Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole: A Family Favorite, Fast & Flavorful!

Imagine the irresistible flavors of a classic pepperoni pizza married with the comforting chewiness of cheese tortellini, all baked into one glorious, bubbly casserole. This Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is exactly that – a brilliant fusion that delivers hearty satisfaction with minimal effort. It’s the ultimate weeknight hero, perfect for busy families, potlucks, or any time you crave a comforting, cheesy, and utterly delicious meal that tastes like a hug in a dish.

This recipe takes the familiar elements of pizza that everyone loves and transforms them into an easy-to-manage baked pasta. The soft, cheese-filled tortellini provides a delightful base, while the tangy pizza sauce, savory pepperoni, and melted mozzarella create layers of classic Italian-American flavor. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings smiles to the table every time!

Ingredients:

1 package (9 oz / approx. 255g) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen – fresh cooks faster!)
1 jar (24 oz / approx. 680g) pizza sauce (your favorite brand)
1 cup (approx. 4 oz / 113g) sliced pepperoni (standard rounds or mini pepperoni)
2 cups (approx. 8 oz / 226g) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1 cup (approx. 4 oz / 113g) shredded Italian cheese blend (optional, adds more flavor complexity)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional, enhances pizza flavor)
½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for aromatic depth)
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a subtle kick)
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Equipment:

9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish or casserole dish
Large pot (for cooking tortellini)
Large mixing bowl
Colander
Spatula or large spoon

Instructions:

Preheat Oven & Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or casserole dish. This will help prevent sticking and make serving and cleanup easier.
Cook Tortellini: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions until it is al dente (tender but still firm to the bite). If using fresh tortellini, this will be very quick, usually 2-4 minutes. If frozen, it might take a bit longer. Drain the cooked tortellini thoroughly in a colander and set aside.
Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and drained tortellini, the entire jar of pizza sauce, sliced pepperoni (reserving a few slices for the top if you like, though not strictly necessary), and half (1 cup) of the shredded mozzarella cheese. If you’re using them, add the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes now. Stir everything together gently but thoroughly until all the tortellini are evenly coated with the sauce and other ingredients.
Assemble Casserole: Pour the entire tortellini mixture into your prepared 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
Top with Cheese: Generously sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole. If you’re using the optional Italian cheese blend, sprinkle that over the mozzarella as well. You can also add a few extra pepperoni slices on top for visual appeal if you reserved some earlier.
Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is completely melted, bubbly, and beautifully golden brown, and the casserole is heated through.
Cool and Serve: Carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This brief cooling period allows the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to serve and preventing it from being scalding hot. If desired, garnish with fresh basil or parsley just before serving for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips for Success:

Don’t Overcook Tortellini: Cook the tortellini only until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. This prevents it from becoming mushy.
Customize Your Sauce: While jarred pizza sauce is a fantastic time-saver, feel free to use your favorite homemade marinara or a doctored-up jarred sauce (e.g., adding a pinch of sugar, a splash of red wine, or extra herbs) for a personal touch.
Pepperoni Options: Use mini pepperoni for a more even distribution throughout the casserole, or use standard slices and chop them slightly. For extra crispiness on top, place some pepperoni on the very top layer of cheese before baking.
Cheese, Glorious Cheese: The combination of mozzarella and an Italian blend provides both gooey stretch and nuanced flavor. Don’t skimp on the cheese!
Spice it Up or Down: The optional seasonings (Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes) are highly recommended to boost that “pizza” flavor. Adjust the red pepper flakes to your family’s preferred level of heat.
Add Vegetables: For extra nutrients and color, consider adding sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the mix before baking.
Meat Lovers’ Option: Cooked ground beef or Italian sausage can be browned and drained, then added to the tortellini mixture for a heartier casserole.

Serving Suggestions:

This Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with:

A Simple Green Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with a light vinaigrette provides a nice contrast to the richness of the casserole.
Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: Perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
Steamed Green Beans: For a quick and healthy vegetable side.

Storage:

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat individual servings, microwave until heated through, or reheat larger portions in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly and warm.

Enjoy this incredibly comforting and easy family favorite!