Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza

This cheese tortellini pepperoni pizza casserole combines the best of comfort and convenience for a rich, flavorful dinner that everyone will ask for again. It brings together cheese-filled pasta with classic pizza toppings all baked into a bubbly, golden dish perfect for those busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

I first made this on a chilly weekend when I wanted pizza flavor without the fuss of delivery. It quickly became a hit in the house, especially because it’s a cheesy pasta-pizza mashup that delights both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

• Cheese-stuffed tortellini: from the refrigerated section — they provide the creamy, cheesy base and cook quickly
• Pepperoni: sliced and quartered — gives the dish its signature spicy, smoky pop& look for quality slices with good marbling
• Whole milk: to create a rich sauce that isn’t too heavy
• Velveeta cheese: for a smooth, meltable texture that blends well with pasta
• Shredded cheese blend including mozzarella: combines stretchiness and mild flavor& freshly shredded melts best
• Garlic cloves: for an aromatic start to the sauce — fresh cloves are always more flavorful than pre-minced
• Olive oil: to sauté garlic gently
• Dry Italian seasoning: for herbal depth — choose one with basil, oregano, and thyme for authentic taste
• Pizza sauce: to top the casserole adding acidity and tomato flavor
• Extra shredded mozzarella: for the cheesy topping
• Sliced pepperoni: as a finishing touch that crisps up beautifully in the oven

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics:

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook two smashed garlic cloves until they turn golden and fragrant. This step layers flavor right from the start and infuses the oil with garlic aroma.

Warm the Milk and Seasoning:

Pour in whole milk and sprinkle in dry Italian seasoning. Warm gently until the milk begins to steam but does not boil, stirring occasionally to combine the herbs into the milk base.

Melt the Cheese:

Reduce the heat to low and stir in Velveeta cheese cubes and the shredded cheese blend. Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely into a creamy sauce without any lumps.

Combine Pasta and Pepperoni:

Add cooked cheese tortellini along with quartered pepperoni pieces into the cheese sauce. Stir gently just long enough to coat the pasta and warm the pepperoni without breaking up the tortellini.

Assemble the Casserole:

Transfer the hot mixture into a casserole dish. Spoon pizza sauce evenly across the top and use the back of a spoon to swirl it lightly into the cheese layer.

Add Toppings:

Scatter sliced pepperoni and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over everything for that classic pizza finish.

Bake and Broil:

Place the casserole in a preheated 375 degree Fahrenheit oven and bake uncovered for 25 minutes until the cheese sauce is bubbly and hot throughout. Then broil on high for 3 to 4 minutes to achieve a beautifully golden and slightly crispy top layer.

My favorite ingredient has to be the Velveeta cheese because it melts so smoothly and brings the sauce together flawlessly. One of my best memories cooking this was sharing it with friends after a long day of hiking. Everyone loved the warmth and hearty comfort it offered right from the oven.

Storage Tips

Cool the casserole completely before covering tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Keep in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven to maintain that bubbly cheese texture rather than using a microwave.

Ingredient Substitutions

Try swapping out pepperoni for Italian sausage or sliced mushrooms for a milder flavor. For a dairy-free version, use vegan cheese and almond milk though the texture will differ.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon and olive oil to balance the richness. Garlic bread is also a natural sidekick.

This casserole offers an easy, flavorful meal that suits busy nights and casual gatherings perfectly.

FAQs about Recipes

→ What type of cheese is used in the sauce?

The sauce features Velveeta cheese combined with a shredded blend including mozzarella for a smooth and creamy texture.

→ How is the tortellini prepared before baking?

The cheese-stuffed tortellini is added directly into the warm cheese sauce to gently heat through before baking.

→ What role does the garlic play in the dish?

Garlic cloves are sautéed in olive oil to infuse a fragrant base, enhancing the overall flavor of the sauce.

→ Can different types of pepperoni be used?

Yes, sliced or quartered pepperoni can be used for the topping and mixed inside, depending on desired texture and flavor intensity.

→ What is the baking process to achieve the golden top?

The assembled dish is baked uncovered until bubbly, then broiled for 3-4 minutes to develop a golden brown, melted cheese crust.

→ Is Italian seasoning important in this dish?

Italian seasoning adds aromatic herbs that complement the richness of the cheese and pepperoni, balancing the flavors.