Name: Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
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); to taste fresh basil or parsley (for garnish, optional)

Jump to Recipe

If you love the comforting flavors of pizza and the delightful bite of pasta, then Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is about to become your new favorite meal. This dish is a creamy, cheesy, and savory casserole that combines tender cheese-filled tortellini with spicy pepperoni and rich pizza sauce, all topped with a melty blanket of mozzarella and Italian cheeses. It’s the kind of recipe that brings the best of both worlds—pizza night and pasta dinner—into one easy, crowd-pleasing dish.

Fun fact: This casserole was born from the classic family favorite of pizza and pasta leftovers mashed together into a delicious and convenient meal. Similar to our popular Baked Ziti recipe, it’s a winner for quick weeknight dinners, potlucks, or whenever comfort food is calling your name. Simple to prepare, budget-friendly, and endlessly tasty, this casserole will please both kids and adults alike, making it a perfect dish for busy families.

What is Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole?

You might be wondering—Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole? That’s quite a mouthful, and it’s exactly why this recipe is so fun! Imagine asking someone what they’re having for dinner and replying with that name—instant curiosity and a smile. It’s like the playful lovechild of two all-time favorites, pizza and cheesy tortellini pasta, baked together in a casserole dish. Who decided to marry tortellini and pepperoni anyway? Probably someone who knows that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and thought, why not both?

This casserole is a reminder that great meals don’t have to be complicated or fancy—they just need to be delicious and comforting. So go ahead, surprise your family or friends with this cheesy, pepperoni-packed delight. You won’t regret it!

Why You’ll Love This

What’s not to love about a dish that’s cheesy, packed with flavor, and simple enough for any skill level in the kitchen? First, the star of this casserole is the cheese tortellini—those little pasta pillows stuffed with creamy cheese that soak up the rich pizza sauce perfectly. Add in pepperoni for a spicy, meaty kick, and top it all off with gooey mozzarella that melts into every bite. It’s like having your favorite pizza toppings in a hearty pasta dish.

Second, making this casserole at home is a fantastic way to save money compared to ordering pizza or buying convenience meals. Plus, you control the quality of ingredients, making it healthier and fresher for your family. And lastly, those Italian seasoning and garlic powder hints bring all the classic Italian flavors alive without extra fuss. It’s a great alternative to other pasta casseroles like lasagna but without the hours of prep.

If you loved our Easy Skillet Lasagna, you’ll appreciate how this recipe is just as flavorful but quicker and perfect for busy nights. So why wait? Grab your ingredients and start cooking this irresistible casserole tonight!

How to Make

Quick Overview

This Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is quick to assemble, packed with cheesy goodness, and full of classic pizza flavors all baked into one dish. It’s simple enough for weeknights yet impressive enough to serve guests. With minimal prep, a creamy tomato sauce melding with pepperoni slices and gooey cheese, this casserole takes about 30-40 minutes from start to finish—perfect for a comforting meal when time is short.

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)
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a medium-sized casserole dish.
Cook the cheese tortellini according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
In a large bowl, combine cooked tortellini, pizza sauce, pepperoni, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything well to coat the pasta and pepperoni evenly.
Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and the Italian cheese blend evenly over the top.
Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Serve warm and enjoy the cheesy, flavorful magic!

What to Serve Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole With:

Pair this casserole with a crisp green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks complement the Italian flavors perfectly. For drinks, a sparkling lemonade or a light Italian wine like Pinot Grigio will round out the meal nicely. You can also add roasted vegetables or a simple antipasto plate for a fuller Italian-inspired feast.

Top Tips for Perfecting

Use fresh tortellini if possible for the best tender texture, but frozen works well too. Just be sure not to overcook the pasta.
Feel free to swap pepperoni for cooked sausage or add veggies like bell peppers and olives.
For extra gooeyness, mix some ricotta or cream cheese into the sauce before baking.
Don’t skip the Italian seasoning; it brings that authentic pizza place flavor.
Keep an eye on the cheese while baking—if it browns too quickly, tent the dish with foil.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Leftovers store beautifully—place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm portions in the microwave or oven until hot and bubbly. You can also freeze the casserole before baking for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed to heat through. This makes a convenient meal prep option for busy weeks!

FAQs

Q1: Can I use another type of pasta instead of tortellini?
Yes! Cheese ravioli, penne, or even small shells can work well, though tortellini offers that special cheesy center.

Q2: Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the pepperoni and add your favorite veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.

Q3: Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

Q4: How spicy is this dish?
The red pepper flakes add a mild kick, but you can adjust or omit them based on your preference.

Q5: Can I use homemade pizza sauce?
Definitely! Homemade sauce can enhance the flavor even more, but store-bought pizza sauce works great for convenience.

Conclusion

Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is the ultimate comfort food mash-up that combines the flavors of your favorite pizza with the heartiness of pasta. It’s easy to prepare, wallet-friendly, and sure to satisfy hungry families and guests alike. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress friends, this casserole hits all the right notes with its creamy cheese, zesty pepperoni, and rich tomato sauce. Give it a try and discover why this cheesy, flavorful casserole is fast becoming a family favorite in kitchens everywhere. Happy cooking!