When pizza night meets pasta night, you get the best of both worlds — Cheesy Pizza Tortellini! This recipe takes all the gooey, savory flavors of your favorite pepperoni pizza and folds them into soft, cheese-filled tortellini. The result? A bubbling, comforting dish that’s as simple to prepare as it is to devour.
This meal brings the essence of a pizzeria straight to your kitchen — chewy pasta, zesty tomato sauce, melted cheese, and all your favorite pizza toppings. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or feeding a crowd, this recipe will instantly earn a spot in your dinner rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pan wonder: Everything bakes in one dish for easy cleanup.
- Ultimate comfort food: Combines two favorites — pizza and pasta.
- Family-approved: Kids and adults love it equally.
- Customizable: Add any of your favorite pizza toppings.
- Ready in under 30 minutes: Perfect for busy nights.
Ingredients
For the Main Dish
- 1 (20 oz) package cheese tortellini, fresh or frozen
- 2 cups pizza sauce (or marinara sauce)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Optional Toppings (Customizable)
- ½ cup sliced olives
- ½ cup diced bell peppers
- ½ cup mushrooms
- ½ cup cooked beef or turkey bacon (instead of pork bacon)
- ¼ cup red onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Tortellini
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook tortellini according to package directions until al dente, then drain and drizzle lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Sauce Base
In a large oven-safe skillet or casserole dish, mix together pizza sauce, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine.
3. Combine and Layer
Add the cooked tortellini into the sauce and stir until fully coated. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly on top. Add your chosen toppings — veggies, beef, or turkey bacon — just like building your favorite pizza.
4. Bake to Perfection
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden around the edges. For extra crispiness, broil for an additional 2 minutes.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Remove from the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes, and serve hot. Every bite will remind you of pizza night — with the comfort of creamy pasta.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the tortellini: It will continue cooking in the oven.
- Use good-quality pizza sauce: It’s the base flavor of the dish.
- Mix cheeses: A blend of mozzarella and provolone creates extra gooey texture.
- Broil for bubbles: That golden cheese top makes the dish irresistible.
- Add herbs before serving: Fresh basil or oregano adds a pizzeria aroma.
Variations & Customizations
- Meat Lover’s Style: Add cooked ground beef or shredded chicken.
- Veggie Supreme: Toss in spinach, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes.
- Extra Cheesy: Layer in ricotta or cream cheese between pasta and sauce.
- Spicy Version: Add chili flakes or drizzle of hot honey after baking.
- White Pizza Twist: Swap pizza sauce for Alfredo and add roasted garlic.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a crisp Caesar salad, garlic bread, or buttery breadsticks to complete the meal. For gatherings, pair it with a cold drink or sparkling lemonade — the balance of creamy and tangy is perfection.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes, or in a skillet over low heat.
- Freeze: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe works because it layers textures and flavors like a pizza, but with the comfort of pasta. The tortellini acts as the perfect base — soft, cheesy, and rich — while the sauce and toppings bring that familiar pizza excitement. The cheese melts through every layer, binding it all together in one irresistible dish.
It’s the ideal dinner for when you crave pizza but want something more comforting and spoonable. Minimal effort, maximum satisfaction — this Cheesy Pizza Tortellini is the ultimate fusion of two timeless favorites.
