Pizza Baked Tortellini

If you’re looking for a quick, cheesy, and family-approved dinner, Pizza Baked Tortellini is the answer. This comforting one-pot meal combines tender cheese-filled tortellini with rich marinara sauce, gooey mozzarella, and classic pizza toppings like pepperoni, olives, and mushrooms. Best of all, you don’t need to pre-cook the pasta—just assemble, bake, and serve. In only 30 minutes, you’ll have a hearty dish on the table that tastes like pizza night with a twist.

Ingredients

• 18 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini (1 package)
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• ½ cup water
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 20 slices pepperoni
• ¼ cup sliced black olives
• ½ cup sliced mushrooms
• Thinly sliced fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Lightly grease a large ovenproof skillet with cooking spray or olive oil.
2. Add the cheese tortellini directly into the skillet.
3. Pour marinara sauce and ½ cup of water over the pasta—do not stir.
4. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the tortellini.
5. Arrange pepperoni slices, black olives, and mushrooms on top.
6. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish with fresh basil before serving if desired.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: Serve hot straight from the skillet for a cozy family dinner. Pair with garlic bread, breadsticks, or a crisp Caesar salad for a complete meal.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or use the microwave for quick reheating.
• Freezing: Freeze cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best texture.

Variations

• Caprese Style: Swap pepperoni for sliced cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze after baking.
• Buffalo Chicken Bake: Use Alfredo sauce instead of marinara, toss shredded chicken in buffalo sauce, and top with mozzarella and blue cheese crumbles.
• Mediterranean Twist: Add kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and feta cheese for a Greek-inspired flavor.
• Taco Tortellini Bake: Replace marinara with salsa or enchilada sauce, add taco-seasoned beef, and top with cheddar and jalapeños.
• Breakfast Bake: Use sausage crumbles, scrambled eggs, and cheddar cheese for a hearty breakfast-for-dinner option.
• Philly Cheesesteak Style: Layer sautéed onions, peppers, mushrooms, and thin-sliced steak with provolone cheese.
• BBQ Chicken Ranch: Replace marinara with BBQ sauce, use shredded chicken, mozzarella, and drizzle with ranch before serving.
• Four Cheese Tortellini Bake: Use a mix of mozzarella, parmesan, ricotta, and provolone for a rich, cheesy flavor.
• Spinach & Artichoke Bake: Stir in a creamy spinach-artichoke dip base instead of marinara, then bake with tortellini and mozzarella.
• Veggie Supreme: Load with bell peppers, onions, zucchini, broccoli, and mushrooms for a pizza-style vegetarian option.
• Pesto Tortellini Bake: Swap marinara with basil pesto and top with mozzarella and parmesan.
• Cheeseburger Tortellini Bake: Use ground beef, ketchup, mustard, pickles, and cheddar cheese for a fun burger-inspired pasta.
• Chicken Alfredo Pizza Bake: Use Alfredo sauce, shredded chicken, and broccoli topped with mozzarella.
• Margherita Bake: Keep it simple with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and fresh basil leaves.
• Stuffed Pepperoni Bake: Fold in ricotta or cottage cheese for an extra creamy bite under the mozzarella.
• Low-Carb Twist: Use zucchini tortellini (available at specialty stores) or layer extra veggies instead of pasta for a lighter version.
• Hawaiian BBQ Bake: Combine ham, pineapple chunks, BBQ sauce, and mozzarella for a sweet-savory combo.
• Seafood Bake: Add cooked shrimp or crab meat with Alfredo or marinara sauce for a decadent twist.
• Creamy Mushroom Bake: Use a mushroom cream sauce instead of marinara and load with extra mushrooms and parmesan.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
   Yes, just add 5–10 extra minutes to the baking time.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
   Yes, assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
3. Do I need to pre-cook the pasta?
   No, the tortellini cooks in the sauce while baking.
4. What if I don’t have a skillet?
   You can use any oven-safe casserole dish.
5. Can I use homemade sauce?
   Yes, marinara, pizza sauce, or any homemade tomato-based sauce works well.
6. How do I make it vegetarian?
   Leave out the pepperoni or swap with extra veggies.
7. What cheese works best besides mozzarella?
   Provolone, cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses add great flavor.
8. Can I double the recipe?
   Yes, just use a larger baking dish and adjust the baking time slightly.
9. How do I keep it from drying out?
   Make sure to add enough sauce and cover with foil if the top browns too quickly.
10. What side dishes pair well with this recipe?
    Garlic bread, Caesar salad, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad are great choices.

Pizza Baked Tortellini is the ultimate weeknight dinner—fast, comforting, and endlessly customizable. It’s perfect for families, picky eaters, or anyone who loves both pizza and pasta. With just one pan and minimal prep, this dish is a guaranteed hit and will quickly become a go-to recipe in your home.

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