If you’ve ever wished your favorite pizzeria and your go-to pasta night could combine into one unforgettable meal, this Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini is pure magic waiting for your fork. Hearty Italian sausage, smoky bacon, and bold pepperoni unite with pillowy cheese tortellini, all drenched in a duo of zesty pizza and marinara sauces, then showered with bubbling melted cheese. Every bite delivers those meaty, cheesy pizza vibes—except with the coziness (and lightning-fast ease) of a skillet pasta bake. Trust me, this is the kind of weeknight dinner that makes your whole crew race to the table with grins and big appetites!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its recognizable ingredients, each adding their own pop of flavor or fabulous texture. From classic Italian meats to creamy cheeses and that essential swirl of herb-flecked sauce, every element in Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini helps create the ultimate comfort food experience.
- Cheese tortellini (20 ounces): Soft, cheese-filled pasta that soaks up all those rich meaty sauces—every forkful is a treat.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Just enough for sautéing, it brings subtle richness while keeping the skillet ingredients from sticking.
- Italian sausage (1/2 pound, casing removed): Delivers a spicy, savory meatiness that anchors the dish—feel free to use mild or hot based on your heat preference.
- Diced pepperoni (1/2 cup): Classic pizza flavor bombs—you can use thick or thin slices; mini pepperoni is extra fun!
- Cooked and crumbled bacon (1/2 cup): Adds just the right amount of smoky crunch that makes every spoonful irresistible.
- Pizza sauce (1 cup): Brings that nostalgic pizzeria tang, making every bite reminiscent of your favorite slice.
- Marinara sauce (1/2 cup): An extra saucy component that deepens tomato flavor and keeps everything lush and saucy.
- Italian seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): This dried herb blend ties together all the classic pizza flavors—make sure yours is fresh!
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For a gentle pop of heat that wakes up the whole dish (totally optional if you’re serving heat-shy diners).
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 1/2 cups): The pizza cheese classic—go for a good melt and stretch!
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Adds salty, nutty depth and helps form that golden, bubbly top.
- Chopped fresh basil (for garnish): A sprinkle of green that gives your Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini a fresh, vibrant finish.
How to Make Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini
Step 1: Boil the Tortellini
Begin by cooking your cheese tortellini according to the package instructions in a large pot of generously salted boiling water. Keep a close eye; you want them perfectly tender, but not mushy. Drain and set them aside—the saucey magic is about to begin!
Step 2: Brown the Meats
In a large oven-safe skillet, warm up the olive oil over medium heat. Crumble in your Italian sausage and cook, stirring and breaking it up with your spoon, until it’s evenly browned and fully cooked through. If you see any extra fat in the skillet, just drain it off—this keeps your final dish rich but not greasy.
Step 3: Add Pepperoni and Bacon
Once your sausage is browned, stir in the diced pepperoni and that irresistible bacon. Sauté the mixture together for about a minute to warm up the pepperoni and evenly distribute those meaty flavors throughout the skillet.
Step 4: Simmer with Sauces
Add the pizza sauce, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if you like things spicy. Stir everything together, letting the sauces mingle and coat the savory meats. The fragrance at this point is pure pizza shop and pasta night happiness!
Step 5: Combine Tortellini and Sauce
Fold your cooked cheese tortellini into the skillet, gently tossing until every piece is coated in luscious, meaty sauce. This is where the whole dish transforms into that crave-worthy Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini you’ll want to dive right into.
Step 6: Cheese and Broil
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan all over the top, making sure you capture plenty of cheesy coverage in every bite. Slide the skillet under your broiler, set to high, for about 2 to 3 minutes—or until the cheese is gloriously melted, bubbling, and lightly golden brown. Watch closely; it happens fast!
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the oven (careful, it’s hot!) and scatter a handful of fresh chopped basil on top. The vibrant green is the finishing touch that makes your Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini both picture-perfect and extra aromatic. Serve hot and dig in!
How to Serve Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini
Garnishes
For the crowning touch, a handful of chopped fresh basil is a must—it’s a burst of color and a breath of freshness right at the end. If you’re a fan of heat, toss on a few extra red pepper flakes, or go extra-cheesy with a dusting of grated Parmesan for each bowl. Freshly cracked black pepper instantly amps up the aroma, and a drizzle of good olive oil is a welcome flourish.
Side Dishes
Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini is plenty hearty on its own, but if you want to add a side, think simple and bright to cut through the richness. A crisp green salad loaded with tomatoes, olives, or even pepperoncini peppers makes a killer pairing. Garlic bread (or cheesy breadsticks!) are classic and perfect for scooping up every last bit of sauce. For something lighter, go with steamed green beans or roasted broccoli.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t hesitate to get playful with your presentation! Serve this skillet-style, right at the table for a dramatic “family dinner” feel. Or, portion the Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini into individual mini cast iron skillets for a restaurant-worthy touch at a casual dinner party. For a fun shortcut supper, top each bowl with a sprinkle of mini pepperoni and broil them individually—you’ll get bonus crispy edges that make each serving special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), just let the Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 days—making for excellent next-day lunches or easy dinner repeats.
Freezing
Want to extend the magic? You can freeze Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini after baking. Cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. The cheesy goodness remains intact, and the flavors deepen over time!
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave individual portions until piping hot, or place the tortellini in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for about 15 minutes. For best results, add a splash of water or extra sauce before baking to keep everything moist and saucy—then enjoy as if it was just out of the oven!
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Absolutely! Just cook frozen tortellini according to the package directions, and proceed as you would with the refrigerated kind. Keep in mind they may need a minute or two longer in boiling water, but the end result will be just as satisfying for your Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini.
What’s the best way to make it extra spicy?
If you’re a fan of heat, try using spicy Italian sausage, double the red pepper flakes, or even toss in some sliced pickled jalapeños. The sauce is forgiving and flexible—taste and amp up as you like!
Can I make Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini vegetarian?
Yes, you sure can! Skip the sausage, pepperoni, and bacon, and load up on sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, bell peppers, or even veggie Italian sausage. Just keep the pizza-style sauces and plenty of melty cheese for maximum comfort factor.
Is there a gluten-free version?
Definitely! Simply swap the cheese tortellini for your favorite gluten-free stuffed pasta, and make sure your pizza and marinara sauces are certified gluten-free. The meat and cheese components are naturally gluten-free, so you’re already off to a great start.
Can I prepare the recipe in advance and bake later?
Yes—build the whole dish up to the cheese-topped stage, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, pop it in the oven (uncovered) at 375°F until hot and bubbly, then finish with a quick broil if you want a golden top. It’s a lifesaver for entertaining or busy nights.
Final Thoughts
This Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini is more than just a quick meal—it’s your cheat-code dinner for when you want the best of pizza and pasta in one happy, cozy dish. Try it for your next family night, game day, or surprise dinner—everyone will beg you to make it again (and again!).
Print
Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and hearty twist on classic pasta, this Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini combines the flavors of a meat lover’s pizza with cheese-filled tortellini. It’s a quick and easy skillet pasta dish that is sure to satisfy any pizza or pasta lover.
Ingredients
Cheese Tortellini:
- 1 (20-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
Meat and Sauces:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage, casing removed
- 1/2 cup diced pepperoni
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Cheeses and Garnish:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Tortellini: Cook tortellini according to package directions, drain, and set aside.
- Prepare Meat and Sauce: Brown Italian sausage in olive oil, add pepperoni and bacon, then stir in sauces and seasonings.
- Combine and Broil: Mix in cooked tortellini, top with cheeses, broil until melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
Notes
- You can swap the cheese tortellini for meat-filled tortellini for added protein.
- For a crispier top, bake at 425°F (220°C) for 10 minutes instead of broiling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Broiling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 1220 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
