A comforting, crowd-pleasing mash‑up of pizza and pasta featuring cheese‑filled tortellini, savory pepperoni, rich tomato sauce, and gooey cheese, all baked to golden perfection.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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One‑dish convenience: Combines beloved pizza flavors with hearty pasta in a single casserole. facebook.com+9middleeastsector.com+9recipesfiber.com+9
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Family friendly: Easy to customize—add veggies or swap meats as you like. middleeastsector.com
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Time‑saving: Ready in under an hour, making it ideal for weeknight dinners. recipesbyclare.com+7recipesfiber.com+7simplyrecipes.com+7
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
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1 jar (24 oz) pizza sauce
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1 cup sliced pepperoni
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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1 cup shredded Italian cheese blend (optional)
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1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
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½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
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¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
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Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
directions
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Preheat oven to 375 °F (190 °C). Grease a 9×13‑inch casserole dish.
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Cook tortellini in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
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In a large bowl, mix cooked tortellini, pizza sauce, half of the mozzarella, pepperoni, and any optional seasonings until evenly coated.
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Transfer mixture to prepared dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and Italian cheese blend.
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Bake uncovered for 20–25 min, until cheese is bubbly and golden. reddit.com+9recipesfiber.com+9middleeastsector.com+9middleeastsector.com
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Remove from oven and let rest for 5 min. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve warm.
Servings and timing
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Servings: 4 servings (per one source) simplyrecipes.com+7recipesfiber.com+7facebook.com+7
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Prep time: ~15–30 min
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Bake time: 20–25 min
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Total time: ~35–60 min depending on prep and resting time recipesbyclare.com+2middleeastsector.com+2recipesfiber.com+2
Variations
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Add sautéed bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or olives for extra flavor. recipesfiber.com
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Swap pepperoni for Italian sausage, cooked chicken, or make it vegetarian by omitting meat. middleeastsector.com+1recipesfiber.com+1
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Stir in spinach‑cheese‑filled tortellini, or drizzle with heavy cream for a richer texture. pillsbury.com+11recipesfiber.com+11middleeastsector.com+11
storage/reheating
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Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. recipesfiber.com+1middleeastsector.com+1
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Reheat: Warm in a 350 °F oven for 15–20 min or microwave until heated through.
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Make‑ahead: Assemble and refrigerate (covered) for up to 24 hours; add 5–10 minutes to bake time if chilled. recipesfiber.com+2recipesbyclare.com+2middleeastsector.com+2
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Freeze: Freeze unbaked casserole for up to 3 months; thaw overnight and bake as directed. recipesbyclare.com+1recipesfiber.com+1
FAQs
What if I only have frozen tortellini?
That’s fine—cook per package instructions until al dente, drain well, then continue.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely—omit pepperoni and add vegetables like mushrooms, peppers, olives, or spinach.
How spicy is it with red pepper flakes?
Mild unless you add more; adjust to your spice preference.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, assembly can be done up to 24 hours in advance; increase baking time by a few minutes if chilled.
Does it freeze well?
Yes—freeze before baking for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking. recipesfiber.com
How to get the pepperoni crispier?
Layer slices on top so they crisp up, and bake uncovered. ineskohl.info+1recipesfiber.com+1
Can I use homemade pizza sauce?
Certainly—just use an equal amount and spoon generously.
Can I double this?
Yes—use a larger dish, and rotate midway through baking to ensure even cooking.
What side dishes go well with it?
A crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted veggies complement it nicely. recipesfiber.com+4middleeastsector.com+4recipesbyclare.com+4recipesbyclare.com+2cooktopcove.com+2recipesfiber.com+2
How do I reheat without drying it out?
Cover loosely with foil and reheat in a 350 °F oven for 15–20 minutes to retain moisture.
Conclusion
This Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is a smart shortcut to your favorite pizza in pasta form. It’s flexible, flavorful, and simple to prepare—perfect for busy evenings or casual gatherings. Customize with your favorite toppings, make it ahead, or freeze for later—it always delivers cheesy, comforting satisfaction. Enjoy!
[tasty-recipe id=”15348″]
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