Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

What happens when your favorite cheese tortellini and a pepperoni pizza have a baby? You get this bubbling, cheesy, flavor-packed Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole — and yes, it’s just as amazing as it sounds.

This dish combines all the best parts of pizza night — melty mozzarella, tangy sauce, crispy pepperoni — and wraps it in a warm, pillowy bed of cheese-stuffed tortellini. It’s comfort food at its finest, with the ease of a weeknight casserole and the flavor of your favorite pizzeria.

Why This Recipe Works

• One-pan, minimal prep
• No layering, no fuss — just mix, bake, and enjoy
• Kid- and crowd-approved
• Freezer-friendly for meal prep or make-ahead dinners
• Easily customizable with veggies, different meats, or sauces

This isn’t your average baked pasta. This is tortellini meets pizza night — and once you try it, it’s going into the regular rotation.

Ingredients

Serves: 6–8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

You’ll Need:

• 1 (20 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 2 cups marinara or pizza sauce
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 cup sliced pepperoni (mini or regular)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Optional toppings: chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, red onion
• Optional garnish: fresh basil or parsley

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Boil the Tortellini

Cook the cheese tortellini according to package instructions, but stop 1–2 minutes early (they’ll finish in the oven). Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Mix It All Together

In a large bowl, combine cooked tortellini, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and half the mozzarella and parmesan. Stir to coat everything evenly.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the mixture into the baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella, parmesan, and pepperoni slices. Add any optional toppings now.

Step 5: Bake

Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes or until bubbly and cheese is golden on top. If you want crispier pepperoni, broil for the last 2 minutes.

Step 6: Serve

Let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve warm!

Variations & Hacks

• Make it meaty: Add cooked ground beef, sausage, or bacon.
• Go veggie: Load it up with mushrooms, peppers, spinach, or zucchini.
• Switch the sauce: Try Alfredo or a spicy arrabbiata for a new flavor twist.
• Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy pepperoni.
• Gluten-free option: Use GF tortellini and ensure the sauce is gluten-free.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Store leftovers in the fridge for 3–4 days.
• Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot and bubbly.
• Freeze before baking: cover tightly with foil and freeze up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 15–20 extra minutes.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole is satisfying on its own, but it pairs well with:

• A fresh Caesar or garden salad
• Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
• A light Italian soup like minestrone

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes. Cook them according to package directions first, then proceed with the recipe.

Can I prep it ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.

What cheese works best?
Mozzarella is classic, but you can mix in provolone or fontina for extra meltiness.

How do I make it extra saucy?
Add ½ cup extra sauce if you prefer a wetter casserole.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been looking for a new dinner idea that’s easy, comforting, and always a hit — this Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is it. It’s got all the cheesy, saucy joy of pizza, wrapped into a creamy baked pasta dish.

Perfect for meal prep, weeknights, and picky eaters, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

Save it. Share it. Try it tonight — and let us know how your family liked it.