Description
Savory meat lovers pizza tortellini blends Italian comfort with hearty American flavors. Cheese-laden pasta shells packed with spicy pepperoni, sausage, and bacon create a mouthwatering meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Meats:
- ½ pound (225 g) Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon (about 6 strips)
- 1 cup pepperoni slices, halved
Pasta and Cheese:
- 1 pound (450 g) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Sauce and Garnish:
- 2 cups marinara or pizza sauce
- Sliced black olives
- Diced green bell peppers
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 375F (190C) and coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light grease layer to prevent sticking.
- Bring a generously salted water pot to a rolling boil, then gently immerse the tortellini and cook according to package timing. Carefully drain the pasta and set aside, preserving its tender texture.
- Create a robust sauce foundation by blending marinara with crumbled sausage, crispy bacon pieces, and half of the pepperoni slices in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
- Construct the layered casserole by spreading a thin sauce base across the baking dish, then nestling the cooked tortellini into the sauce. Pour the remaining sauce mixture over the pasta, guaranteeing complete coverage.
- Enhance the dish’s flavor profile by evenly distributing mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses across the surface. Strategically place the remaining pepperoni slices for a classic pizza-inspired presentation.
- Shield the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling surface.
- Elevate the final presentation by optionally garnishing with sliced black olives, vibrant diced bell peppers, or fresh herb sprinkles. Serve immediately alongside crusty garlic bread or a crisp side salad.
Notes
- Customize your meat selection by swapping sausage or bacon with turkey alternatives for a lighter version.
- Drain cooked meats thoroughly to prevent excess grease from making the dish soggy and maintain crisp textures.
- For vegetarian adaptation, replace meat with plant-based protein like mushrooms, tofu crumbles, or meat substitute sausages to keep robust flavor profiles.
- Keep tortellini slightly undercooked during initial boiling since pasta continues cooking in the baking process, preventing potential mushiness and maintaining perfect al dente texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 1,200 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg