Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

If you’ve ever had trouble deciding between a pasta night or a pizza night, this recipe is about to solve your dilemma once and for all. The Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is a delicious combination of two comfort food favorites: the cheesy indulgence of tortellini pasta and the savory satisfaction of pepperoni pizza. Baked together in one bubbling, golden dish, this casserole is hearty, family-friendly, and full of flavor.

Imagine layers of soft cheese-filled tortellini smothered in creamy pizza sauce, sprinkled with mozzarella, topped with crispy pepperoni, and baked until bubbling. Every bite tastes like pizza, but with the richness and heartiness of a pasta casserole. It’s the perfect dinner idea for busy weeknights, potlucks, game days, or simply when you want something comforting that the whole family will enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: Using store-bought tortellini and pizza sauce saves time while still delivering homemade flavor.
Crowd-Pleaser: Kids love it because it tastes like pizza, adults love it because it feels hearty and filling.
Customizable: Add your favorite pizza toppings — mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, onions, or even sausage.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Assemble ahead of time, refrigerate, then bake when you’re ready to eat.

This casserole isn’t just a recipe; it’s a guaranteed hit at the dinner table.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this cheesy masterpiece:

16 ounces cheese-filled tortellini (fresh or frozen, cooked al dente)
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cups pizza sauce (or marinara)
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 ½ cups pepperoni slices (save some for topping)
½ cup sliced black olives (optional)
1 green bell pepper, diced (optional)
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

Boil water in a large pot, add salt, and cook the tortellini according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in pizza sauce, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes until well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread a thin layer of sauce at the bottom, then add half the tortellini. Layer with sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan, and pepperoni. Repeat with remaining tortellini, sauce, cheese, and toppings.

Step 4: Bake

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve

Let it cool slightly. Garnish with basil or parsley. Slice and serve hot.

Pro Tips

Extra Cheesy: Add ricotta or provolone for more richness.
Make it Crispy: Place some pepperoni on top so they crisp up while baking.
Meal Prep Friendly: Assemble the night before and refrigerate.
Freezer Option: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

Variations

Veggie Pizza Style: Use mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or roasted peppers.
Meat Lovers: Add cooked ground beef, sausage, or bacon.
Spicy Version: Swap in hot pepperoni or add jalapeños.
Low Carb Twist: Replace tortellini with zucchini noodles.

What to Serve With It

Fresh garden or Caesar salad
Garlic bread or breadsticks
Roasted vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus

Storage & Reheating

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze baked casserole for 2–3 months.
Reheat: Bake at 350°F (175°C) until warm or microwave individual portions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, just cook according to the package before adding to the casserole.

Can I replace pizza sauce with marinara?
Absolutely, marinara, spaghetti sauce, or even homemade tomato sauce works.

Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes — skip the pepperoni and load it up with vegetables.

Can I make it lighter?
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and part-skim mozzarella.

Final Thoughts

The Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is everything you crave in one dish — cheesy, saucy, satisfying, and endlessly customizable. It’s perfect for weeknights when you want something easy, yet special enough for gatherings when you want to impress.

Next time you’re torn between pizza or pasta, don’t choose — bake this casserole and enjoy both in one comforting bite.