Description
A cozy, family-friendly baked casserole that marries cheesy tortellini with classic pepperoni pizza flavors, bubbling with melty mozzarella and bright marinara.
Ingredients
Scale
- 20 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups sliced pepperoni
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly oil a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook tortellini until just al dente, 1 to 2 minutes less than package directions. Drain well.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked tortellini, marinara sauce, 1 1/2 cups mozzarella, parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Toss gently to coat.
- Spread a thin layer of sauce mixture in the prepared baking dish.
- Add half the tortellini mixture, layer with half the pepperoni, then repeat with remaining tortellini and pepperoni. Top with remaining 1 1/2 cups mozzarella.
- Cover with foil and bake 20 minutes. Uncover and bake 8 to 10 minutes more, until cheese is melted and bubbly with golden spots.
- Remove from oven, sprinkle with red pepper flakes and fresh basil. Rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded mozzarella for the best melt and stretch.
- Undercook tortellini slightly to prevent a mushy texture after baking.
- For crisper pepperoni, place a few slices on top before the final bake.
- Let the casserole rest before slicing so layers set cleanly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of casserole
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: tortellini casserole, pepperoni pizza bake, cheesy pasta bake, weeknight dinner, family friendly