Cheesy Pizza Tortellini One-Pan Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of combining the comforting flavors of pizza with the cheesy, pasta-filled goodness of tortellini, then this Cheesy Pizza Tortellini One-Pan Meal will quickly become your new weeknight favorite. It’s hearty, gooey, loaded with flavor, and the best part is: everything cooks in one pan, which means fewer dishes and more time to enjoy with your family.

This dish takes the essence of a classic pepperoni pizza — marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, Italian herbs, and savory pepperoni — and blends it perfectly with cheesy tortellini and ground beef. The result is a meal that tastes like comfort food heaven, ready in just about 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: Ready in about half an hour, perfect for busy nights.
One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults love it because it tastes like pizza but feels like pasta.
Customizable: Switch up the proteins, cheeses, or toppings to make it your own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Main Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef – Adds a rich, meaty base to balance the cheesy sauce.
1/2 tsp salt & 1/2 tsp pepper – Simple seasonings to enhance flavor.
1 tsp onion powder – Adds a subtle sweetness without chopping onions.
1 tsp Italian seasoning – A blend of basil, oregano, and thyme that gives pizza vibes.
1 TBSP minced garlic – Fresh or jarred, garlic brings depth and aroma.
1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce – Use your favorite store-bought brand or homemade marinara for extra freshness.
19 oz frozen tortellini – Cheese-filled pasta that cooks directly in the sauce.
4 oz cream cheese (half a block) – Creates a creamy, rich texture in the sauce.
1/3 cup mini pepperoni – Gives that authentic pizza flavor.
Shredded cheese (mozzarella & cheddar blend) – The finishing touch for a gooey, bubbly topping.

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat a large, deep skillet or nonstick pan over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic. Cook for 6–8 minutes, or until the beef is no longer pink and fully browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 2: Add the Marinara Sauce

Pour the jar of marinara sauce into the pan with the cooked beef. Stir until the sauce coats the meat evenly. Let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes so the flavors combine.

Step 3: Add the Tortellini

Without boiling separately, add the frozen tortellini straight into the skillet. Stir gently to ensure each piece is coated in the sauce. The tortellini will cook and soften as they simmer in the sauce, soaking up all that flavor.

Step 4: Creamy Addition

Cut the cream cheese into small cubes and scatter them into the pan. Stir until the cream cheese fully melts and blends into the sauce, creating a creamy, velvety texture that coats the pasta beautifully.

Step 5: Pepperoni Time

Stir in the mini pepperoni, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the skillet. These little bites of pepperoni give each forkful that unmistakable pizza punch.

Step 6: Add the Cheese Topping

Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook on low for 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, gooey, and bubbling.

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy

Remove the skillet from the heat and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Scoop into bowls and enjoy this cheesy, hearty, pizza-inspired pasta dish that the whole family will ask for again and again.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side of garlic bread or breadsticks to soak up the creamy sauce.
Add a fresh green salad with Italian dressing to balance the richness.
For spice lovers, sprinkle on red pepper flakes before serving.

Variations & Substitutions

Protein Swap: Try Italian sausage, ground turkey, or even rotisserie chicken instead of ground beef.
Veggie Boost: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach when sautéing the beef for extra nutrients.
Cheese Options: Use provolone, parmesan, or a 3-cheese blend for a twist.
Pizza Toppings: Toss in black olives, jalapeños, or crumbled bacon for a fully loaded pizza pasta.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: This dish freezes well. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm in the microwave or oven until hot and bubbly. Add a splash of marinara or milk if the sauce thickens too much.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: ~400 kcal
Protein: 22g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fat: 18g
Servings: 6

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Pizza Tortellini One Pan recipe is proof that you don’t need hours in the kitchen to create something indulgent and satisfying. It’s cheesy, meaty, and full of comforting pizza flavors, yet it comes together quickly with pantry staples and just one pan. Perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or whenever the craving for pizza and pasta hits at the same time!