When pasta night meets pizza night, you get the ultimate comfort food fusion: Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole. It’s cheesy, hearty, and bursting with flavor, combining the best of both worlds—soft, pillowy cheese tortellini and all the gooey, melty, savory elements of a pepperoni pizza. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or when you just want to put a creative spin on two timeless favorites.
In this article, we’ll walk through everything you need to know—from ingredients and directions to variations, serving suggestions, and helpful tips to make sure your casserole comes out bubbling, golden, and irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Casserole
- Kid-Friendly & Family-Approved – Pasta + pizza = happy eaters of all ages.
- Quick Prep – With store-bought tortellini and pizza sauce, you’ll have this assembled in minutes.
- Customizable – Add your favorite pizza toppings to make it your own.
- Perfect for Leftovers – Heats up beautifully the next day, making it great for meal prep.
Ingredients Breakdown
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this comforting casserole to life:
- 1 (20 oz) bag refrigerated cheese tortellini – Provides a hearty base with a creamy cheese filling.
- 2 cups marinara or pizza sauce – Use your favorite brand, or go homemade for extra flavor.
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese – For that gooey, stretchy pizza vibe.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds nuttiness and a sharp bite to balance the richness.
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni – Classic pizza topping that adds salty, smoky depth.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A blend of oregano, basil, and thyme to enhance flavor.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder – Boosts savory notes.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper – Rounds out the flavor.
- Optional toppings – Chopped bell peppers, olives, or even mushrooms for extra pizza-style flair.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
Step 2: Prepare the Tortellini
Boil the tortellini according to package instructions. Since it will continue cooking in the oven, aim for al dente—firm but not mushy. Drain well and set aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the tortellini, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Stir in half of the mozzarella and all of the Parmesan. This ensures cheesy flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Layer & Top
- Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella evenly over the top.
- Layer on the pepperoni slices and optional toppings like bell peppers or olives.
Step 5: Bake
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden around the edges.
Step 6: Serve
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving so it sets slightly and is easier to scoop. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if you want to add a pop of color.
Variations to Try
- Supreme Pizza Style – Add cooked sausage, bell peppers, black olives, and mushrooms.
- Vegetarian Version – Skip the pepperoni and load up on spinach, zucchini, or roasted eggplant.
- Spicy Kick – Mix in red pepper flakes or use spicy pepperoni for extra heat.
- White Pizza Twist – Swap marinara for Alfredo sauce, then top with chicken and spinach.
- Three-Cheese Overload – Add ricotta dollops between layers for creaminess.
What to Serve With Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole
This dish is rich and hearty on its own, but pairing it with lighter sides balances the meal:
- Garlic Bread or Breadsticks – Perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
- Green Salad – A crisp Caesar or arugula salad cuts through the richness.
- Roasted Veggies – Asparagus, broccoli, or green beans pair beautifully.
- Wine Pairing – A medium-bodied red like Chianti or Merlot complements the cheesy, tomato flavors.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcook Tortellini – Since it bakes later, boil just until al dente.
- Drain Well – Excess water can water down your sauce.
- Make Ahead Friendly – Assemble the casserole earlier in the day, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve (add 10 minutes to bake time if chilled).
- For a Crispier Top – Broil the casserole for 1–2 minutes at the end to achieve golden-brown cheese.
- Storage – Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Yes, just boil them according to package directions before using.
2. Do I have to use marinara, or can I use pizza sauce?
Either works! Marinara gives a lighter, herby taste, while pizza sauce is richer and more concentrated.
3. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble it in advance and refrigerate, then bake when you’re ready.
4. How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat covered in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.
5. What cheese substitutions work best?
Provolone, fontina, or Monterey Jack can be swapped in for mozzarella if you prefer.
Conclusion
Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleaser—a cozy, cheesy, bubbling dish that brings the bold flavors of pizza into a hearty pasta bake. With minimal prep and endless ways to customize, it’s a recipe that belongs in every home cook’s collection.
Whether you serve it for a weeknight family dinner, game-day feast, or potluck, it’s bound to be the star of the table. The combination of tender tortellini, zesty sauce, gooey mozzarella, and crispy pepperoni is nothing short of irresistible.