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Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini

Meat lovers pizza tortellini combines cheese tortellini in a rich marinara sauce loaded with pepperoni, Italian sausage, and mushrooms, finished with melted mozzarella like a pizza. It’s an easy skillet pasta dinner with a quick simmer and a broiled, bubbly cheese top.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 740
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meat Lovers Pizza Tortellini
  • 20 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini Use refrigerated tortellini for the fastest cook time.
  • 0.5 lb Italian sausage, casings removed Brown thoroughly and drain excess fat to keep the sauce from tasting greasy.
  • 1 cup pepperoni slices Add directly to the skillet for pizza-like bites.
  • 8 oz mushrooms, sliced Slice evenly so they soften in the same timeframe.
  • 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced Minced garlic blends quickly into the sauce.
  • 24 oz marinara sauce One jar keeps the sauce rich and consistent.
  • 0.5 tsp Italian seasoning Add during simmer so the flavor disperses.
  • 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes Adjust heat to taste.
  • 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded Shred for best melt and bubbly texture.
  • 1 Fresh basil for garnish Scatter at the end for a fresh, herby finish.

Equipment

  • 1 cast iron skillet
  • 1 sheet pan

Method
 

Cook tortellini
  1. Cook the refrigerated cheese tortellini according to package directions, then drain and set aside.
  2. Keep the drained tortellini warm while you build the sauce so it coats smoothly when combined.
Brown sausage and build the pizza sauce
  1. Brown the Italian sausage in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it apart, until cooked through, then drain excess fat.
  2. Add the pepperoni slices and sliced mushrooms, cooking for 3–4 minutes until the mushrooms soften.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute, stirring until fragrant.
Simmer and combine
  1. Pour in the marinara sauce and stir in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes, then bring to a simmer for 5 minutes.
  2. Add the cooked tortellini and toss to coat everything in the sauce.
Melt mozzarella like a pizza
  1. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top and broil for 3–4 minutes until melted and bubbly.
  2. Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.

Notes

For the best pizza effect, broil only until the mozzarella turns fully melted and bubbly—watch closely to avoid browning too far. Refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container up to 3 days; reheat in a skillet or microwave with a splash of marinara to loosen. Freezing is not recommended due to tortellini texture. For a lighter option, use turkey sausage and part-skim mozzarella while keeping the same method.