Baked Pizza Tortellini – Easy & Cheesy Comfort Food

Are you craving a dish that combines the best parts of pizza and pasta in one gooey, cheesy bite? Look no further than Baked Pizza Tortellini! This easy-to-make, hearty recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or a fun weekend family dinner. With its rich combination of cheese-stuffed tortellini, savory sausage, pepperoni, and pizza sauce, it’s a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults alike. Best of all, it’s simple to prepare, making it an excellent choice for a quick and satisfying meal.

Why Baked Pizza Tortellini is a Must-Try

Baked Pizza Tortellini offers a delightful fusion of two classic comfort foods: pizza and pasta. This recipe stands out because it’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to tweak it with your favorite pizza toppings like olives, mushrooms, or green peppers. It’s a one-pan wonder, meaning minimal cleanup, and the leftovers taste just as delicious, making it perfect for meal prep. Plus, it can be customized for various dietary preferences, making it ideal for families.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Baked Pizza Tortellini:

• Ground Italian Sausage: Adds a savory and hearty base with rich flavor.
• White Onion: Provides a mild sweetness that balances the richness of the sausage.
• Garlic: Brings a fragrant, aromatic kick to the sauce.
• Frozen Cheese Tortellini: The star of the dish—tender pasta stuffed with gooey cheese.
• Pizza Sauce: The tangy, flavorful sauce that ties the dish together with a pizza-like flavor.
• Cheddar Cheese Soup: Gives the dish a creamy texture while adding extra cheesy goodness.
• Pepperoni: Classic pizza topping that adds a salty, spicy element.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, creating a gooey, irresistible topping.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you’re looking to switch things up or accommodate dietary preferences, here are some great swaps:

• Refrigerated Tortellini: If you prefer fresh tortellini over frozen, it works just as well in this recipe.
• Vegetarian Sausage: For a meat-free version, swap the ground Italian sausage with a plant-based alternative.
• Gluten-Free Tortellini: If you’re following a gluten-free diet, look for gluten-free tortellini options.
• Vegan Cheese: To make this dish vegan, use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 13×9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage with chopped onions until fully cooked. Drain the excess grease, then add the minced garlic and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the frozen tortellini, pizza sauce, cheddar cheese soup, cooked sausage with onions and garlic, about three-quarters of the pepperoni, and half of the shredded mozzarella. Stir everything together until well-mixed.
4. Assemble the Dish: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top it with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and any extra pepperoni you have left over. Feel free to add other pizza toppings like olives, mushrooms, or green peppers for extra flavor.
5. Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese has melted to a golden perfection.

Tips & Tricks

To make your Baked Pizza Tortellini even better, consider these tips:

• Check for Doneness: Make sure the tortellini is fully cooked before removing the casserole from the oven. If the cheese isn’t bubbling yet, let it bake for an additional 5 minutes.
• Use a Cast Iron Skillet: If you prefer a crispy crust on the bottom, bake the dish in a cast-iron skillet for extra texture.
• Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven for the best results.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

Baked Pizza Tortellini is delicious on its own, but it pairs perfectly with these sides:

• Garlic Bread: Crunchy, buttery garlic bread makes the perfect accompaniment to this cheesy pasta dish.
• Side Salad: A simple side salad with fresh greens and Italian dressing can add a light contrast to the richness of the tortellini.
• Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or jalapeños to the dish.

If you want to mix things up, try adding different pizza toppings like olives, mushrooms, or green peppers. You can even make this dish spicier by using hot sausage or adding a bit of spicy marinara sauce.

Healthier Twist (Optional)

While this Baked Pizza Tortellini is indulgent, there are ways to lighten it up without sacrificing flavor. For a healthier option, you can use lean turkey sausage instead of ground pork sausage. You can also reduce the cheese amount or opt for reduced-fat versions. Additionally, swapping the regular tortellini for whole wheat or gluten-free tortellini adds more fiber and makes the dish more suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

Conclusion

Baked Pizza Tortellini is a perfect blend of pizza and pasta flavors, making it a delicious and satisfying dish for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, preparing a quick weeknight meal, or meal prepping for the week, this easy-to-make recipe has it all—cheese, savory sausage, and the ever-popular pepperoni. With its customizable nature, you can tailor it to suit various tastes and dietary needs, ensuring everyone can enjoy this cheesy, comforting dish. So, gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to enjoy a meal that will surely become a family favorite!

FAQ

More Relevant Recipes

• Million Dollar Baked Tortellini: This recipe offers a creamy, cheesy baked tortellini that’s packed with flavor and perfect for a comforting meal. Just like the Baked Pizza Tortellini, it’s rich, hearty, and sure to please a crowd.
• Crockpot Chicken Tortellini: A hands-off, slow-cooked version of tortellini, this dish combines tender chicken and cheese-filled tortellini in a creamy, flavorful sauce. It’s a simple and delicious meal for busy days that mirrors the cheesy goodness of baked tortellini.
• Cheese Tortellini with Vegetables: This lighter take on tortellini incorporates fresh vegetables into a cheesy tortellini dish. It’s a great option if you want to add some greens while still enjoying the creamy, cheesy flavors you love in Baked Pizza Tortellini.

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