Pin it
This pizza tortellini dish came about when my kids were begging for pizza but I needed something with actual vegetables and protein that would keep them satisfied. I had some frozen tortellini in the freezer and figured combining it with pizza flavors might trick them into eating a real dinner. The cream cheese was a last-minute addition because the sauce looked too thin, but it ended up making everything incredibly creamy and rich.
My friend stopped by while I was making this and ended up staying for dinner because her kids were fascinated by what looked like "pizza pasta." Both her picky eaters cleaned their plates and kept asking what made it taste so much like pizza when it was clearly pasta. Now she makes it regularly for her own family dinners.
What You'll Need
- Ground beef: Provides protein and makes it more filling than just pasta
- Frozen cheese tortellini: The kind from the freezer section works perfectly
- Marinara sauce: Use whatever brand your family prefers
- Cream cheese: Makes the sauce incredibly creamy and rich
- Mini pepperoni: Easier to distribute than full-size slices
- Shredded mozzarella and cheddar: For that classic pizza cheese blend
- Italian seasonings: Onion powder and Italian seasoning blend
Pin it
How to Make It
- Brown the meat:
- Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, seasoning with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning while it cooks.
- Add pepperoni:
- Throw in the mini pepperoni and let them get slightly browned and crispy, which adds extra flavor to the whole dish.
- Drain and build sauce:
- Remove excess grease, add minced garlic, then stir in marinara sauce and chunks of cream cheese until everything melts together smoothly.
- Cook the tortellini:
- Add frozen tortellini directly to the sauce, stir well, cover, and cook on medium-low for about five minutes until tender.
- Top with cheese:
- Sprinkle shredded cheeses over everything and add more pepperoni on top for that authentic pizza look.
- Melt and serve:
- Either broil briefly or cover and let sit until the cheese melts completely.
I learned about the frozen tortellini when I tried to be helpful and thawed them first. They turned into these mushy, broken pieces that looked terrible in the final dish. Now I throw them in frozen and they hold their shape perfectly while absorbing all those pizza flavors.
Serving Suggestions
This is substantial enough to be a complete meal, but some garlic bread on the side makes everyone feel like they're getting the full pizza experience. A simple salad helps balance out all the richness and cheese.
Ways to Change It Up
Try different types of tortellini like spinach and ricotta for variety. You could add mushrooms, bell peppers, or other pizza toppings to the sauce. Italian sausage works instead of ground beef if you want more traditional pizza flavors.
Storage Reality
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for several days and reheat nicely in the microwave. The tortellini absorbs more sauce as it sits, so it might look a little drier the next day but still tastes good.
Pin it
This recipe has earned its place in our regular dinner rotation because it delivers on the promise of pizza flavors while actually being nutritious enough to count as a real meal. The one-pan aspect makes it manageable for busy weeknights, and the combination of familiar flavors keeps everyone happy without requiring any exotic ingredients or complicated techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?
- Yes! Fresh tortellini will cook faster, so reduce the cooking time to about 2-3 minutes after adding them to the sauce. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
- → What can I substitute for cream cheese?
- You can use ricotta cheese, heavy cream, or even sour cream for a similar creamy texture. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
- → Can I add vegetables to this dish?
- Absolutely! Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or onions would be great. Add them with the ground beef and cook until tender before adding the pepperoni.
- → How do I store leftovers?
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
- → Can I make this without pepperoni?
- Sure! You can skip the pepperoni for a simpler version, or substitute with cooked Italian sausage, diced ham, or even vegetables like mushrooms and peppers.
- → What other cheeses work well in this recipe?
- Try Italian blend, provolone, or even Parmesan cheese. Any good melting cheese will work great. You could also use pizza cheese blend for authentic flavor.