. If your family is anything like mine, you’ll be fighting over the last scoop!
It’s quick, filling, and so much fun to make (and eat!). Plus, it’s kid-approved, crowd-friendly, and endlessly customizable. If you’re not already subscribed to my email list, be sure to do that below so you never miss a cheesy, saucy recipe like this one!
What Is Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole?
This casserole is the ultimate pizza-pasta fusion. We take cheese-filled tortellini, smother it in rich pizza sauce, load it up with pepperoni and mozzarella, and bake it all until bubbly and golden. It’s everything you love about pizza night—no crust rolling required!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super easy to make – Just boil, mix, and bake!
- Family-friendly – Everyone loves pizza flavors.
- Freezer-friendly – Great for prepping ahead.
- One-dish meal – Less cleanup, more enjoyment.
- Customizable – Add your favorite toppings or go veggie.
What Does It Taste Like?
It’s like your favorite pepperoni pizza collided with a cheesy pasta bake—in the best way possible. You get the melty, stretchy mozzarella, the zippy tang of pizza sauce, the bold bite of pepperoni, and that comforting chew from cheese-stuffed tortellini. It’s rich, savory, and oh-so-satisfying. Honestly, I’m kicking myself for not having shot it the first time I made it—it looked and smelled that good!!
Health & Comfort in Every Bite
While it’s more indulgent than a salad, this dish is pure comfort food joy—perfect for cold nights, game day, or whenever you want something hearty and nostalgic. And hey, using fresh ingredients like basil and Italian seasoning gives it a touch of freshness to balance out the richness.
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)
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Colander for draining tortellini
- Mixing bowl
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Oven mitts (because things get hot and bubbly!)
- Spoon or spatula for mixing and serving
Ingredient Swaps & Additions
Substitutions
- Tortellini – Use ravioli or even penne pasta in a pinch.
- Pepperoni – Swap with turkey pepperoni or plant-based slices.
- Pizza Sauce – Marinara or spaghetti sauce works too.
Additions
- Sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra veggies
- Olives or artichoke hearts for a Mediterranean twist
- Cooked sausage or ground beef for a meat-lover’s version
- Chopped spinach or kale for some hidden greens
I promised you versatile, and here’s proof!
How to Make Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole
1. Preheat Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Tortellini
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Mix the Casserole
In a large bowl, combine the cooked tortellini, pizza sauce, half the mozzarella, and pepperoni slices. Add optional seasonings like Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir until well coated.
4. Assemble
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly, then top with the remaining mozzarella and optional Italian cheese blend.
5. Bake
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
6. Garnish and Serve
Let cool for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh basil or parsley. Serve warm and enjoy that pizza-pasta magic!
What to Serve with This Casserole
- A simple Caesar salad or arugula salad
- Garlic bread or breadsticks
- Roasted broccoli or zucchini for a veggie side
- A glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon
This dish also makes great leftovers for lunch the next day (if there’s any left!).
Tips for the Best Pizza Casserole
- Don’t overcook the tortellini – it’ll soften more while baking.
- Use quality pizza sauce – it’s the backbone of the flavor.
- Layer the cheese for that perfect bubbly crust on top.
- Customize it with toppings your family loves!
Storage & Reheating
To Store:
Let the casserole cool completely. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To Reheat:
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or bake in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
To Freeze:
Assemble the casserole but don’t bake it. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 45–50 minutes.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble it a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Just bake when you’re ready.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The cheesy pizza flavors are always a hit with little ones.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Just leave out the pepperoni or use a vegetarian alternative.
What other pasta can I use?
Short pastas like penne, ziti, or rigatoni will also work if you don’t have tortellini.
Final Thoughts
This Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is comfort food at its finest—cheesy, saucy, and full of flavor. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again because it’s just so easy and so satisfying. Perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or lazy Sunday dinners.
You Might Also Love
- Lemon Coconut Chia Seed Pudding
- Pepperoni Pizza Quesadillas
- Stuffed Shells with Ricotta and Spinach
- Creamy One-Pot Tortellini with Sausage and Kale
Share & Stay Connected!
Did you try this recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out!
- 💬 Leave a review and comment below
- 📌 Save this recipe to Pinterest
- 📸 Tag me in your cheesy casserole pics on Instagram
Let’s keep the cheesy goodness going!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approx. 6 servings)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fat: 24g
- Sugar: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 880mg
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole
- Total Time: 35 minutes
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 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
-
1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
-
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
-
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13” baking dish.
Boil tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a bowl, combine tortellini, pizza sauce, half the cheese, and pepperoni. Add optional seasonings.
Pour the mix into the baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and optional Italian blend.
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.
Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if you like.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 20g
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