A Cheesy, Comforting Mashup of Pizza & Pasta – Ready in 30 Minutes!
Pizza night just got upgraded! This easy casserole combines cheese-stuffed tortellini, zesty pizza sauce, pepperoni, and melty mozzarella for the ultimate fork-and-knife pizza experience. Perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd!
✨ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ 30-minute meal – Faster than delivery!
✅ Kid-approved – All the pizza flavors they love.
✅ Customizable – Add veggies, swap meats, or spice it up.
✅ Leftovers reheat beautifully – Tastes even better the next day.
📝 Ingredients
(Serves 6–8)
For the Casserole:
- 9 oz (255g) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 24 oz (680g) jar pizza sauce
- 1 cup (75g) sliced pepperoni
- 2 cups (240g) shredded mozzarella, divided
- 1 cup (120g) Italian cheese blend (optional but recommended!)
Seasonings (Optional):
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
For Garnish:
- Fresh basil or parsley
(Pro tip: Use mini pepperoni for better distribution!)
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prep & Cook Tortellini
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Boil tortellini in salted water until al dente (check package time). Drain.
2️⃣ Mix It Up
- In a bowl, combine tortellini, pizza sauce, pepperoni, 1 cup mozzarella, and seasonings.
3️⃣ Assemble & Bake
- Spread mixture in the baking dish.
- Top with remaining cheeses.
- Bake 20–25 mins until bubbly and golden.
4️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
- Cool 5 mins, garnish with herbs, and dig in!
💡 Pro Tips
🔹 Extra crispy top? Broil 1–2 mins at the end.
🔹 Shortcut: Use pre-cooked tortellini (skip boiling, just mix and bake).
🔹 Gluten-free? Use GF tortellini and check sauce labels.
❓ FAQs + Variations
1. Can I use ravioli instead?
✅ Yes! Cheese or meat-filled both work.
2. How do I store leftovers?
🧊 Fridge: Up to 3 days (reheat in microwave or oven).
❄️ Freeze unbaked: Assemble, wrap tightly, freeze up to 1 month (bake frozen +15 mins).
3. No pizza sauce?
🍅 Use marinara + ½ tsp oregano + ¼ tsp garlic powder.
4. Vegetarian version?
🥦 Skip pepperoni, add sautéed mushrooms + bell peppers.
5. Spice it up?
🌶 Add diced jalapeños or spicy sausage.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
- With garlic breadsticks
- Over a bed of greens for a pizza salad bowl
- Paired with a crisp Caesar salad
⏳ Time & Nutrition
Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Total: 35 mins
Calories: ~380/serving | Servings: 6–8
🌟 Final Thoughts
This Tortellini Pizza Casserole is cheesy, saucy comfort food at its finest—like a deconstructed stuffed-crust pizza! Perfect for:
- Game day feasts
- Potluck dinners
- When the kids demand pizza and pasta
Warning: You’ll want seconds! 😋🍝
(Tip: For a low-carb version, use cheese-stuffed zucchini boats instead of tortellini!)
