Cheese Tortellini Casserole (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Pasta
01 -
1 bag (16 oz) cheese-filled tortellini
→ Cheese Sauce
02 -
2 garlic cloves, minced
03 -
1 tbsp olive oil
04 -
2 cups of milk
05 -
½ tsp of Italian herbs
06 -
2 cups of shredded cheese (mozzarella blend)
07 -
8 oz of Velveeta cheese, cut into cubes
→ Pizza Toppings
08 -
About 2 oz pepperoni, quartered (roughly ½ cup)
09 -
Extra pepperoni slices for the top
10 -
1 cup finely shredded mozzarella
11 -
½ cup of pizza-style marinara
# Instructions:
01 -
Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Coat a 9x13 inch baking dish lightly with oil or butter.
02 -
Follow the cooking directions on the tortellini package. Drain the pasta when it’s just tender and set it aside.
03 -
Warm olive oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Once hot, toss in the garlic and stir it until it smells great and begins to turn golden. Don’t let it burn!
04 -
Pour the milk into the pan with the sautéed garlic. Add the Italian herbs, letting the milk gently heat up. Avoid boiling.
05 -
Lower the heat to a simmer. Bit by bit, stir in the Velveeta cubes and shredded cheese. Keep mixing until it’s velvety and lump-free.
06 -
Switch off the heat. Combine the cooked pasta with the creamy cheese sauce, folding in the chopped pepperoni bits so they’re evenly mixed.
07 -
Dump the tortellini mixture into your prepared dish, spreading it out evenly so it’s level.
08 -
Add small blobs of pizza sauce on top of the tortellini and swirl the sauce lightly with the back of a spoon to mix it into the top layer.
09 -
Scatter the extra slices of pepperoni across the top, then finish it off by sprinkling shredded mozzarella evenly.
10 -
Bake for around 25 minutes or until the top cheese layer is gooey, bubbling, and just turning golden brown on the edges.
11 -
Take the casserole out and let it sit for a few minutes so it firms up a little. Then dig in!
# Notes:
01 -
Add a pinch of chili flakes for a kick, or spice things up with hot pepperoni.
02 -
Feel free to swap in spinach, meat-filled, or any other tortellini you like.
03 -
Leftovers taste just as good! Reheat in the microwave or oven.
04 -
Bulk it up with extras like cooked sausage, mushrooms, or diced bell peppers for a heartier meal.