If you love pizza and pasta, this Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is the best of both worlds! It combines cheesy tortellini with a creamy sauce, flavorful pepperoni, and melty mozzarella for the ultimate comfort meal. Perfect for a family dinner, potluck, or even meal prep, this casserole is easy to make and sure to impress.
Quick Benefits
- Easy to prepare – Just a few simple steps, and you’re ready to bake!
- Perfect for meal prep – Store leftovers for a quick and satisfying meal later.
- Crowd-pleasing – A great dish for parties, potlucks, or family dinners.
- Customizable – Swap ingredients or add vegetables to suit your taste.
Essential Ingredients
- 16 ounces Cheese Stuffed Tortellini (cooked according to package instructions)
- 2 Garlic Cloves (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 2 cups Whole Milk
- 1/2 teaspoon Dry Italian Seasoning
- 8 ounces Original Velveeta Cheese (cubed)
- 2 cups Shredded Cheese Blend (mozzarella-based)
- 2 ounces Pepperoni (quartered)
- 1/2 cup Pizza Sauce
- Sliced Pepperoni (for topping)
- 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
Preparation Steps
- Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 375°F.
- Sauté the Garlic – In a 3-quart pot over medium heat, heat the olive oil and sauté the chopped garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce – Add the whole milk and Italian seasoning. Let it steam, then stir in the Velveeta cheese and shredded cheese blend. Stir until smooth.
- Mix the Tortellini – Remove from heat, add the cooked tortellini and quartered pepperoni, and toss until coated.
- Assemble the Casserole – Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish, dollop pizza sauce on top, and swirl it gently.
- Add Toppings – Layer slices of pepperoni and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Bake – Bake uncovered for 25 minutes until bubbly.
- Broil for Crispiness – If desired, broil on high for 3-4 minutes to achieve a golden-brown crust.
- Serve & Enjoy – Let it cool slightly before serving.
Health Benefits
- High in protein – Cheese and pepperoni provide a good source of protein to keep you full.
- Calcium-rich – Cheese and milk add a healthy dose of calcium for strong bones.
- Customizable – Swap in whole wheat tortellini or add veggies for more nutrients.
- Comfort food with a twist – A delicious way to enjoy pasta and pizza in one!
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a fresh salad – A simple Caesar salad or a balsamic-dressed green salad balances the richness.
- Serve with garlic bread – A slice of buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the cheesy sauce.
- Add a side of roasted vegetables – Roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli complement this dish beautifully.
Creative Variations
- Vegetarian Option – Omit the pepperoni and add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach.
- Spicy Kick – Sprinkle red pepper flakes or use spicy pepperoni for a heat boost.
- Protein Boost – Add cooked Italian sausage or shredded chicken.
- Cheese Lovers – Try Parmesan or provolone for an extra cheesy twist.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing – Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
- Reheating – Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes, or microwave in 30-second intervals until hot.
Pro Tips
Undercook the pasta slightly before baking to prevent it from getting mushy.
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to help the flavors meld.
Layer ingredients evenly for the best mix of flavors in every bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?
Yes! Fresh tortellini cooks faster, so follow the package instructions before adding it to the casserole.
2. What other sauces can I use?
Marinara or Alfredo sauce work well if you want to experiment with flavors.
3. Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Absolutely! Assemble everything the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
This Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is the ultimate combination of creamy pasta and classic pizza flavors. It’s easy, customizable, and guaranteed to become a family favorite. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this dish is pure comfort food at its best!
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Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole
Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is the perfect comfort food that combines the flavors of cheesy pasta and classic pepperoni pizza. This easy-to-make dish features tender cheese-stuffed tortellini tossed in a creamy, cheesy sauce, topped with pizza sauce, melty mozzarella, and crispy pepperoni. Baked to golden perfection, it’s an irresistible dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or meal prep!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
16 ounces Cheese Stuffed Tortellini, cooked according to package instructions
2 Garlic Cloves, chopped
1 tablespoon Olive Oil
2 cups Whole Milk
1/2 teaspoon Dry Italian Seasoning
8 ounces Original Velveeta Cheese, cubed
2 cups Shredded Cheese Blend (mozzarella-based)
2 ounces Pepperoni, quartered
1/2 cup Pizza Sauce
Sliced Pepperoni, for topping
1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F.
In a lovely 3-quart pot over medium heat, add your chopped garlic and drizzle in the olive oil. Stir this fragrant mixture constantly for about one minute until it turns golden.
Now, it’s time to add the whole milk and the dry Italian seasoning to the pot. Give it a gentle stir, then allow it to heat until it begins to steam.
Once steaming, reduce the heat a bit. Add the cubed Velveeta cheese and the shredded cheese blend. Stir this beautifully until it melts into a luscious, smooth sauce.
Carefully turn off the heat while keeping the pot on the burner. Toss in the cooked tortellini and the quartered pepperoni. Stir for about a minute to ensure everything is beautifully coated.
Transfer this delightfully cheesy mixture into a prepared casserole dish.
With a dollop, add the pizza sauce on top and gently swirl it into the tortellini—don’t mix it all the way; we want layers of flavor!
Next, artfully layer slices of pepperoni over the sauce, followed by a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Bake this wonderful casserole uncovered in the center of your preheated oven for 25 minutes. For a crispy finish, broil on high for an additional 3-4 minutes to achieve that golden brown topping we’re all craving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish / Casserole
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: ~450 per serving
