If you love the comforting flavors of pizza and the cheesy goodness of tortellini, then this Supreme Pizza Tortellini Bake Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine perfectly cooked cheese tortellini swimming in a rich tomato and sausage sauce, topped with melty mozzarella and Parmesan, then baked until bubbly and golden. It’s a decadent, crowd-pleasing dish with all your favorite pizza toppings harmoniously combined in one satisfying casserole. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is bound to become a staple you return to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe has a purpose, making the bake richly flavorful, texturally balanced, and visually vibrant. From the pepperoni’s savory punch to the herbs’ fragrant lift, these simple staples come together beautifully to create an irresistible meal.
- Cheese tortellini: Acts as the hearty, pillow-soft base that holds all the delicious flavors.
- Olive oil: Brings a smooth richness to sauté the sausage and vegetables.
- Italian sausage, crumbled: Adds robust, meaty depth with just the right amount of spice.
- Sliced pepperoni: Brings that classic pizza zest and a bit of chewiness.
- Red and green bell peppers, diced: Provide vibrant colors and fresh, sweet crunch.
- Onion, diced: Contributes subtle sweetness and aromatic layers.
- Garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with warm, savory notes.
- Crushed tomatoes: Form the luscious, tangy tomato base of the sauce.
- Pizza sauce: Enhances the tomato base with herbs and seasoning for extra depth.
- Dried oregano and basil: Give that unmistakable Italian herbal aroma and flavor.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Add a gentle hint of heat to wake up the palate.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Creates the gooey, melty cheese blanket everyone dreams of.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkles a salty, nutty finish for complexity.
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh, green pop that brightens each bite.
How to Make Supreme Pizza Tortellini Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so your tortellini bake won’t stick, setting you up for an easy cleanup later.
Step 2: Cook the Tortellini
Boil your cheese tortellini according to the package directions until tender but not mushy. Once cooked, drain them well and set aside. This gives you that perfect chewy center that holds up in the bake.
Step 3: Brown the Sausage
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the crumbled Italian sausage and cook it thoroughly, breaking it apart so it browns evenly. Remove excess grease to keep the sauce from getting oily but retain all that meaty flavor.
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
Add diced red and green bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic to your skillet. Cook them for around 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally until they soften and release their sweet, fragrant aromas. This builds a delicious flavor foundation.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, pizza sauce, oregano, basil, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 5 to 7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and thicken beautifully.
Step 6: Combine Tortellini and Sauce
Toss the cooked tortellini into the sauce, stirring carefully to coat each piece evenly. Then transfer this vibrant mixture into your prepared baking dish. This is where all the magic starts coming together.
Step 7: Add the Cheese Toppings
Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top. These cheeses melt down into a bubbly, golden crust that’s simply irresistible.
Bake and Finish
Pop your baking dish in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbling. For an extra golden top, you can broil the dish for a couple of minutes—but watch it closely!
How to Serve Supreme Pizza Tortellini Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Adding freshly chopped basil or parsley as a garnish not only makes your bake look gorgeous but also gives a fresh herbal brightness that cuts through the rich cheese and sauce. This little touch takes the dish from great to unforgettable.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread. The fresh salad adds a cool, crunchy contrast while bread is perfect for soaking up every last bit of that flavorful sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Supreme Pizza Tortellini Bake Recipe right from the baking dish for a cozy, family-style meal or plate individual portions with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and some chili flakes for a restaurant-style flair. You can also sprinkle extra Parmesan on top tableside for guests to customize their cheesy goodness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Supreme Pizza Tortellini Bake Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so it tastes fantastic reheated.
Freezing
This bake freezes well if you want to prepare in advance. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, bake leftovers at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual portions, covering loosely to keep the moisture. A quick sprinkle of fresh cheese before reheating adds a melty boost to the dish.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini for the Supreme Pizza Tortellini Bake Recipe?
Absolutely! Just cook the frozen tortellini according to package instructions before adding it to the sauce. It works perfectly and saves a bit of time since frozen tortellini is often pre-packaged fresh.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can skip the sausage and pepperoni and instead add extra veggies like mushrooms, olives, or artichokes. Using a plant-based sausage substitute also works well to keep that savory feel.
How spicy is the Supreme Pizza Tortellini Bake Recipe?
The optional crushed red pepper flakes add just a mild kick, but you can completely omit them for a milder dish or add more if you prefer extra heat. It’s very adaptable to your spice tolerance.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time and bake later?
Definitely! Assemble the tortellini and sauce mixture along with the cheese topping in the baking dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake fresh when ready to enjoy.
What type of sausage works best here?
Italian sausage, either sweet or spicy depending on your preference, is ideal because it brings rich seasoning and a juicy texture. Remove casings before crumbling and cooking for the best results.
Final Thoughts
This Supreme Pizza Tortellini Bake Recipe is a total winner that brings together all the best parts of pizza night with the comforting embrace of a pasta bake. It’s straightforward to prepare, endlessly delicious, and perfect for sharing — trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it over and over. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and dive into this incredible dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Print
Supreme Pizza Tortellini Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Pasta Bake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A hearty and flavorful Supreme Pizza Tortellini Bake combining tender cheese tortellini with classic pizza toppings like Italian sausage, pepperoni, bell peppers, and a savory tomato sauce, all baked to perfection with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This dish offers the comforting taste of pizza in a warm, cheesy pasta bake that’s perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 lb cheese tortellini
Meats
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage, crumbled
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
Vegetables
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauces & Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Cheeses
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Tortellini: Boil the cheese tortellini according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Brown Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the crumbled Italian sausage and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced red and green bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
- Make Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, pizza sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 5-7 minutes while stirring occasionally to blend the flavors.
- Combine Tortellini and Sauce: Add the cooked tortellini into the skillet with the sauce mixture. Stir gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the tortellini and sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the bake from the oven and garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious supreme pizza tortellini bake!
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
- You can substitute Italian sausage for ground beef or turkey if preferred.
- Feel free to add other favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms or olives.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to baking time if baking cold.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
