When you’re craving the comforting flavors of pizza and the rich satisfaction of a pasta bake, this cheese tortellini pepperoni pizza casserole brings the best of both worlds. Loaded with melty cheese, savory pepperoni, and tender tortellini tossed in hearty pizza sauce, it’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dish that everyone at the table will love.
This recipe starts with cheese tortellini—plump pasta filled with creamy cheese. Whether you use fresh or frozen tortellini, just be sure to cook them until al dente, as they will continue to soften in the oven. The tortellini are tossed with your favorite pizza sauce (jarred or homemade) to create a rich, flavorful base.
Sliced pepperoni adds that unmistakable pizza flavor. You can use regular or mini pepperoni depending on your preference. If you’re serving younger eaters, opt for mild pepperoni or even substitute with turkey pepperoni for a lighter twist.
A blend of cheeses creates that classic pizza topping texture. Mozzarella is essential for its gooey melt, while an Italian cheese blend brings depth with provolone, parmesan, and more. A sprinkling of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat) enhances the overall flavor.
Assembling the casserole is quick and straightforward. Simply mix the cooked tortellini, pepperoni, sauce, and some of the cheese in a bowl. Spread it in a greased baking dish and top with the remaining cheese. After baking covered to trap moisture, a final uncovered bake gives the cheese that golden, bubbly finish.
Once baked, let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley for a fresh, colorful touch.
Here’s the full recipe:
Ingredients
1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
1 jar (24 oz) pizza sauce
1 cup sliced pepperoni
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded Italian cheese blend (optional)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the cheese tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked tortellini, pizza sauce, sliced pepperoni, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Stir until well combined.
Pour the tortellini mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and the Italian cheese blend (if using) evenly over the top.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve warm.
This casserole is great for busy weeknights, potlucks, or cozy weekends at home. It’s customizable too—add chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, or cooked sausage to make it your own. Leftovers reheat beautifully and are perfect for lunch the next day.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: 40–45 minutes
Approximate Calories: 350 kcal per serving
Warm, gooey, and loaded with pizza flavor, this cheese tortellini pepperoni pizza casserole is the kind of recipe that becomes a regular request. It’s family-friendly comfort food at its finest.
