Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza

Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is a family favorite that transforms classic pepperoni pizza flavors into a bubbling baked pasta dish. This is my go-to when I want something hearty, cheesy, and fun for a cozy night in or when I need an easy crowd-pleaser.

The first time I served this casserole for a Friday movie night, everyone went back for seconds. It brings together the familiar flavors of pizza in a new and exciting way.

Ingredients

• Cheese stuffed tortellini: this gives cheesy bites throughout and holds up well when baked try to use fresh refrigerated or high-quality frozen tortellini for best results
• Garlic: adds aromatic depth mince for full flavor and use firm fresh cloves
• Olive oil: helps bloom the garlic and delivers richness choose extra virgin for best taste
• Whole milk: creates a creamy sauce whole milk builds body that skim or low fat cannot match
• Dry Italian seasoning: brings classic pizza herbiness look for a blend with oregano basil and thyme
• Velveeta cheese: melts smoothly and gives the casserole a gooey velvety texture buy block form for easiest melting
• Shredded cheese blend: offers stretch and flavor mozzarella is key but tossing in some provolone or cheddar adds interest
• Pepperoni: brings bold flavor and meaty bites look for one with robust seasoning and slice it yourself if possible
• Pizza sauce: gives that tangy tomato punch jarred saves time but you can also use homemade
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: makes the golden bubbly top use whole milk mozzarella for the best melt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Oven:

Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit so it is hot when your casserole is ready

Sauté the Garlic:

Place olive oil in a skillet over medium heat then add minced garlic and cook until golden and fragrant about two minutes be careful not to let it brown

Build the Sauce:

Pour in the whole milk with the sautéed garlic and sprinkle in Italian seasoning heat gently until milk is steaming but not boiling this infuses the milk with garlic and herb flavors

Melt in the Cheese:

Lower the heat add Velveeta in chunks and the shredded cheese blend stir constantly until both cheeses are fully melted and the sauce looks smooth and glossy

Combine Pasta and Pepperoni:

Stir in the cooked cheese tortellini and quartered pepperoni blend gently for one minute so everything is coated with sauce and the pepperoni releases some flavor

Transfer and Sauce:

Spoon the mixture into a casserole dish dollop pizza sauce across the top and lightly swirl it in for pockets of tomato flavor

Finish and Top:

Arrange more sliced pepperoni evenly over the casserole top then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella for a pizza style finish

Bake then Broil:

Bake uncovered for twenty five minutes until bubbling then broil for three to four minutes to brown the cheese watch closely to prevent burning

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You Must Know

• Hearty and filling meal perfect for busy evenings
• Great make ahead option with easy reheating
• Freezes beautifully for meal prep

I love how the cheese tortellini create a rich creamy base in this recipe My favorite part is sneaking a spoonful of bubbling cheese from the edges just before serving This dish instantly reminds me of family game nights where we would all dig in straight from the casserole pan

Storage Tips

Let the casserole cool before covering tightly and storing in the refrigerator It will keep well for up to three days To reheat cover the dish with foil and warm in a low oven or microwave individual portions until heated through If frozen let it thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat as above

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have Velveeta you can swap in creamy American cheese or a very melty cheddar For a lighter version you can use part skim mozzarella and half and half instead of whole milk If you need a vegetarian option make sure to pick a pepperoni that is soy or seitan based

Serving Suggestions

Serve this casserole with a side salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette or simply with garlic bread on the side For a fun party meal dish it into individual ramekins before baking for mini servings Kids also love dipping bites in extra pizza sauce

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Cultural and Historical Context

This dish is a playful fusion of Italian American classics The use of tortellini reflects northern Italian roots while the layered pizza toppings channel American comfort food There is something nostalgic about a baked casserole that brings everyone to the table in anticipation

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use frozen tortellini for this dish?

Yes, frozen cheese tortellini works well. Just cook according to package instructions before mixing with the sauce to ensure even texture.

→ What can substitute pepperoni if unavailable?

Try sliced cooked sausage, salami, or smoked ham to maintain a similar savory and slightly spicy flavor profile.

→ How do I get a golden, bubbly cheese topping?

Baking uncovered allows the cheese to melt fully, and broiling for a few minutes at the end helps achieve a golden, bubbly crust.

→ Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it and refrigerate before baking. Add extra baking time if baking from cold to ensure it’s heated through.

→ Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version, simply omit pepperoni and increase the cheese or add vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers.

→ What type of cheese blend is best for this dish?

A combination including mozzarella, cheddar, and provolone adds creaminess and depth of flavor, complementing the tortellini and sauce perfectly.