Cheesy Tortellini Pizza Bake

This Cheesy Pizza Tortellini Bake is my ultimate answer for those busy weeknights when my family can't decide between pizza and pasta. It delivers all the comforting, cheesy goodness of both in one simple casserole that everyone absolutely devours.

I first threw this together on a whim before a soccer game, needing something fast and filling. It was such a success that it has become a permanent part of our meal rotation.

Ingredients

• One 20 ounce package of cheese tortellini: This is the heart of the dish, so pick a brand you enjoy. Fresh tortellini will give you a slightly more tender bite.
• One 24 ounce jar of pizza sauce: The sauce is the main flavor driver, so use a good quality one. A marinara with basil or garlic notes works wonderfully too.
• One half cup of sliced pepperoni: This adds that classic, savory pizza flavor and gets delightfully crispy on top.
• Two cups of shredded mozzarella cheese: Opt for low moisture, whole milk mozzarella. It melts into that perfect, gooey cheese pull without releasing too much water.
• One cup of an Italian cheese blend: A mix with provolone and parmesan adds a fantastic sharp and nutty flavor that complements the mozzarella.
• One teaspoon of Italian seasoning: This little shortcut packs a punch and brings all the classic Italian herbs together.
• One half teaspoon of garlic powder: It deepens the savory flavor and really enhances the pizza vibe.
• One quarter teaspoon of red pepper flakes: This is totally optional, but a little pinch adds a lovely warmth that cuts through the richness of the cheese.
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish: Don't skip this. A sprinkle of fresh herbs at the end adds a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Step by Step Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Pan:

First things first, get your oven preheating to 375°F or 190°C. While it’s coming up to temperature, grab a medium sized casserole dish, something around 9x13 inches works well, and give it a light coating of cooking spray or a thin layer of oil. This simple step ensures nothing sticks and makes cleanup a breeze.

Cook the Tortellini:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your tortellini and cook it according to the package directions, but be very careful to cook it just until it's al dente, or firm to the bite. It will cook more in the oven, and you want to avoid it becoming mushy. Once it's done, drain it well in a colander.

Combine the Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, add the hot, drained tortellini. Pour the entire jar of pizza sauce over the top. Add the sliced pepperoni, the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and the red pepper flakes if you're using them. Give everything a good, thorough stir until every single piece of tortellini is coated in that delicious sauce.

Assemble the Casserole:

Carefully pour the tortellini mixture from the bowl into your prepared casserole dish. Use a spatula or a large spoon to spread it out into an even layer, making sure it reaches all the corners of the dish.

Add the Cheesy Topping:

Now for the best part. Sprinkle the two cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly all over the top of the tortellini. Follow that with the one cup of the Italian cheese blend, making sure to get good coverage from edge to edge for maximum cheesy goodness in every bite.

Bake to Bubbly Perfection:

Place the casserole dish into the preheated oven on the middle rack. Bake it uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is completely melted, bubbling happily, and has beautiful flecks of golden brown on top.

Garnish and Serve:

Carefully remove the hot casserole from the oven and let it rest on the counter for a few minutes. This is important as it allows the bake to set up a bit, making it easier to serve. Just before you dig in, garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley. Serve it hot and watch it disappear.

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My favorite part of this dish is the cheese. I learned early on that using a blend of mozzarella for the melt and an Italian mix for flavor is the secret. It reminds me of my dad teaching me how to make the perfect grilled cheese, insisting that you always need more than one kind of cheese for the best result.

Making Ahead and Storing

This casserole is a lifesaver for meal prep. You can fully assemble it, cover it tightly with foil or a lid, and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before you plan to bake it. When you're ready, just pop it into the oven, adding about 5 to 10 extra minutes to the baking time since it's starting cold. For longer storage, it freezes beautifully. Assemble as directed, wrap it tightly in a layer of plastic wrap and then a layer of foil, and it will keep in the freezer for up to two months. You can bake it directly from frozen, just plan on about 35 to 45 minutes of oven time.

Fun Ingredient Swaps

Don't feel locked into pepperoni. This recipe is a fantastic base for all sorts of pizza toppings. Try adding cooked and crumbled Italian sausage, sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or black olives. You can also swap the cheese tortellini for spinach and ricotta or a meat filled variety. For a vegetarian version, load it up with roasted zucchini, onions, and bell peppers instead of meat.

Serving Suggestions

While this bake is a hearty meal all on its own, a simple side dish can really round it out. I almost always serve it with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to provide a fresh contrast to the rich casserole. A side of warm garlic bread is also a must have in my house for sopping up any extra sauce on the plate.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare this tortellini pizza bake ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the dish is cold.

→ Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen (add 10-15 minutes) or thaw overnight for a faster bake.

→ What are some ingredient substitutions I can make?

Feel free to swap pepperoni for cooked sausage, ham, or roasted vegetables. Gluten-free or plant-based tortellini works well. Experiment with different cheeses, too!

→ What should I serve with this cheesy tortellini bake?

A crisp green salad, garlic bread, or a side of roasted vegetables are great accompaniments. It's also perfect for potlucks and casual gatherings.

→ How do I prevent the tortellini from becoming mushy?

Be careful not to overcook the tortellini during the initial boiling stage. Cook until al dente, then drain thoroughly before adding to the sauce.

→ Can I add other pizza toppings to this bake?

Definitely! Mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, olives, and cooked sausage are all great additions. Feel free to customize it to your liking!