Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite weeknight dinner! This Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini combines everything we adore about hearty pizzas —meaty toppings, gooey cheese, and savory sauce— with the satisfying comfort of cheesy tortellini. It’s all cooked up in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze, and it’s on the table in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for hungry teens or just want to channel your inner pizza fan, this fun pasta spin is perfect for those nights when you need something fast, filling, and full of flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how much flavor comes from a handful of simple ingredients, each one perfectly chosen to give that unmistakable Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini taste. Every element contributes a different texture, color, or burst of flavor that brings this dish irresistibly close to an actual slice of loaded pizza.
- Cheese Tortellini: Tender pockets of pasta filled with creamy cheese, the perfect canvas for all our toppings.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps everything cook evenly in the skillet.
- Italian Sausage: Brings bold, savory flavor and just the right amount of spice—use mild or spicy, depending on your mood!
- Pepperoni Slices: Classic pizza vibes, especially when they crisp up just enough around the edges.
- Bacon: Smoky, salty, and totally irresistible—everything you want in a meat lover’s dish.
- Pizza Sauce: Tangy, herby, and loaded with tomato flavor to bring the whole creation together.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into those dreamy, cheesy pulls we all can’t resist.
- Italian Seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that gives the dish its warm, unmistakable pizzeria taste.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Adds a gentle kick and a pop of color; perfect if you like things a bit spicy.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish and golden color on top.
- Fresh Parsley (optional): A sprinkle at the end for color and a hint of freshness.
How to Make Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini
Step 1: Boil the Tortellini
Start by cooking your cheese tortellini according to the package directions. Aim for al dente, since the pasta will soak up a little more flavor in the skillet later. Once done, drain it and set it aside—you’ll want it ready to go for the final toss.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage (with casings removed) and break it up as it cooks. Keep stirring until you get nicely browned bits with zero pink—this is your first layer of that unmistakable Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini flavor.
Step 3: Add Pepperoni and Bacon
Now toss in the quartered pepperoni slices and crumbled bacon. Stir everything together so the flavors can mingle. Let the pepperoni warm through and the bacon get a little crispy edge—it’ll smell just like your favorite pizza shop at this stage!
Step 4: Sauce It Up
Reduce the heat to low and pour in your pizza sauce. Stir in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if you want that subtle heat). Let the mixture simmer for a minute or two so the seasonings have a chance to bloom.
Step 5: Combine with Tortellini
Add your cooked tortellini into the sauce and gently toss until every piece is completely coated. You want to keep the tortellini whole, so a soft hand does the trick. The pasta will soak up some of that saucy, meaty goodness as it simmers gently.
Step 6: Cheese, Please!
Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese even across the top. Cover the skillet and let everything cook for 3-4 minutes. The cheese will transform into a melty blanket—peek under the lid for those signature gooey cheese pulls you know and love.
Step 7: Finishing Touches
Take the skillet off the heat, then shower over the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley, if you’re feeling fancy. Serve immediately, while the cheese is stretchy and the tortellini piping hot!
How to Serve Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini
Garnishes
A final flourish makes all the difference! Dust a bit more grated Parmesan on top for an extra-savory kick. Chopped fresh parsley brings a pop of color and a touch of freshness that brightens up every bite. For real pizza traditionalists, add a light drizzle of olive oil or a few more red pepper flakes for even more flavor.
Side Dishes
Serve your Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini with a simple green salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette. Garlic bread or warm focaccia is always a hit for mopping up extra sauce (it’s practically a rule with pizza-inspired dishes). If you want a lighter side, try roasted vegetables for balance and vibrant color on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Scoop individual portions into mini cast iron skillets for a fun, rustic vibe. Or, pile it high in a big family-style bowl, garnished with extra cheese and fresh herbs for a cozy, shareable presentation. For parties, consider serving it in little ramekins—everyone gets their own bubbling, cheesy portion!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Refrigerate any leftover Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini in an airtight container. It will stay delicious for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more as it sits, making those leftovers something to look forward to!
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze this dish! Let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep for 1 to 2 months. For best results, freeze before adding the final cheese topping and add that fresh when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat individual servings in the microwave, or pop the whole batch into a covered skillet over low heat. If it looks a bit dry, add a splash of extra pizza sauce. Top with more cheese before reheating to recapture that fresh-from-the-oven gooeyness.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini for Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini?
Absolutely! Just follow the package directions for boiling, and use it straight from the freezer if needed. Make sure it’s tender before tossing into the sauce.
What can I use instead of Italian sausage?
Feel free to substitute with ground turkey, chicken sausage, or even veggie sausage for a lighter or meatless take—just be sure to season well to preserve all that pizza-inspired flavor!
Is this recipe spicy?
The base recipe is more savory than spicy, but adding red pepper flakes or choosing spicy Italian sausage will definitely turn up the heat if you like a little kick!
Can I add vegetables to Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini?
Definitely! Try diced bell peppers, onions, sliced mushrooms, or even black olives. Add them to the skillet with the sausage so they have time to soften and caramelize.
Is this tortellini dish good for meal prep?
Yes! Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini holds up beautifully for a couple of days in the fridge and reheats well, making it perfect for prepping lunches or a quick dinner later in the week.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dinner that’s both comforting and a little bit exciting, you won’t go wrong with Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini. It brings together all the joy of a loaded pizza with the ease of a one-skillet pasta. Give it a try—you might just declare it your new “pizza night” tradition!
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Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini recipe. It’s a cheesy, savory pasta dish that combines the flavors of a meat lover’s pizza with the convenience of tortellini.
Ingredients
Cheese Tortellini:
- 1 pound cheese tortellini
Meat Mixture:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices (quartered)
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
Sauce and Toppings:
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini: Prepare the cheese tortellini according to package directions, drain, and set aside.
- Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a skillet, heat olive oil, cook Italian sausage until browned, add pepperoni, and bacon. Stir to combine.
- Combine Ingredients: Reduce heat, add pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Toss in the cooked tortellini.
- Add Cheese and Finish: Sprinkle mozzarella over the mixture, cover, and cook until cheese is melted. Top with Parmesan and parsley.
Notes
- Enhance with bell peppers, mushrooms, or black olives for more pizza-like flavors.
- Opt for spicy Italian sausage for added heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1240mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
