Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Tortellini Skillet

If you’re looking for a fun and delicious twist on traditional pizza, look no further than this mouthwatering Pizza Tortellini Skillet recipe. This dish is a game-changer, combining all the classic flavors of pizza with the comfort of pasta in a single skillet.

The idea for this Pizza Tortellini Skillet came to me when I needed to whip up a meal that would satisfy my pizza-loving kids while sneaking in some extra veggies and protein. The result was a cheesy, rich, and creamy pasta dish that tastes just like pizza but in a more comforting form. The addition of cream cheese adds a luxurious touch to the marinara sauce, making every bite a delight.

Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite pizza toppings or different types of tortellini to suit your taste. Plus, leftovers are a breeze with this dish, as it reheats beautifully and tastes just as good the next day. Give this Pizza Tortellini Skillet a try, and watch it become a family favorite in no time!

Quick Benefits

• Creative twist on traditional pizza flavors
• One-pan meal for easy cleanup
• Sneakily incorporates vegetables and protein
• Versatile – customize with different tortellini types and pizza toppings

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Tortellini Skillet Recipe

• Perfect balance between kid-friendly flavors of pizza and the convenience of pasta
• Cream cheese adds a rich and creamy texture that enhances the dish
• One-pan meal that is easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights
• Adaptable recipe – you can customize with different tortellini flavors and additional pizza toppings
• Leftovers keep well and taste delicious even after reheating
• Offers a satisfying and complete meal with the option to add garlic bread and salad for a full pizza experience

Ingredients for Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Tortellini Skillet

Main Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 lb ground beef
• 4 oz cream cheese (½ block)
• 24 oz jar marinara sauce
• 19 oz frozen cheese tortellini

Pizza Toppings

• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ⅓ cup mini pepperoni (plus extra for topping)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

How to Make Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Tortellini Skillet

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Brown ground beef in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning while cooking.

Step 2: Add Pepperoni

Add approximately ⅓ cup of mini pepperoni to the skillet with the beef and cook together for 2-3 minutes until the pepperoni becomes crispy and releases its flavorful oils.

Step 3: Drain and Add Aromatics

Remove any extra grease from the pan and add minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being cautious not to burn the garlic.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce

Combine the marinara sauce and cream cheese in the skillet. Stir until the cream cheese is fully incorporated, resulting in a smooth sauce.

Step 5: Cook the Tortellini

Place the frozen tortellini in the skillet with the sauce, stir to coat, cover, and cook on medium-low heat for approximately 5 minutes until the tortellini are heated through and tender.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Finish

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese, and add extra pepperoni. Broil in the oven for 2-3 minutes until bubbly, or cover and let sit on low heat until cheese melts. Serve hot.

Storage Tips

Once you have prepared the Pizza Tortellini Skillet, any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for several days. The dish reheats nicely in the microwave, making it a convenient option for quick and easy meals throughout the week. As the tortellini sits in the fridge, it will absorb more of the sauce, so it may appear slightly drier when reheated, but the flavors will still be delicious.

To enhance the meal further, consider serving the leftover pizza tortellini with a side of garlic bread to complete the pizza experience. Additionally, a simple salad can help balance out the richness and cheesiness of the dish. Feel free to customize the recipe by trying different types of tortellini or adding extra toppings like mushrooms, bell peppers, or Italian sausage. This versatile dish is a family-friendly favorite that offers a flavorful twist on traditional pizza flavors while providing a satisfying and nutritious meal option.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a vegetarian version of this Pizza Tortellini Skillet, you can easily swap the ground beef for meatless crumbles or diced tofu. This substitution will still provide a good source of protein while keeping the dish hearty and flavorful. Additionally, you can use a variety of frozen tortellini options such as spinach and ricotta or mushroom-filled tortellini to add more depth and different flavors to the dish.

If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute the cream cheese with a non-dairy alternative like cashew cream or coconut cream. This change will still maintain the creamy and rich texture of the dish without the dairy component. Feel free to customize the sauce by adding in your favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or even some cooked crumbled Italian sausage for more traditional pizza flavors. These adjustments will add more variety and personalization to the recipe, making it a versatile and enjoyable meal for different preferences.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and interactive serving suggestion, try setting up a DIY Pizza Tortellini Skillet Bar for a casual gathering with friends or family. Arrange bowls of extra toppings like sliced olives, diced bell peppers, cooked Italian sausage, and fresh basil leaves for guests to customize their individual servings. Let everyone sprinkle their favorite toppings over their portion before digging in, creating a personalized pizza pasta experience.

To elevate the presentation for a cozy date night at home, serve the Pizza Tortellini Skillet in individual mini cast-iron skillets or oven-safe ramekins. Top each portion with a sprinkle of extra mozzarella and cheddar cheese, a few mini pepperoni slices, and a touch of fresh basil before baking them briefly in the oven to melt the cheese. Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a restaurant-worthy presentation that will impress your special someone. Pair this dish with a glass of red wine and candlelight for a romantic and delicious evening in.

FAQs for Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Tortellini Skillet

Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh tortellini in this recipe. However, keep in mind that fresh tortellini cooks faster than frozen, so adjust the cooking time accordingly to prevent it from becoming overcooked.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can omit the ground beef and mini pepperoni to make this dish vegetarian. Consider adding more vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to enhance the flavors and nutritional value.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the leftovers of this pizza tortellini skillet. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. When reheating, you may need to add a little extra marinara sauce to prevent it from drying out.

Can I substitute cream cheese with another ingredient?

If you prefer not to use cream cheese, you can substitute it with heavy cream or half-and-half for a creamy texture. Alternatively, you can omit the cream cheese altogether for a lighter version of the dish.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Pizza Tortellini Skillet is a versatile and family-friendly dish that beautifully combines the comforting flavors of pizza with the heartiness of pasta. It’s a winner in our household and has become a go-to recipe for busy weeknights when we crave something both satisfying and delicious. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and adaptability – feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings and make it your own!

So, the next time you’re in the mood for a fun twist on classic pizza flavors, give this Pizza Tortellini Skillet a try. It’s a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds, and possibly even thirds. Happy cooking, and enjoy the magic of turning simple ingredients into a flavorful and comforting meal that will surely become a staple in your recipe repertoire.

Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Tortellini Skillet

Pizza Tortellini Skillet: Ground beef, cheese tortellini, marinara, and cream cheese create a creamy, pizza-inspired dish that kids and picky eaters will love.

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Prep Time10 Minutes

Cook Time20 Minutes

Total Time30 Minutes

CuisineItalian

Skill LevelEasy

Servings6 Servings (6 generous servings)

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 lb ground beef
• 4 oz cream cheese (½ block)
• 24 oz jar marinara sauce
• 19 oz frozen cheese tortellini

Pizza Toppings

• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ⅓ cup mini pepperoni (plus extra for topping)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

1. Brown the Beef: Brown ground beef in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning while cooking.
2. Add Pepperoni: Add approximately ⅓ cup of mini pepperoni to the skillet with the beef and cook together for 2-3 minutes until the pepperoni becomes crispy and releases its flavorful oils.
3. Drain and Add Aromatics: Remove any extra grease from the pan and add minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being cautious not to burn the garlic.
4. Create Creamy Sauce: Combine the marinara sauce and cream cheese in the skillet. Stir until the cream cheese is fully incorporated, resulting in a smooth sauce.
5. Cook the Tortellini: Place the frozen tortellini in the skillet with the sauce, stir to coat, cover, and cook on medium-low heat for approximately 5 minutes until the tortellini are heated through and tender.
6. Add Cheese and Finish: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese, and add extra pepperoni. Broil in the oven for 2-3 minutes until bubbly, or cover and let sit on low heat until cheese melts. Serve hot.