Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

I’ve discovered something that’ll change your weeknight dinner game forever – a dish that captures all the comfort of pizza in a hearty, satisfying casserole. When tender cheese tortellini meets rich marinara sauce and crispy pepperoni, you get more than just a meal; you get a family favorite that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. There’s one secret ingredient that makes this particular combination absolutely irresistible.

Recipe

Imagine this: tender, pillowy cheese tortellini nestled in a rich, herby marinara sauce, topped with melty mozzarella and crispy pepperoni that gets beautifully caramelized in the oven. I’ve made this dish at least fifty times over the past few years, and every single time, my family devours it like it’s their last meal on earth.

What makes this casserole absolutely irresistible is how it captures all those beloved pizza flavors we crave but delivers them in the most comforting, satisfying way possible—the tortellini adds this incredible heartiness that regular pizza just can’t match.

The cheese gets gloriously bubbly and golden on top while the bottom stays saucy and tender, creating these amazing layers of texture in every bite. The smell alone will have your neighbors knocking on your door!

Best part? It’s ridiculously easy to throw together, uses ingredients you probably already have, and feeds a crowd without breaking a sweat. Trust me, once you taste how that gooey cheese pulls apart and how those pepperoni edges get perfectly crispy, you’ll understand why this has earned a permanent spot in my dinner rotation.

Ingredients

This recipe brings together three comfort food favorites in one show-stopping dish that’s surprisingly simple to execute. The secret lies in choosing quality ingredients that complement rather than compete with each other. Fresh cheese tortellini creates the perfect base—those little pasta pockets add substance and absorb all the incredible flavors. Don’t even think about using dried tortellini here; fresh is absolutely non-negotiable for the right texture. The cheese blend is where you can really make this dish sing, so invest in good-quality options that melt beautifully and create those irresistible cheese pulls. Using a heavy-duty baking sheet ensures even cooking and prevents burnt edges, which is essential for perfecting this casserole.

For the Base:

• 1 lb fresh cheese tortellini – Fresh is essential here; frozen works in a pinch but refrigerated is ideal for the best bite
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce – Go for a chunky, herb-heavy variety; Rao’s or homemade takes this over the top
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened – This creates the creamy foundation that makes everything cohesive

For the Cheese Layer:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – Low-moisture mozzarella prevents a watery mess; whole milk variety melts like a dream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated is worth every penny for that sharp, nutty finish
• 1 cup ricotta cheese – Full-fat only; part-skim turns grainy and disappointing

For the Pizza Elements:

• 5 oz pepperoni slices – Cup-and-char style pepperoni creates those gorgeous little grease cups that are pure magic
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning – Dried is fine, but if you have fresh oregano and basil, use those instead
• ½ tsp garlic powder – Not garlic salt; you want the flavor without extra sodium competing with the pepperoni

Optional Upgrades:

• Fresh basil leaves – A handful scattered on top after baking makes this look restaurant-worthy
• Red pepper flakes – Just a pinch adds heat that cuts through all that cheese richness

How to Make the Best Homemade Pizza Pasta Fusion

Preheat your oven to 375°F and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Getting your oven properly preheated guarantees even cooking from the moment your casserole goes in.

Choose a ceramic or glass baking dish for the most even heat distribution, and don’t skip the greasing step—this casserole has cheese that loves to stick! A quick spray of cooking oil or butter rubbed with a paper towel works perfectly.

Cook 1 pound of cheese tortellini according to package directions until just shy of al dente, then drain thoroughly.

You want your tortellini slightly firmer than you’d normally serve because it will continue cooking in the oven. This prevents mushy pasta in your finished casserole.

Make sure to drain well—excess water will make your casserole watery and prevent proper browning on top.

While pasta cooks, brown 1 pound of ground Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into bite-sized pieces.

Italian sausage adds incredible flavor depth that plain ground beef can’t match.

Break it into pieces about the size of a quarter—too small and it disappears, too large and it overwhelms the tortellini. If your sausage is very fatty, drain off excess grease, but leave a tablespoon or two for flavor.

Stir in 2 cups marinara sauce, 1 cup diced pepperoni, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning to the cooked sausage.

This creates your flavor base, so taste and adjust seasoning now.

The pepperoni will release its oils and spices into the sauce, creating that classic pizza flavor. Choose a good-quality marinara—it’s the backbone of your casserole’s taste.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked tortellini with the sausage mixture, then fold in 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese.

Gentle folding prevents breaking the delicate tortellini while guaranteeing every piece gets coated with that delicious sauce.

Reserve some mozzarella for the top—you want cheese throughout AND a golden, bubbly surface.

Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish and spread evenly, then top with remaining 1 cup mozzarella and ½ cup grated Parmesan.

An even layer guarantees uniform cooking, while the double cheese topping creates that irresistible golden-brown crust.

Sprinkle the Parmesan last—it browns beautifully and adds a sharp, nutty flavor that cuts through the richness.

Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes, then remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.

The foil prevents the top from browning too quickly while the inside heats through.

You’ll know it’s done when the edges are bubbling enthusiastically and the cheese has those gorgeous golden spots. If your cheese isn’t browning enough, pop it under the broiler for 2-3 minutes—but watch carefully! For best results, ensure your baking dish is compatible with oven-safe temperatures to prevent warping or damage.

Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set up properly.

This resting time is essential—it prevents a saucy mess when you cut into it and allows the flavors to meld together.

The casserole will still be perfectly hot, but much easier to serve in neat portions. Use this time to toss a simple green salad or warm some garlic bread!

Chef Tips

While this casserole is forgiving, a few professional tricks will elevate it from good to extraordinary. I recommend using proper knife skills to dice pepperoni uniformly for even cooking. Don’t overcook the tortellini initially—it’ll finish in the oven. When serving, apply restaurant plating techniques by garnishing with fresh basil and a drizzle of quality olive oil. Investing in a high carbon steel knife ensures precise cuts and enhances your kitchen efficiency.

Nutrition

This hearty casserole combines the comfort of pasta with classic pizza flavors, creating a satisfying family meal. The nutritional profile reflects its rich combination of cheese, pasta, and pepperoni.

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This amazing casserole brings together three of your favorite comfort foods in one incredible dish that will have your family asking for seconds every single time. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

Easy One-Pan Preparation – Everything comes together in a single baking dish, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy dinner with your loved ones. You can use your toaster oven for even cooking and crispy results without needing a full-sized oven.

Kid-Friendly Flavors – The combination of cheese tortellini, pepperoni, and pizza sauce creates familiar tastes that even picky eaters will devour without complaint.

Make-Ahead Friendly – You can assemble this casserole earlier in the day and pop it in the oven when you’re ready, making it perfect for meal planning and busy schedules.

Recipe Card

This hearty casserole combines the best of Italian comfort food by layering tender cheese tortellini with savory pepperoni and rich pizza sauce, all topped with melted mozzarella cheese.

Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-dish meal delivers all the flavors of pizza in an easy-to-make casserole format that the whole family will love.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb frozen cheese tortellini
• 1 jar (24 oz) pizza sauce
• 3 oz pepperoni slices
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Cooking spray

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F and spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Cook tortellini according to package directions until al dente, drain well.
3. Spread 1/2 cup pizza sauce in the bottom of prepared baking dish.
4. Layer half of the cooked tortellini over the sauce.
5. Top with half of the remaining pizza sauce, half of the pepperoni, and half of the mozzarella cheese.
6. Repeat layers with remaining tortellini, pizza sauce, pepperoni, and mozzarella.
7. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
8. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
9. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
10. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Notes:

Can substitute fresh tortellini for frozen, but reduce cooking time slightly. Leftover casserole keeps in refrigerator for 3 days and reheats well in microwave or oven.

Equipment:

9×13 inch baking dish, large pot, colander

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 40 minutes

Cuisine: Italian-American

Serving: 6-8 servings

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time and Refrigerate Before Baking?

Yes, you can! Following proper storage guidelines, I’d assemble it completely, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. My refrigeration tips: add 10-15 extra minutes to baking time.

What’s the Best Way to Reheat Leftover Pizza Casserole?

I prefer oven reheating at 350°F for 15-20 minutes to restore the casserole’s texture. For quicker results, I’ll use microwave heating in 30-second intervals, though it won’t crisp the top.

Can I Freeze This Casserole for Meal Prep Purposes?

Yes, I’d recommend freezing it! My storage advice includes wrapping tightly in foil or using freezer-safe containers. For best freezing tips, freeze up to three months and thaw overnight before reheating.

How Long Does This Casserole Stay Fresh in the Refrigerator?

I’d suggest keeping it for 3-4 days at most in the fridge. For top food safety, use sealed storage containers and make sure it’s fully cooled before refrigerating to preserve freshness and avoid bacterial growth.

Can I Use Fresh Tortellini Instead of Frozen for This Recipe?

Yes, you can use fresh tortellini instead of frozen. I’d recommend reducing the cooking time slightly since fresh pasta has a more delicate dough texture and cooks faster than frozen varieties.