Zesty Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole Recipe

Weeknight dinners call for something magical that blends cheese tortellini pepperoni pizza casserole into a delightful comfort meal.

Cheesy pasta meets zesty pizza flavors in one irresistible dish.

The combination promises pure satisfaction for hungry families.

pepperoni adds a spicy kick that elevates every single bite.

Each layer bursts with melted cheese and savory goodness.

Hearty ingredients come together in a simple, crowd-pleasing recipe.

Prepare to be amazed by this easy and delicious dinner solution that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole The Ultimate Bake

• Crush Comfort Food Cravings: This casserole transforms classic pizza flavors into a hearty, soul-warming dish that hugs your taste buds with cheesy, pepperoni-packed goodness.
• Speed Up Weeknight Dinner: Minimal prep and quick cooking make this recipe a superhero for busy families, delivering restaurant-style taste without complicated techniques or long ingredient lists.
• Customize Your Creation: Easily swap pepperoni for other toppings like sausage, add extra veggies, or experiment with different cheese blends to match your family's preferences and pantry ingredients.
• Kid-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Combines beloved pizza elements with pasta in a creamy, cheesy format that appeals to both children and adults, guaranteeing clean plates and happy faces around the dinner table.

Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole Ingredient Guide Now

Main Ingredients:

• Cheese Tortellini: Soft pasta pillows filled with creamy cheese that serve as the foundation of this comforting casserole.

• Pepperoni, Pepperoni Slices: Classic pizza meat that adds a spicy and savory dimension to the dish.

• Velveeta, Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy, melting cheeses that create a rich and smooth sauce and provide a golden, bubbly topping.

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• Milk: Creates the smooth foundation for the cheese sauce.

• Olive Oil, Garlic: Provides a fragrant and aromatic base for the cheese sauce.
• Italian Seasoning: Adds a traditional herb blend that enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Pizza Sauce: Adds a classic pizza taste and creates a beautiful marbled effect in the casserole.

Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole Steps For Success Shared

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375F (190C).

Give your baking dish a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta Pillows

Cook those cheesy tortellini until they’re perfectly tender.

Drain them like a pro and set them aside, ready for their cheesy adventure.

Step 3: Awaken the Garlic

Splash some olive oil into a large pan.

Toss in the minced garlic and let it dance until it turns a light golden color, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Step 4: Create a Creamy Base

Pour milk into the pan and sprinkle in some Italian seasoning.

Warm it up gently, getting ready for the cheese party.

Step 5: Melt the Cheese Dream

Turn the heat down low.

• Cubed Velveeta
• Shredded cheese

Stir until everything melts into a smooth, dreamy sauce that’ll make your taste buds sing.

Step 6: Mix Pasta and Pepperoni

Kill the heat.

Fold the cooked tortellini into the cheese sauce.

Toss in those quartered pepperoni pieces, making sure everything gets a nice cheesy coating.

Step 7: Fill the Baking Dish

Transfer the cheesy mixture into your prepared dish, spreading it out evenly like a delicious blanket.

Step 8: Add Pizza Sauce Swirls

Dot the top with pizza sauce.

Use a spoon to create beautiful swirls that’ll make the dish look as good as it tastes.

Step 9: Deck Out the Top

Lay pepperoni slices across the surface like delicious little soldiers.

Shower the top with a final layer of mozzarella cheese.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 25 minutes.

Watch for the cheese to turn golden and bubbly, creating a mouthwatering crust.

Step 11: Let It Rest and Serve

Pull the casserole out and let it chill for 5-10 minutes.

This helps the cheese set and makes serving a breeze.

Get ready for a flavor explosion!

Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole Cooking Tips Only Pros Know

• Choose fresh tortellini for a softer texture and quicker cooking time compared to frozen options.
• Stir cheese sauce continuously to prevent burning and ensure a smooth, creamy consistency.
• Add extra Italian herbs or red pepper flakes to enhance the overall taste profile of the casserole.
• Cut pepperoni into quarters for better distribution and a more even flavor in each bite.
• Prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for maximum convenience.

Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole Ways To Mix It Up

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace pepperoni with roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms for a meat-free version packed with nutritious ingredients.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cheese tortellini and ensure pizza sauce is certified gluten-free to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chiles, swap Italian seasoning for taco seasoning, and top with jalapeños for a zesty southwestern-inspired casserole.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute tortellini with cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the cheesy, pizza-like flavor profile.

Serve Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole Family Style

• Italian Feast Night: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with vinaigrette for a balanced meal that adds freshness to the rich casserole.
• Bread Lover's Dream: Pair with garlic bread or crusty Italian bread to soak up the delicious cheese sauce and add extra texture to your dinner.
• Party Pleaser Platter: Arrange the casserole with small side dishes like marinated olives, sliced pepperoncini, and a quick antipasto selection to create a festive Italian-inspired spread.
• Wine and Dine: Complement the cheesy pepperoni casserole with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or a zesty Pinot Noir to enhance the flavors and elevate the dining experience.

Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole Storing For Fresh Leftovers

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Place the casserole in the refrigerator, where it will keep well for 3-4 days without losing its delicious flavor and texture.
• Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing, where it can last up to 2 months without compromising taste.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in the oven at 350F (175C) for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive drying and maintain moisture.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh?

Yes, absolutely! Frozen tortellini works perfectly. Just cook it according to package instructions and ensure it’s al dente before mixing with the cheese sauce.

• Is Velveeta cheese necessary for this recipe?

Velveeta helps create a smooth, creamy sauce, but you can substitute with cream cheese or a combination of cream cheese and cheddar for similar results.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce or use spicy pepperoni slices to introduce more heat and kick to the casserole.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets Italian-American fusion in this cheese tortellini pepperoni pizza casserole, blending cheesy pasta with classic pizza flavors. Hearty layers of tortellini, pepperoni, and melted cheese create a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta:

• 1 package (16 ounces / 453 grams) cheese tortellini

Cheese Sauce and Seasonings:

• 2 cups milk
• 8 ounces (226 grams) Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella-based cheese blend
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Pizza Elements:

• 1/2 cup pizza sauce
• 2 ounces (57 grams) pepperoni, quartered (about 1/2 cup)
• Additional pepperoni slices for topping
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray.
2. Cook cheese tortellini according to package instructions until perfectly tender, then drain thoroughly and set aside.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature. Add minced garlic and sauté until aromatic and lightly golden, approximately 1-2 minutes.
4. Pour warm milk into the garlic-infused pan, incorporating Italian seasoning. Maintain a gentle heat without allowing the milk to boil.
5. Reduce heat to low. Gradually incorporate Velveeta and shredded cheese into the milk, stirring consistently until the mixture transforms into a smooth, velvety sauce.
6. Remove from heat and gently fold cooked tortellini and quartered pepperoni into the cheese sauce, ensuring complete and even coating.
7. Transfer the cheesy tortellini mixture into the prepared baking dish, distributing evenly across the surface.
8. Distribute pizza sauce across the top, using a spoon to create a delicate marbled pattern throughout the casserole.
9. Layer pepperoni slices uniformly across the surface and sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese over the entire dish.
10. Bake for 25 minutes, watching for melted, bubbling cheese with golden-brown edges indicating perfect doneness.
11. Allow the casserole to rest 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven, enabling the cheese to slightly set and making serving easier.

Notes

• Customize Cheese Selection Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, provolone, or smoked gouda to add depth and unique flavor profiles to the casserole.
• Make It Lighter Substitute whole milk with skim or almond milk, and use reduced-fat cheese varieties to create a lighter version without compromising taste.
• Veggie Boost Incorporate extra vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to increase nutritional value and add colorful texture to the dish.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation Replace regular tortellini with gluten-free tortellini and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 583
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 1,120 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 62 mg