Description
This Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is a deliciously comforting Italian-American dish that combines tender cheese tortellini with a savory marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, Parmesan, and classic mini pepperoni slices. Baked to bubbly golden perfection, it’s a perfect easy weeknight meal that brings all the flavors of pizza into a hearty pasta bake.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Tortellini
- 1 (20-ounce) package refrigerated or frozen cheese tortellini
Sauce and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara or pizza sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Cheese and Toppings
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup mini pepperoni slices
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Cook Tortellini: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions until just al dente. Drain the tortellini and set it aside to cool slightly.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the onion becomes softened and translucent. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute to release its aroma.
- Prepare the Sauce: Add the jar of marinara or pizza sauce to the skillet along with 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning and 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 5 minutes to blend the flavors, then remove the skillet from the heat.
- Combine Tortellini with Sauce and Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked tortellini with the prepared sauce and half of the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the tortellini is well coated with sauce and cheese.
- Assemble the Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour in the tortellini mixture. Spread it evenly, then top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Finally, evenly distribute the mini pepperoni slices over the top.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top has turned golden brown.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired for a fresh, fragrant touch.
Notes
- You can substitute turkey pepperoni or veggie pepperoni to make it lighter.
- Add sliced black olives, mushrooms, or bell peppers for a supreme pizza variation.
- For an extra crispy top, broil the casserole for the last 2 to 3 minutes of baking.
