Description

Enjoy the best of pizza and pasta with Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole! Layered with marinara, mozzarella, and pepperoni, this easy, crowd-pleasing dish is perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients

For the Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

Cheese Tortellini: 20 oz (fresh or frozen) – The tortellini provides a cheesy, pasta-filled base that holds up well when baked.
Marinara Sauce: 2 cups – Acts as the main sauce for the casserole, adding a rich tomato flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Sliced Pepperoni: 1 cup – Adds a classic pizza flavor with a hint of spice. You can use mini pepperoni for easier layering or regular pepperoni slices.
Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups, shredded – Melts beautifully, creating a gooey, cheesy top layer that adds to the pizza flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, grated – Adds a slightly nutty, salty flavor that enhances the richness of the cheese and complements the marinara.
Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon – A blend of oregano, basil, and rosemary that enhances the pizza-like taste.
Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon – Adds depth to the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): 1/4 teaspoon – For those who enjoy a bit of heat, adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes provides a mild kick.

Instructions

Step-by-Step Instructions

These instructions will guide you through making the Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole from start to finish, resulting in a perfectly cheesy, bubbly dish with all the flavors of pizza.

Step 1: Prepare the Tortellini

Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to package directions, usually about 3–5 minutes for fresh tortellini or 5–7 minutes for frozen.
Drain the Tortellini: Drain well in a colander and set aside. It’s important to remove any excess water to prevent the casserole from becoming watery.

Step 2: Layer the Casserole

Spread Sauce on the Bottom: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom. This prevents the tortellini from sticking and ensures a flavorful base.
First Layer of Tortellini: Arrange half of the cooked tortellini over the marinara sauce in an even layer, covering the bottom.
Add Cheese and Pepperoni: Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and half of the grated Parmesan over the tortellini. Add a layer of half of the pepperoni slices, spreading them evenly for balanced flavor.
Repeat Layers: Add the remaining tortellini, followed by the rest of the marinara sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan, and pepperoni, creating a layered casserole.

Step 3: Season and Top with Additional Ingredients

Season the Top Layer: Sprinkle Italian seasoning and garlic powder over the top layer of cheese and pepperoni. These seasonings add extra flavor, enhancing the pizza-like taste of the casserole.
Optional Red Pepper Flakes: For a hint of heat, add a light sprinkle of red pepper flakes over the top.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Covering the dish allows the cheese to melt smoothly without over-browning.
Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. This lets the layers set slightly, making it easier to serve and enjoy each bite.

Notes

Tips for Perfect Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

Undercook the Tortellini Slightly: Cooking the tortellini to al dente (or even a little under) ensures that it holds its texture after baking and absorbs some of the sauce without becoming mushy.
Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Grate mozzarella and Parmesan directly from the block for a creamier melt. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can affect melting and taste.
Season Each Layer: Lightly season each layer with Italian seasoning or extra garlic powder as you go. This enhances the flavor throughout the casserole, ensuring no bites are bland.
Press Down the Layers Gently: As you layer the ingredients, press down gently with a spatula to compact the casserole. This helps the layers stay together, making each serving neat and flavorful.
Let the Casserole Cool Slightly Before Serving: After baking, let the casserole sit for 5–10 minutes. This allows the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to cut and serve, and the flavors have a chance to meld.