Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole
If you love both pizza and pasta, this Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that brings the best of both worlds into one irresistible dish. It’s cheesy, creamy, savory, and loaded with that familiar pizza flavor we all crave — pepperoni, Italian spices, and melty mozzarella baked to golden perfection. Imagine tender cheese-filled tortellini coated in a rich, velvety cheese sauce, topped with pepperoni and bubbling mozzarella. Every bite feels like a warm hug — cozy, satisfying, and impossible to resist.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or when you just want to treat yourself to something hearty and delicious. It’s also a great make-ahead meal — you can assemble it early, refrigerate it, and pop it in the oven before serving.
Ingredients
- 1 (16 oz) package cheese tortellini, cooked according to package directions
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheese blend (mozzarella-based works best)
- 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 2 ounces pepperoni, quartered
- 2 cups milk
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Extra pepperoni slices for topping
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a medium-sized casserole dish with butter or olive oil to keep the pasta from sticking.
2. Sauté the Garlic
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and sauté for about 1–2 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden. This step infuses the oil with a rich garlic aroma that will carry through the entire dish.
3. Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
Pour the milk into the skillet with the garlic and bring it to a gentle simmer (don’t let it boil). Lower the heat and start adding the Velveeta cubes, stirring constantly until they melt completely. Then, slowly sprinkle in the shredded cheese blend, stirring until the sauce becomes thick, smooth, and creamy.
Add the Italian seasoning to enhance the flavor — this gives the sauce that signature pizza-like taste.
4. Combine with Tortellini and Pepperoni
Turn off the heat. Add the cooked cheese tortellini and quartered pepperoni to the cheese sauce. Stir gently to coat every piece of pasta evenly with the sauce. The tortellini should be completely smothered in that golden, cheesy goodness.
5. Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the mixture into your prepared casserole dish. Spoon dollops of pizza sauce over the top — don’t mix it in completely. Just swirl it gently with a spoon to create a marbled, pizza-like effect that looks beautiful after baking.
6. Top It Off
Arrange pepperoni slices over the surface of the casserole, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top. This will create that bubbly, golden-brown crust that makes the casserole irresistible.
7. Bake
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden around the edges. If you like a crispier top, broil for an additional 2–3 minutes — but keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
8. Cool and Serve
Let the casserole cool for about 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps the cheese set slightly so each serving holds its shape beautifully.
Serving Ideas
- Serve with garlic bread or buttery breadsticks for the ultimate comfort meal.
- Pair it with a simple green salad or Caesar salad to balance the richness.
- Sprinkle fresh parsley or basil on top before serving for a burst of color and freshness.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use fresh tortellini if possible — it cooks faster and has a better texture.
- For extra flavor, mix some cooked Italian sausage or crisped bacon into the casserole before baking.
- Want it spicier? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm — it’ll taste just as good as fresh.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is the perfect combination of gooey cheese, hearty pasta, and savory pepperoni — it’s like eating a cheesy pepperoni pizza and creamy mac and cheese at the same time. It’s easy to make, family-friendly, and guaranteed to impress anyone at the table. The creamy Velveeta sauce makes it ultra-smooth, while the melted mozzarella on top gives you that classic pizza pull with every bite.
Whether you’re serving it for a casual dinner, a potluck, or even a game-night meal, this Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is a crowd-pleaser that never disappoints.