Description
Cheesy Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is a quick, crowd-pleasing dinner that combines tender cheese-filled tortellini, zesty pizza sauce, crispy pepperoni, and layers of gooey mozzarella cheese baked to perfection. This hearty casserole is a fun twist on classic pizza flavors, perfect for weeknights or feeding a hungry family with an easy-to-make, flavor-packed, and customizable dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 package (about 9–12 oz) fresh or frozen cheese tortellini
- 20–30 slices pepperoni
- 2 cups thick pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded fresh mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Seasonings & Oils
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for greasing the baking dish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and promote golden edges.
- Cook the Tortellini: Boil cheese tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside – this is the tender base for your casserole.
- Combine Sauce and Seasoning: In a large bowl, mix pizza sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. This blend infuses the tomato sauce with flavor to complement the tortellini and pepperoni.
- Assemble the Casserole: Add the cooked tortellini to the sauced mixture and toss gently. Transfer half of this mixture into the prepared baking dish, then layer half of the pepperoni slices and half the shredded mozzarella on top. Repeat with the remaining tortellini, pepperoni, and finish with mozzarella and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned around the edges. Let it rest a few minutes before serving for the best texture.
Notes
- Don’t overcook tortellini; slightly undercook during boiling as it will continue cooking in the oven and absorb flavors.
- Layer pepperoni and cheese evenly for balanced flavor in every bite.
- Use fresh shredded mozzarella for better melting and texture.
- Let the casserole rest before serving for cleaner slices and improved enjoyment.
- If you prefer a saucier casserole, increase the pizza sauce amount.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
Keywords: tortellini casserole, pepperoni pizza casserole, cheesy pasta bake, easy dinner, comfort food, baked tortellini