Introduction
Cheesy Pizza Tortellini Dinner combines the comforting flavors of pizza with the fun twist of tortellini, creating an easy-to-make, cheesy, and satisfying meal. This dish features tender cheese tortellini smothered in marinara sauce, topped with melted mozzarella, and finished with classic pizza toppings like pepperoni, olives, and fresh basil. It’s a great weeknight dinner, perfect for kids and adults alike. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this meal delivers all the joy of pizza in one cozy, cheesy bowl.
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Cheesy Pizza Tortellini Dinner – A Fun and Flavorful Twist on Pizza
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and delicious dinner featuring cheese tortellini in a cheesy pizza-inspired sauce, perfect for a family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
- 1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices, cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the pepperoni slices and cook for 1-2 minutes until they start to crisp up.
- Add the pizza sauce, heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and basil to the skillet. Stir to combine and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the cooked tortellini and toss to coat in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the tortellini. Cover the skillet and let it cook for 1-2 minutes until the cheese has melted.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Feel free to add other pizza toppings like olives, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
- This recipe can also be made with other types of stuffed pasta, such as ravioli, if you prefer.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cheesy Pizza Tortellini Dinner is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and packed with flavors everyone loves. The combination of cheese-filled tortellini, marinara sauce, and gooey mozzarella creates a dish that’s both comforting and indulgent. It’s a twist on pizza night that’s fast, simple, and delicious. Plus, you can easily customize it by adding your favorite pizza toppings—whether it’s sausage, mushrooms, or extra cheese, this dinner is versatile enough to fit anyone’s tastes.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ingredients Breakdown
For the Tortellini:
- Cheese Tortellini: Soft, tender pasta filled with cheese, making it the perfect base for this dish.
- Marinara Sauce: A rich, tangy sauce that provides the “pizza” flavor base.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully and gives the dish its cheesy, gooey texture.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds extra flavor and a touch of saltiness to the dish.
For the Pizza Toppings:
- Pepperoni: Adds a savory, slightly spicy flavor that’s synonymous with pizza.
- Black Olives: Provides a salty, tangy contrast to the richness of the cheese.
- Fresh Basil: Adds a pop of freshness and aromatic flavor to the dish.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a bit of heat if desired.
Directions
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Cook the Tortellini:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions, usually about 2-4 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the marinara sauce over medium heat. Once warm, add the cooked tortellini to the sauce and stir gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
3. Add the Cheese:
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the tortellini. Stir to combine and allow the cheese to melt into the sauce, creating a creamy, cheesy coating on the tortellini.
4. Add the Toppings:
- Add the pepperoni slices and black olives to the pan, mixing them into the cheesy tortellini. Let everything cook together for a couple of minutes until heated through and the cheese is fully melted.
5. Serve:
- Serve the Cheesy Pizza Tortellini Dinner in bowls, garnished with fresh basil leaves. For an extra kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top.
Equipment needed :
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves approximately 4 people. Preparation time is about 10 minutes, cooking time is 15-20 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or extra marinara sauce to loosen up the dish.
Variations and Customizations
Toppings: Feel free to swap or add your favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms, green peppers, sausage, or onions.
Make it Vegetarian: Omit the pepperoni and add more vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or roasted red peppers.
Different Sauces: Try using pesto or Alfredo sauce in place of marinara for a different flavor profile.
Add Extra Cheese: For extra cheesiness, stir in some ricotta or cream cheese into the sauce before adding the tortellini.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Approximate values per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 kcal |
| Protein | 20 g |
| Carbohydrates | 47 g |
| Fat | 26 g |
| Saturated Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 7 g |
| Sodium | 900 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Even Distribution: Stir the tortellini gently into the sauce to avoid breaking the pasta.
Cheese Control: For the creamiest result, use a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
Customize Your Sauce: Feel free to use your favorite marinara or pizza sauce, or even make your own with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and herbs.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, frozen tortellini works perfectly in this recipe. Just cook it according to the package directions.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the tortellini and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just heat the sauce, toss in the tortellini, and melt the cheese.
Can I freeze this dish?
This dish is best eaten fresh, but you can freeze the cooked tortellini and sauce mixture. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave and add fresh cheese before serving.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use mozzarella, cheddar, or any cheese that melts well. A blend of Italian cheeses can also be used for added flavor.
Can I make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! Add some red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños to the sauce for a spicy twist.
Conclusion
Cheesy Pizza Tortellini Dinner is the perfect combination of cheesy, savory, and satisfying flavors. With the familiar taste of pizza combined with tender tortellini and a rich, tangy marinara sauce, it’s an easy and quick dinner the whole family will love. Whether you keep it simple with just pepperoni and cheese or load it up with your favorite toppings, this dish is guaranteed to become a go-to favorite for any pizza lover.
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