-
Italian seasoning, garlic powder, fresh basil
-
Fresh salad and garlic bread to serve alongside
Instructions
Step 1: Pre‑heat and prepare the baking dish
Pre‑heat your oven to 375 °F (190 °C). Grease a 13×9‑inch (≈33×23 cm) baking dish lightly with cooking spray or oil.
Step 2: Combine tortellini, sauce & toppings
In a large bowl, combine the frozen tortellini, pizza sauce, water (if using), and half of the mozzarella cheese. Stir gently to coat. Spread half of the mixture in the prepared dish. Sprinkle half the pepperoni (and any veggies/olives) on top. Then add the remaining tortellini mixture, top with the rest of the pepperoni and remaining mozzarella. Happy Money Saver
Step 3: Bake until bubbly and golden
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40‑50 minutes (or about 25 minutes if tortellini are thawed) until the sauce is bubbling. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10 minutes (or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden). Happy Money Saver+1
Remove from oven, let sit 2‑3 minutes, then serve hot.
Tips for Success
Use quality sauce and cheese
A good pizza sauce and freshly shredded mozzarella make a big difference in melt and flavour.
Avoid a soggy bake: layering matters
Don’t over‑fill with sauce. Using the water helps the sauce spread without overly pooling. Layering toppings and cheese helps keep texture correct.
Customise toppings
Feel free to add cooked sausage, chopped mushrooms, or peppers. Just ensure veggies are pre‑cooked if they are very wet, so the bake doesn’t become watery.
Variations
Meat‑loaded version
Add cooked Italian sausage or ground beef to the tortellini mixture for a heartier bake. Real Food by Dad
Vegetable or vegetarian version
Skip pepperoni and add roasted zucchini, spinach or broccoli. Use a vegetarian pepperoni alternative if desired.
Ingredient Substitutions
-
Tortellini → cheese ravioli or other filled pasta works too
-
Pizza sauce → marinara or chunky tomato basil sauce
-
Mozzarella → blend with cheddar, provolone or Italian blend for different flavours
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350 °F (175 °C) for about 10 minutes, or microwave individual servings. This dish also freezes well (see freezer‑meal version) for up to 3 months. Southern Bite
What to Serve With This Bake
Serve alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, garlic bread or breadsticks, and a light vegetable like steamed broccoli. For a beverage, a cold soda or chilled white wine complements nicely.
Nutrition Facts
Estimated per serving (1/6 of recipe): approx. 450‑550 calories, ~22‑25 g protein, ~20‑28 g fat, ~45‑55 g carbs. (Exact values depend on ingredients & portion size) Happy Money Saver
FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh (not frozen) tortellini?
A: Yes — fresh or refrigerated tortellini cooks faster. Reduce baking time accordingly and ensure pasta is coated with sauce.
Q: Can this dish be frozen?
A: Yes. Assemble in a freezer‑safe dish, wrap tightly, freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight, then bake as instructed. Happy Money Saver
Q: Can I use homemade pasta sauce?
A: Absolutely. A richer homemade sauce will elevate this dish. Just make sure it has good flavour and enough volume to coat the pasta.
Related Recipes
-
Try our One‑Pot Creamy Chicken Tortellini Bake for another twist on tortellini comfort.
-
For pizza lovers: Pepperoni Pizza Casserole gives similar flavours in a different format.
Conclusion
This cheesy pizza tortellini bake is the perfect fusion of your favourite pizza and hearty pasta bake—easy to prepare, versatile in toppings, and always satisfying. Whether for a busy weeknight or a family dinner, it hits all the right notes. Grab your favourite tortellini, sauce and toppings—and let the oven do the work. You’ll love every gooey, cheesy bite.
