Cheese Tortellini Pepperoni Pizza Casserole (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Pasta
01 -
1 package (16 oz) cheese tortellini
→ Cheese Sauce
02 -
2 cups milk
03 -
8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed
04 -
2 cups shredded cheese (mozzarella-based blend)
05 -
1 tablespoon olive oil
06 -
2 garlic cloves, chopped
07 -
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
→ Pizza Elements
08 -
½ cup pizza sauce
09 -
2 ounces pepperoni, quartered (about ½ cup)
10 -
Additional pepperoni slices for topping
11 -
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish or a similar-sized baking dish.
02 -
Cook the cheese tortellini according to package instructions until al dente (usually 2-3 minutes for fresh, 7-9 minutes for frozen). Drain well and set aside.
03 -
In a large saucepan or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped garlic and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.
04 -
Pour milk into the pan with the garlic and add Italian seasoning. Heat the milk until it's warm but not boiling.
05 -
Reduce heat to low. Gradually add the cubed Velveeta and 2 cups of shredded cheese to the warm milk, stirring continuously until all cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
06 -
Turn off the heat and add the cooked tortellini to the cheese sauce. Gently fold in the quartered pepperoni pieces, making sure everything is evenly coated with the sauce.
07 -
Pour the tortellini and cheese mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
08 -
Spoon dollops of pizza sauce over the top of the tortellini mixture. Use a spoon to lightly swirl the sauce into the top layer, creating a marbled effect.
09 -
Arrange the pepperoni slices evenly across the top of the casserole. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over everything.
10 -
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and beginning to turn golden brown around the edges.
11 -
Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly and makes it easier to serve.
# Notes:
01 -
For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce or use spicy pepperoni.
02 -
You can use any type of tortellini you prefer - cheese, spinach, or even meat-filled varieties all work well.
03 -
This casserole reheats well in the microwave or oven for delicious leftovers.
04 -
For a complete meal in one dish, consider adding cooked Italian sausage or vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.