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This Cheesy Pizza Tortellini skillet is my secret weapon for conquering busy weeknights. It delivers all the comforting, savory flavors of both pizza and pasta in a single pan, which means a delicious dinner is on the table in 30 minutes and cleanup is an absolute dream. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone at the table happy.
I first made this on a whim when I had a bag of frozen tortellini and a serious craving for pepperoni pizza. It was an instant hit, and now my family asks for this pizza bake more often than they ask for actual pizza.
Ingredients
- One pound ground beef: use an 85/15 blend for great flavor without too much grease
- Salt and pepper to taste: the essential foundation for seasoning the meat
- One teaspoon onion powder: provides a savory, aromatic base without any chopping
- Two teaspoons Italian seasoning: this blend of dried herbs is the key to that classic pizzeria flavor
- Two cloves garlic: freshly minced garlic adds a pungent kick that powdered just can’t match
- Twenty four ounces marinara sauce: choose a quality jarred sauce you love, as it’s the heart of the dish
- Twenty ounces frozen cheese tortellini: the magic ingredient that cooks right in the sauce, no boiling required
- Four ounces cream cheese: this is the secret to an incredibly rich and creamy tomato sauce; make sure it's cubed for easy melting
- One third cup mini pepperoni: their small size ensures you get a little bit of spicy goodness in every bite
- Two cups shredded cheese: a blend of mozzarella and cheddar gives you the best of both worlds with meltiness and flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Beef:
- In a large, deep skillet over medium high heat, add the ground beef. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the meat into smaller crumbles as it cooks. Season it generously with salt, pepper, onion powder, and the Italian seasoning. Continue cooking until the beef is evenly browned with no pink remaining.
- Crisp the Pepperoni and Drain:
- Scatter the mini pepperoni into the skillet with the browned beef. Let it cook for two to three minutes, stirring occasionally. You’re looking for the edges of the pepperoni to curl up and become slightly crispy; this step renders out their delicious spicy oil and adds fantastic texture. Carefully tilt the pan and spoon out any excess grease, leaving about a tablespoon in the skillet for flavor.
- Add the Aromatics:
- Add the freshly minced garlic to the hot skillet and stir it into the beef and pepperoni. Cook for about 30 seconds, just until you can smell its wonderful aroma. Be careful not to let it brown, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
- Create the Creamy Sauce:
- Pour the entire jar of marinara sauce into the skillet. Add the cubed cream cheese, scattering the pieces around the pan. Stir continuously as the sauce heats up, allowing the cream cheese to completely melt and incorporate into the marinara. The sauce will transform into a beautiful, silky, blush colored cream sauce.
- Cook the Tortellini:
- Add the frozen cheese tortellini directly from the bag into the simmering sauce. Stir everything together gently, making sure each piece of pasta is fully coated. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for about five minutes. The steam will cook the tortellini perfectly, making them plump, soft, and heated through.
- Add the Cheesy Topping:
- Uncover the skillet and sprinkle the shredded cheese blend evenly over the top of the tortellini and sauce. If you want extra pizza flair, you can add a few more pieces of pepperoni on top of the cheese. To get that perfect golden, bubbly top, place the oven safe skillet under your oven's broiler for two to three minutes, watching it closely. Alternatively, you can simply cover the skillet again and keep it on low heat until the cheese is completely melted.
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My absolute favorite ingredient here is the cream cheese. I know it sounds a little unusual, but the way it melts into the marinara to create a rich, velvety sauce is pure magic. It turns a simple skillet dinner into something that tastes incredibly decadent and special, and it’s the part of the dish my kids always rave about.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
This dish is just as delicious the next day. Once it has cooled completely, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or gently reheat the entire batch in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. You may want to add a splash of water or marinara sauce if it seems a little dry.
Easy Ingredient Swaps
Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own. You can easily substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for the beef for a leaner option. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the meat and load it up with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach; just add them in with the garlic. You can also try different types of tortellini, like spinach and ricotta or sausage filled, for a new flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
While this pizza tortellini is a fantastic all in one meal, it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides. Serve it with a side of crusty garlic bread for dipping into that incredible creamy sauce. A crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette also provides a fresh, bright contrast to the richness of the main dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! Mozzarella is classic, but cheddar, provolone, or even a sprinkle of parmesan would be delicious. Use your favorite blend!
- → Can I add vegetables to this?
Definitely! Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, or spinach would all be great additions. Add them along with the garlic.
- → What if I don't have pepperoni?
No problem! Sliced sausage or even crumbled bacon would be a great substitute. You could also just omit it entirely.
- → Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?
Yes, but reduce the cooking time as fresh tortellini cooks faster. Keep a close eye on it to prevent overcooking.
- → How do I prevent the cheese from burning under the broiler?
Keep a close eye on it and move the skillet further away from the broiler if needed. You can also cover the skillet loosely with foil.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You can brown the ground beef and prepare the sauce ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to assemble and bake.