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Cheesy Pizza Tortellini One Pan Dinner

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Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Skill Level: Easy | Serves: 4 | Intensity: Minimal Effort

Craving pizza night but short on time and energy? This Cheesy Pizza Tortellini One Pan Dinner is your savior. It combines the gooey, comforting flavors of a pepperoni pizza with the satisfying heartiness of cheese-filled tortellini, all cooked in a single pan for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup. It’s a family-friendly weeknight hero that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 (24-ounce) jar of your favorite marinara or pizza sauce

  • 1 cup water or vegetable broth

  • 1 (18-20 ounce) package fresh cheese tortellini (refrigerated, not dried)

  • 1 (8-ounce) block of low-moisture mozzarella cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)

  • 1 (3.5-ounce) package sliced pepperoni, divided

  • 1 green bell pepper, diced (optional)

  • ½ cup sliced black olives (optional)

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)

  • Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Equipment

  • 1 Large, deep skillet or sauté pan with a lid (oven-safe if using the broiler method)

  • Wooden spoon or spatula

  • Measuring cups and spoons

  • Cheese grater (if grating your own mozzarella)

Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics (5 mins)

Heat the olive oil in your large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion (and bell pepper if using) and cook for 4-5 minutes, until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, until fragrant.

2. Build the Sauce (2 mins)

Pour in the entire jar of marinara sauce. Use the water or broth to rinse out the jar, then add that liquid to the pan as well. This ensures you get all the sauce and adds the perfect amount of liquid to cook the tortellini. Stir in the dried oregano and red pepper flakes. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.

3. Cook the Tortellini (10 mins)

Add the entire package of fresh cheese tortellini to the simmering sauce. Stir gently to submerge them. Scatter half of the pepperoni slices and the olives (if using) over the top. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pan with a lid, and let it cook for 10-12 minutes. Stir once halfway through. The tortellini should be tender and the sauce thickened.

4. Add the Cheese & Toppings (3 mins)

Once the tortellini is cooked, remove the lid. Turn off the heat. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the entire surface of the tortellini. Arrange the remaining half of the pepperoni slices on top of the cheese.

5. Melt & Brown (Option A: Stovetop – 5 mins)

Place the lid back on the pan for 2-3 minutes, letting the residual heat melt the cheese perfectly. For a more browned top, you can briefly place the pan under a broiler (if your skillet is oven-safe).

Option B: Broiler Method (3 mins)
If your skillet is oven-safe, transfer it to a preheated broiler set to high. Broil for 2-3 minutes, watching closely, until the cheese is bubbly and spotty brown and the pepperoni edges crisp up.

6. Serve (2 mins)

Remove from heat (or oven). Let it cool for a minute, then garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve immediately directly from the pan, offering grated Parmesan cheese at the table.

The Last Bite: Why This Recipe Works

This dish is the ultimate testament to the magic of one-pan cooking. The tortellini steams directly in the flavorful pizza sauce, absorbing its richness while releasing starches that naturally thicken the sauce into a luscious coating. The two-stage addition of pepperoni is key: the first half simmers, infusing the entire dish with its savory, spicy oil, while the second half crisps on top, providing that iconic texture and visual appeal. The simple act of letting the cheese melt under a lid or broiler creates that irresistible, stretchy “pizza cheese” pull that makes every bite a delight. It’s not just a meal; it’s a 30-minute escape to your favorite pizzeria, with only one pan to wash.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving, approximately 1¼ cups)

  • Calories: ~620 kcal

  • Total Fat: 32g

  • Saturated Fat: 14g

  • Cholesterol: 95mg

  • Sodium: 1680mg

  • Total Carbohydrates: 55g

  • Dietary Fiber: 5g

  • Sugars: 10g

  • Protein: 28g

Note: Nutritional values are estimates based on the specific ingredients listed and may vary with substitutions, optional additions, and specific brands used. For lower sodium, choose a low-sodium marinara sauce and reduce added pepperoni.

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