Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole
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- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked tortellini, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan, pepperoni slices, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is evenly mixed.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Top with additional mozzarella cheese and arrange extra pepperoni slices on top for extra flavor and a crispy texture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Storage and Reheating Tips:
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: This casserole can be frozen for up to 3 months. Be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before freezing.
- Reheating: To reheat, microwave individual portions or place the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through. If reheating from frozen, bake at 350°F for 40-45 minutes, covering with foil for the first 20 minutes, then removing the foil to allow the top to crisp.
20 FAQs:
- Can I use a different type of pasta instead of tortellini?
- Yes, you can substitute cheese tortellini with other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or even ravioli.
- Can I use homemade marinara sauce?
- Absolutely! Homemade marinara works great for this dish and will give it an extra burst of flavor.
- Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
- Yes, omit the pepperoni and replace it with more vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives.
- Can I add more cheese?
- Yes, feel free to add extra mozzarella, Parmesan, or even cheddar for more cheesy goodness.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- Yes, assemble it ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking.
- How can I make this dish spicier?
- Add crushed red pepper flakes or spicy sausage in place of the pepperoni for a spicy kick.
- Can I freeze this casserole?
- Yes, this casserole freezes well! Just make sure it’s fully cooled before wrapping and storing it in the freezer.
- How do I reheat this casserole from frozen?
- Bake at 350°F for 40-45 minutes, covered with foil for the first 20 minutes, and uncovered for the remainder to get the cheese bubbly and golden.
- Can I add extra protein to this casserole?
- Yes, you can add cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or grilled chicken to make it more filling.
- Can I use a low-fat cheese?
- Yes, you can substitute with low-fat mozzarella or Parmesan if you prefer a lighter version.
- Can I use a different type of pepperoni?
- Yes, turkey pepperoni or even veggie pepperoni are great alternatives.
- How can I make this casserole less greasy?
- Opt for leaner pepperoni or blot the slices with a paper towel before adding them to the casserole.
- Can I make this dairy-free?
- Yes, you can substitute the cheese with dairy-free alternatives and use a dairy-free marinara sauce.
- How can I make this casserole more saucy?
- Add an extra half cup of marinara sauce to make it saucier, or drizzle a little extra sauce on top before baking.
- Is this recipe good for kids?
- Yes, this casserole is perfect for kids as it combines cheesy pasta and pepperoni, two kid-friendly favorites!
- Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
- Yes, feel free to add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or onions to the casserole for added flavor and nutrition.
- Can I use gluten-free pasta?
- Yes, gluten-free tortellini or any gluten-free pasta works perfectly in this casserole.
- What if I don’t like pepperoni?
- No problem! You can use other pizza toppings like sausage, bacon, or even cooked chicken instead of pepperoni.
- Can I make this casserole without baking it?
- The casserole is best when baked, but you can also prepare it stovetop if you’re short on time—just heat everything in a skillet and cover with cheese until melted.
- Can I use a smaller baking dish?
- Yes, you can use an 8×8-inch baking dish for a thicker casserole, but adjust the baking time as needed.







