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Cheesy Pizza Tortellini One Pan is my go-to solution when everyone craves indulgent comfort food but there is only half an hour to spare. You get all the best pizza flavors — melty mozzarella, savory pepperoni, rich marinara — but tucked into cheesy tortellini and cooked in one skillet so dinner is on the table with minimal cleanup.
I keep bags of frozen tortellini in my freezer because this dish saves us nearly every busy week. My daughter calls it pizza pasta magic and she is always excited when it is on the menu.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: for hearty protein and rich flavor, choose lean for less grease
- Salt and pepper: these add layers of seasoning, start with less if your marinara is salty
- Onion powder and Italian seasoning: for classic pizza-inspired notes, use a quality Italian blend for best aroma
- Minced garlic: boosts the savory flavor, fresh garlic always shines here
- Marinara sauce: a thick and flavorful jarred sauce makes this extra easy, look for one with minimal added sugar
- Frozen tortellini: cheese-filled for melty bites, pick a reputable brand so the pasta stays tender and does not fall apart
- Cream cheese: brings creaminess and a tangy finish, opt for block cream cheese as it melts smoother
- Mini pepperoni: tiny bites for lots of spicy pockets, look in the deli section for best selection
- Shredded cheese: mozzarella and cheddar for melt and stretch, shred your own cheese if you have a few extra minutes
- Pizza toppings: like extra pepperoni or even a sprinkle of fresh basil can be added for a fun twist
Instructions
- Brown the Beef:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon until completely browned and no pink remains, about six minutes. Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning as the beef cooks to let the spices bloom and infuse the meat.
- Add Pepperoni and Garlic:
- Sprinkle mini pepperoni over the browned beef in the skillet, then let it sizzle for a minute or two so the pepperoni edges get lightly crisp and the oils flavor the meat. Carefully drain off any excess fat if needed, then add the minced garlic and stir just until fragrant to keep it from burning.
- Combine Marinara and Cream Cheese:
- Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet directly over the beef mixture, then add chunks of cream cheese. Stir often and constantly for several minutes, letting the cream cheese fully incorporate so the sauce turns creamy and smooth without any lumps.
- Simmer with Tortellini:
- Add frozen tortellini to the skillet, using your spoon or spatula to submerge all the pasta into the sauce for even cooking. Cover the pan and lower the heat to medium-low, letting the tortellini simmer gently for around five minutes until completely heated through and softened but still slightly chewy.
- Add Cheese and Melt:
- Sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella and cheddar cheese across the skillet, then scatter on additional mini pepperoni for extra flavor if desired. If you have a broiler, move the skillet under the broiler for a few minutes to melt and brown the cheese or simply cover the pan and leave on low heat until the cheese is melted and bubbling at the edges.
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Every time I add the handful of mini pepperoni on top it brings me right back to Friday nights making homemade pizza with my brother. The melty cheese and golden bits across the skillet never fail to wow at the table.
Storage Tips
Leftovers store well in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you plan to freeze the dish, assemble everything except the final cheese topping then wrap well and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and add cheese before reheating.
Ingredient Substitutions
Ground turkey or Italian sausage makes a great swap for beef and brings a lighter or spicier flavor profile. If you want to go meatless, skip the beef and load up on mushrooms and broccoli for a vegetarian twist. You can use any flavor of tortellini — cheese, spinach, or beef filled. Gluten free tortellini works well too if you can find it.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a crisp green salad or garlicky bread for a perfect Italian-inspired dinner. Sometimes I offer bowls of extra marinara sauce at the table for dipping. This skillet also pairs well with a tangy pickled vegetable if you want to balance the creamy richness.
Cultural and Historical Context
Combining pizza flavors with pasta is a fun tradition in American kitchens where families love playful mashups. This one pan meal channels the spirit of Italian-American comfort food, blending nostalgic pizza night flavors with the all-in-one coziness of a cheesy pasta bake.
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This one pan dinner is both weeknight-friendly and ideal for fun family meals. It brings big pizza energy and guaranteed smiles to even the busiest tables.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh tortellini cooks even faster. Check them after 2-3 minutes and adjust the cooking time as needed.
- → How can I make this meal spicier?
To add heat, mix in crushed red pepper flakes when adding the seasonings or use spicy pepperoni slices.
- → What cheese blend works best for the topping?
A combination of mozzarella and cheddar melts beautifully, but you can add provolone or Monterey jack for variety.
- → Can this be prepared ahead of time?
You can cook the beef mixture ahead and add tortellini and cheese when ready to serve for best texture.
- → Is there a vegetarian option for this dish?
Swap ground beef and pepperoni with sautéed mushrooms and extra cheese for a satisfying meatless version.