Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

Ingredients

• 1 package (20 oz) cheese tortellini, fresh or frozen
• 3 cups pizza sauce (slightly thick style works best)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup sliced pepperoni, divided (half for layers, half for topping)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (to coat the baking dish)
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
2. Cook tortellini until just tender, 2 minutes less than package directions. Drain well.
3. Spread a thin layer of sauce in the dish. Add half the tortellini, then layer with sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan, and pepperoni.
4. Repeat layers with remaining tortellini, sauce, cheese, and finish with pepperoni on top.
5. Cover with foil and bake 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes, until cheese is melted and pepperoni edges are crisp.
6. Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with basil or parsley if desired.

• Use turkey pepperoni or cooked sausage for a lighter or heartier version.
• Try adding spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
• This casserole freezes well — wrap tightly before baking and freeze up to 2 months.

The Tortellini

They’re not just pasta — they’re little pillows already filled with creamy, melty cheese. That means every bite has built-in richness, turning this from a simple casserole into something that feels hearty and indulgent.

The Pepperoni

Layered throughout and scattered on top, pepperoni brings that unmistakable “pizza night” flavor. Inside, it seasons each bite with savory depth. On top, it crisps into golden edges that everyone fights over — chewy, crispy, and full of nostalgia.

The Sauce

A slightly thicker tomato sauce is the quiet hero here. It clings to the tortellini instead of sinking to the bottom, wrapping every bite in tangy, herby flavor. Think of it as a warm hug that ties the whole dish together.

When it all comes out of the oven — gooey tortellini centers, crispy pepperoni edges, and sauce that doesn’t let go — you don’t just have a casserole. You’ve got comfort food with a clever twist, the kind that teaches you a little kitchen secret while it wins over everyone at the table.A slightly thicker sauce makes all the difference according to food science experts, since it clings to the pasta instead of sinking to the bottom.

Ingredients

• 1 package (20 oz) cheese tortellini, fresh or frozen
• 3 cups pizza sauce (choose a thicker style for the best texture)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup sliced pepperoni, divided (half for layering, half for topping)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (to coat the baking dish)
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

These simple ingredients layer together to create a bubbly, golden Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole that’s both filling and fun.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil. This helps keep every cheesy edge from sticking.
2. Cook the cheese tortellini just until tender — about 2 minutes less than the package suggests, since it will finish baking in the oven. Drain well.
3. Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce in the bottom of the dish, then add half of the tortellini. Top with sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan, and a generous sprinkle of pepperoni slices.
4. Repeat the layers with the remaining tortellini, sauce, and cheese. Finish with the rest of the pepperoni on top so it crisps into golden edges as it bakes.
5. Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted to perfection and the pepperoni is bubbling and crisp.
6. Let the Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley if you’d like a pop of color.

Warm, gooey cheese, crispy pepperoni edges, and hearty pasta layers — this is comfort food at its best.

1. Avoid Sogginess

A thicker sauce is your friend — it clings to the pasta instead of pooling at the bottom. Cook your tortellini just shy of done, then layer it in a lightly greased baking dish so the bottom doesn’t trap excess moisture. The result? A casserole with sauce that hugs every bite instead of turning watery.

2. Crispy Pepperoni Every Time

Layer some pepperoni inside for flavor, but save plenty for the top. For those golden pepperoni edges everyone loves, don’t be shy about finishing under the broiler for 2–3 minutes. Some cooks even pre-bake their pepperoni on a sheet pan first — that way the fat renders out and the slices crisp up beautifully in the casserole.

3. Don’t Overcook the Pasta

Remember, tortellini keeps cooking once it’s in the oven. Boil it just until tender, then let the casserole work its magic. This way, when you pull out your Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole, the pasta has the perfect bite — tender but not mushy, holding up under gooey cheese that stretches with every forkful.

Protein Boost

• Sausage — Adds bold, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the cheesy pasta layers.
• Chicken — A lighter option that makes your Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole feel a little leaner without losing comfort.
• Ground beef — Adding ground beef can make your casserole extra hearty and filling.
• Turkey pepperoni — A lighter twist that still delivers that classic pizza taste.

Veggie Add-Ins

• Mushrooms — Earthy flavor that blends beautifully with melted cheese.
• Bell peppers — Add sweetness, crunch, and a pop of color.
• Spinach — Wilts perfectly into the layers, giving your Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole a wholesome touch.
• Zucchini — Light and tender, it soaks up the pizza sauce in the best way.

Cheesy Twists

• Mozzarella — Classic gooey stretch that makes every bite irresistible.
• Provolone — Adds a smoky, melty depth of flavor.
• Cheddar — Sharp and bold, it gives a fun twist to the casserole.
• Parmesan blend — Sprinkle on top for a golden, savory crust.

Gooey cheese pull from a customizable Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole, loaded with flavor.

Make-Ahead Instructions

• Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance without baking.
• Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator.
• When ready to bake, uncover and add an extra 10–15 minutes of bake time since the dish will start chilled.

Freezing Instructions

• Assemble the casserole but don’t bake it yet.
• Wrap tightly in two layers of foil or freezer-safe wrap to prevent freezer burn.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, or bake straight from frozen by adding 30–40 extra minutes of cook time.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic pairings: Garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or roasted veggies make the perfect balance to the rich casserole.
• Family-style: Bring the bubbling dish straight to the table and let everyone serve themselves — it’s casual, cozy, and makes dinner feel special.
• Comfort twist: Add a side of warm marinara for dipping extra bread or spooning over each serving.

Leftover Tips

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes to keep cheese gooey and pepperoni edges crisp. For a quicker option, use the microwave but cover loosely with a damp paper towel.
• Creative leftovers: Enjoy cold as next-day casserole “slices,” reheat and tuck into a wrap, or spoon into a thermos for an easy lunchbox upgrade.

A hearty serving of Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole, bubbling hot and ready to enjoy.

Do you have to cook pepperoni before putting it on pizza?

You don’t have to cook pepperoni ahead of time — the oven takes care of it. As it bakes, the fat renders out, and the slices curl into those golden, crispy edges that everyone loves. If you prefer it extra crunchy, you can pre-bake pepperoni on a sheet pan before layering it on your pizza or casserole.

What is the correct order for pizza toppings?

The classic order is sauce first, then cheese, then toppings like pepperoni or veggies. This helps prevent sogginess while letting the cheese melt into a gooey layer that holds everything in place. When making something like Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole, you follow a similar idea — sauce clings to the pasta first, then cheese, then pepperoni on top for those crisp edges.

Do you cook onions before putting them on pizza?

Both ways work, but they taste different. Raw onions bake into sweet, slightly crisp bites, while sautéed onions add a mellow, caramelized flavor. If you’re adding them to a casserole or pizza, think about the texture you want — crisp bite or soft and sweet.

Is cheese tortellini the same as cheese ravioli?

They’re similar but not the same. Tortellini are small, ring-shaped pasta filled with cheese, while ravioli are larger, flat squares with filling inside. Tortellini works beautifully in Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole because the bite-sized pieces create gooey pockets of cheese that bake up evenly in every layer.

Which cheese goes best with pepperoni?

Mozzarella is the classic partner — it melts into those perfect cheese pulls. Provolone adds smokiness, cheddar brings sharpness, and a Parmesan blend on top gives you a golden, savory crust. Mixing a few creates layers of flavor that make every bite irresistible.

What two toppings go well on pizza?

Popular pairs include pepperoni & mushrooms, sausage & peppers, or even spinach & garlic. The key is balancing flavors — something rich and savory with something fresh or earthy.

What sauce goes on pizza?

Traditional pizza sauce is tomato-based with herbs like oregano and basil. But you can mix it up — white garlic sauce for creaminess, pesto for freshness, or even barbecue sauce for smoky sweetness. In a casserole, a slightly thicker tomato sauce works best since it clings to pasta instead of pooling at the bottom.