Name: Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 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, for heat); to taste fresh basil or parsley (for garnish, optional)

Jump to Recipe

Looking for that cheesy, comforting, and irresistibly flavorful family dinner you’ll come back to again and again? Meet our Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole—a delicious mash-up of classic Italian pasta and America’s favorite pizza night! Imagine tender cheese tortellini smothered in zesty pizza sauce, loaded with gooey cheese, and topped with crisp, spicy pepperoni. This dish is a total crowd-pleaser, ready in just about 40 minutes, with barely any prep work. Fun fact: this casserole came to life during a rushed Friday night when classic pizza dough just wasn’t in the cards—so why not toss together the best of both worlds? If you love our reader-favorite Pepperoni Pizza Pasta Bake, you’re going to fall head-over-heels for this easy, family-friendly casserole. Gather the kids, grab some plates, and let’s make dinner the easiest (and tastiest) part of your day!

What is Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole?

With a name like Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole, you might wonder—how many comfort foods can we combine in one dish? Is this dinner or a celebration in a casserole dish? The answer: both! It’s what happens when your favorite pizza and cheesy pasta meet for a weeknight spin that even the pickiest eaters will love. Legend has it, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”—but honestly, this dish is a direct route to everyone’s hearts. So, why settle for just pizza or just pasta when you can have both? Go ahead, try it tonight—you’ve got nothing to lose but a boring dinner routine!

Why You’ll Love This

The star of this recipe is the mouthwatering combo of cheese-filled tortellini baked under a blanket of pizza toppings—think oozy mozzarella, pepperoni that gets perfectly crisp, and fragrant Italian herbs. Making it at home isn’t just fun, it’s seriously budget-friendly: you’ll save big compared to ordering multiple pizzas or visiting a busy Italian restaurant. Plus, you get to choose your own high-quality ingredients and customize the flavors. The simple addition of garlic, Italian seasoning, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes levels up classic tortellini into an all-in-one comfort food. If you’ve tried our Meat Lover’s Pasta Bake, Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole will become a new go-to for busy nights. Don’t miss out—get this one on your dinner table soon!

How to Make

Quick Overview

This is the weeknight dinner hero you’ll turn to when you want something effortless, cheesy, and totally satisfying. Simple ingredients come together fast—prep takes just 10 minutes, baking is only 20–25 minutes, and cleanup is a breeze. The result: a creamy, saucy, and savory casserole bursting with gooey cheese pulls, all the flavors of pepperoni pizza, and the pillowy comfort of tortellini. Perfect for busy nights, potlucks, or Sunday suppers!

Baked cheese tortellini casserole with melted cheese and pepperoni slices in a casserole dish

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)

Step-by-Step

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch or similar casserole dish.
Cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. Drain well—especially if using frozen tortellini.
In a large bowl, gently toss together cooked tortellini, pizza sauce, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning until the pasta is well-coated.
Spread half the tortellini mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and Italian cheese blend. Add half the pepperoni slices.
Layer the remaining tortellini on top, then pile on the rest of the cheese and pepperoni. If you like a spicy kick, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the top.
Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for another 5–10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and lightly golden.
Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley before serving, if desired.

What to Serve Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole With

Round out your meal with a fresh, crisp green salad tossed in Italian vinaigrette or a classic Caesar salad for some crunch and balance. For extra fun, serve with warm garlic breadsticks or cheesy pull-apart rolls—perfect for soaking up the sauce. Pair with sparkling lemonade, a light red wine, or homemade iced tea, and you’ve got a complete feast. For dessert, try an easy tiramisu or a tray of brownies to please the whole family.

Top Tips for Perfecting

Swap in turkey pepperoni or veggie pepperoni for a lighter twist, or use mini pepperoni for kid-approved bites.
No pizza sauce? Use your favorite marinara or tomato basil pasta sauce, and add a pinch of dried oregano for classic pizza flavor.
Want some veggies? Add chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or black olives with the tortellini for extra color and nutrition.
Don’t overcook the tortellini, as it will bake further in the oven—just cook until al dente.
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving for clean, cheesy slices.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place a portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium, loosely covered, for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway. To reheat the whole casserole, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes until hot and bubbly.

This casserole also freezes well! Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat as above.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh?
Yes! Cook frozen tortellini according to package instructions, then proceed with the recipe as written.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to eat, bake as directed, adding 5 more minutes if baking straight from the fridge.

Can I substitute other pasta shapes?
While cheese tortellini is best for the cheesy pulls and pockets, you can use ravioli or even small pasta like penne—just know the texture and flavor will be a little different.

Is this dish spicy?
The recipe as written is very mild. If you enjoy heat, add the optional red pepper flakes or use spicy pepperoni.

Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes! Just use vegetarian pepperoni or omit it altogether. Add your favorite veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.

Conclusion

Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is the ultimate comfort food mashup, combining creamy tortellini and all the classic flavors of pepperoni pizza in a simple, satisfying bake. With just a handful of ingredients and easy prep, this dish brings big flavors and even bigger smiles to your dinner table—perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or fun potlucks. Try it tonight to see why casseroles like this one have earned a spot among our most popular, heartwarming recipes. Enjoy, share, and let your meal memories begin!