Pizza Tortellini Skillet – A Cozy One-Pan Family Favorite
When the craving for pizza strikes but you also want the comforting texture of cheesy pasta, this Pizza Tortellini Skillet swoops in as the weeknight hero. It’s hearty, gooey, and bursts with those classic pizza flavors — tangy tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, crispy pepperoni — all wrapped around pillowy tortellini. The best part? It comes together in one skillet, meaning minimal cleanup and maximum comfort.
Picture this: it’s a cool evening, the kitchen smells like bubbling tomato sauce and melted cheese, and everyone gathers around the stove waiting for the first scoop of cheesy goodness. That’s the magic of this dish — it feels like pizza night and pasta night all in one.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 1 (9 oz) package cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Italian blend cheese
- 20–25 slices pepperoni
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat and drizzle with olive oil. Add the ground beef or sausage, breaking it apart as it cooks until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Stir in minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Pour in the pizza sauce and stir well, letting it simmer for 2–3 minutes to marry the flavors.
- Add in the cheese tortellini, stirring to coat each piece in sauce. If using frozen tortellini, add a splash of water to help it cook through.
- Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Mix everything evenly.
- Reduce heat to low and sprinkle half the mozzarella and cheddar over the top. Stir slightly, then layer the remaining cheese evenly over the skillet.
- Arrange the pepperoni slices over the cheese layer.
- Cover the skillet and let it cook for 5–7 minutes until the cheese is melty and bubbly. For an even crispier top, place the skillet under the broiler for 2–3 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or basil before serving. Serve hot, straight from the skillet.
Tips & Tricks:
- Use mini pepperoni for better distribution, or cut larger slices into halves.
- Want it creamier? Add 1/4 cup of heavy cream to the sauce before adding the tortellini.
- For a meatless version, skip the sausage and toss in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach instead.
- This dish reheats beautifully — add a splash of water or sauce before microwaving to restore creaminess.
Pizza Tortellini Skillet
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook ground beef or sausage in olive oil over medium heat until browned.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Stir in pizza sauce and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Add cheese tortellini and mix to coat evenly.
- Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Sprinkle with cheese, top with pepperoni, and cover to melt.
- Broil for 2–3 minutes for a bubbly top and garnish with parsley.
Notes
Variations:
- Supreme Skillet: Add diced bell peppers, onions, black olives, and mushrooms to make it taste like a loaded pizza.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in spicy Italian sausage and extra red pepper flakes for heat.
- BBQ Twist: Swap pizza sauce for BBQ sauce and use shredded chicken instead of beef for a smoky version.
Serving Suggestions:
This skillet meal pairs beautifully with a side salad or garlic bread. A chilled glass of iced tea or red wine complements the savory richness. If serving for a gathering, spoon portions into individual ramekins and sprinkle extra cheese before broiling for a restaurant-style presentation.
Storage Information:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot. To freeze, cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe dish, and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat covered.
FAQ:
- Can I use a different pasta? Yes! Ravioli or penne work fine, though tortellini’s cheese filling enhances the “pizza” flavor.
- Do I have to use pepperoni? Not at all — try salami, cooked bacon bits, or even turkey pepperoni.
- Can I make it ahead? Yes. Assemble everything up to the cheese and pepperoni layer, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.
History / Fun Facts:
Pizza-flavored pastas started trending in the early 2010s, combining Italian-American comfort foods into quick weeknight meals. The tortellini itself has ancient origins from Emilia-Romagna, Italy, where it was said to be inspired by Venus’ navel! Over time, cooks began marrying the traditional cheese-filled pasta with popular pizza toppings — giving birth to family favorites like this skillet masterpiece.
Few dishes bring together the best of two worlds like Pizza Tortellini Skillet. It’s got the familiar flavors of Friday-night pizza and the cozy satisfaction of a baked pasta — all made in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, one bite will remind you why comfort food will always have a place at the table.
