Indulge in the comforting flavors of pizza and pasta with this incredible Pizza Tortellini Bake – a simple, one-pan dish featuring cheesy tortellini, savory Italian sausage, vibrant peppers and onions, all coated in a rich marinara sauce and crowned with a luscious layer of melted cheese and crispy pepperoni.

Easy Pizza Tortellini Bake: Your 35-Minute One-Pan Weeknight Wonder

Are you constantly searching for quick, delicious, and satisfying dinner recipes to conquer those hectic weeknights? Look no further! This Pizza Tortellini Bake is a true lifesaver, designed to bring a hearty, flavor-packed meal to your table in just 35 minutes, all in a single pan. It’s the perfect blend of two beloved comfort foods: a cheesy pizza and a satisfying pasta dish. Say goodbye to dinner dilemmas and hello to a fuss-free, family-favorite meal that everyone will adore.

Why This Pizza Tortellini Recipe is a Game-Changer

This isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a culinary hack for busy individuals and families. Here’s why you’ll want to add it to your regular rotation:

• Speed & Efficiency: From start to finish, this meal is ready in a remarkable 35 minutes. No more hours spent slaving over a hot stove after a long day!
• One-Pan Perfection: The magic of this recipe lies in its minimal cleanup. Everything cooks in one oven-safe skillet, saving you precious time on washing dishes.
• Irresistible Flavor Combination: It marries the savory goodness of Italian sausage and marinara with the cheesy delight of tortellini and classic pizza toppings. It’s comfort food at its finest.
• Highly Customizable: Like pizza, this dish is incredibly versatile. Easily adapt it to your family’s preferences, dietary needs, or whatever ingredients you have on hand.
• Kid-Friendly: What child doesn’t love pizza or pasta? This recipe combines both, making it an instant hit with even the pickiest eaters.

Frequently Asked Questions: Pizza Tortellini FAQ

Essential Ingredients for Your Pizza Tortellini

Gathering the right components is key to this delicious dish. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need, along with some helpful tips for variations:

Ingredient Breakdown & Tips:

• Olive Oil: A staple for sautéing the aromatics.
• Onion: Diced. White or yellow onions work best, adding a foundational sweetness and savory depth.
• Green Bell Pepper: Diced. This adds a classic pizza flavor and a pop of color. If green isn’t your favorite, feel free to use red, yellow, or orange bell peppers for a sweeter note, or simply omit them if you prefer. Customization is key here!
• Italian Sausage: 1 pound. You have options here! You can use Italian sausage links (be sure to remove the casing before browning the meat, or slice them if you prefer a different texture). Ground Italian sausage is also a convenient choice. For a lighter dish or different flavor profile, ground beef, turkey, or even chicken sausage can be substituted. For a vegetarian option, consider plant-based sausage crumbles or additional vegetables.
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic provides the best aroma and flavor. If fresh isn’t available, jarred minced garlic is a convenient alternative.
• Marinara Sauce: A 24-ounce jar of your favorite brand. This forms the base of your sauce. Feel free to use Homemade Marinara Sauce if you have it. If you prefer a saucier dish, a larger 32-ounce jar can be used. Pizza sauce can also be substituted, but note that pizza sauce is often thicker and comes in smaller jars, so you might need two jars and potentially a splash more water or broth to thin it slightly.
• Italian Seasoning: 1 ½ teaspoons. This blend of herbs is crucial for that authentic Italian-American flavor profile. You can enhance it with a pinch of dried oregano or basil if desired.
• Water: ½ cup. Helps to thin the sauce slightly and ensure the tortellini cooks properly in the skillet. For richer flavor, you could use chicken or vegetable broth.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste. Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors in the dish.
• Refrigerated Cheese Tortellini: A 20-ounce package. This recipe is designed for refrigerated tortellini, which typically cooks quickly without needing to be boiled separately first. Any cheese-filled tortellini works well, but don’t hesitate to experiment with other varieties like spinach and ricotta, mushroom, or meat tortellini for different flavor dimensions.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: ¼ cup. The classic stuff in the green shaker bottle is perfectly fine here and adds a salty, umami kick. Freshly grated Parmesan can also be used for a more intense flavor.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups. This is key for that bubbly, melted cheese topping. While mozzarella is traditional, feel free to mix in other melty cheeses like provolone, Monterey Jack, or even a touch of white cheddar for added complexity.
• Pepperoni Slices: 20-25 slices. The quintessential pizza topping! Use your favorite brand. Mini pepperonis also work wonderfully, providing a bit of pepperoni in every bite. Other cured meats like salami or diced ham can be used as alternatives.
• Fresh Basil: Optional, for garnish. A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil at the end adds a burst of freshness and vibrant color.

How to Make Pizza Tortellini: Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these easy instructions to create a mouthwatering Pizza Tortellini Bake:

1. Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s ready when your skillet goes in.

2. Sauté Vegetables: In a large, 12-inch oven-safe skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened and become slightly tender.

   

3. Brown Italian Sausage: Add 1 pound of Italian sausage to the skillet with the softened vegetables. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the sausage into crumbles as it cooks. Continue to cook until the sausage is no longer pink and is thoroughly browned. Drain any excess grease if necessary.

4. Add Garlic: Stir in 3 cloves of minced garlic and cook for just 30-45 seconds more, until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter quickly.

5. Simmer Sauce: Pour in the 24-ounce jar of marinara sauce, 1 ½ teaspoons of Italian seasoning, and ½ cup of water. Stir everything well to combine all the ingredients. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting to your preference. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.

   

6. Incorporate Tortellini: Add the 20-ounce package of uncooked refrigerated cheese tortellini directly to the simmering sauce mixture. Stir gently until all the tortellini is well coated with the marinara sauce and meat. This ensures they cook evenly and absorb all the wonderful flavors.

   

7. Add Cheese and Pepperoni: Evenly sprinkle ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese over the tortellini mixture in the skillet. Arrange the 20-25 pepperoni slices on top of the cheese layer. This will create a classic pizza-like crust.

   

8. Bake to Perfection: Carefully place the uncovered skillet into the preheated oven. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and beautifully golden brown, and the pepperoni is slightly crispy. The tortellini should be cooked through and tender.

   

9. Garnish and Serve: Once removed from the oven, let the skillet sit for a few minutes to cool slightly. If desired, garnish with fresh chopped basil for a touch of freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Pizza Tortellini!

   

Tips for Success with Your Pizza Tortellini

• Use an Oven-Safe Skillet: This is key for the “one-pan” aspect. A 12-inch cast iron skillet or other oven-safe skillet will work perfectly. If you don’t have one, see the FAQ section for alternative baking dish instructions.
• Don’t Overcook the Tortellini: Refrigerated tortellini cooks quickly in the simmering sauce. Overcooking can lead to mushy pasta. The 18-20 minutes in the oven is usually sufficient.
• Adjust Sauce Consistency: If your marinara sauce seems too thick, you can add an extra splash of water or broth to reach your desired consistency before adding the tortellini.
• Customize to Your Taste: This recipe is a fantastic canvas. Feel free to adjust the amount of cheese, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, or incorporate other vegetables like sliced olives or sautéed mushrooms.
• Quality Ingredients Matter: While simple, using a good quality Italian sausage and your favorite marinara sauce can elevate the flavors significantly.

Craving More Easy and Delicious Recipes?

If you loved this Pizza Tortellini, you’re in for a treat! Explore more comforting and convenient dishes perfect for any day of the week:

• One Pot Sausage and Tortellini
• Tortellini Carbonara
• Italian Tortellini Skillet
• Pizza Hut Cavatini Copycat
• Little Caesar’s Crazy Bread Copycat
• Kielbasa and Tortellini Skillet
• Creamy Tuscan Sausage Tortellini Soup
• Crock Pot Creamy Tortellini Sausage Stew
• Crock Pot Meatball and Tortellini Soup
• Chicken Alfredo Tortellini
• Baked Pizza Pasta
• Bubble Up Pizza
• Crock Pot Pizza Casserole
• Pepperoni Pizza Pasta Salad