Tortellini Recipe

Tortellini is a beloved Italian pasta dish that encompasses delightful, small ring-shaped pasta stuffed with a savory filling, often consisting of meats, cheeses, or a combination of both. Traditionally hailing from the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, tortellini is often served in a rich broth or with a variety of sauces such as a classic marinara or a creamy Alfredo. This recipe will guide you through creating fresh tortellini from scratch, ensuring your dish is rich in authentic Italian flavors and culinary tradition.

Ingredients

• For the Pasta Dough:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt

• For the Filling:

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped cooked spinach, squeezed dry
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • Salt and pepper to taste

• For the Sauce: (Optional)

  • 2 cups marinara sauce or any preferred pasta sauce

Instructions

1. Making the Pasta Dough:
   1.1. On a clean, flat work surface, place the flour in a mound and create a well in the center.
   1.2. Crack the eggs into the well, add the olive oil and salt.
   1.3. Gently whisk the eggs and incorporate the flour from the edges of the well until a dough forms.
   1.4. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
   1.5. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.

2. Preparing the Filling:
   2.1. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, chopped spinach, egg yolk, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
   2.2. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated and the filling is smooth.

3. Forming the Tortellini:
   3.1. Roll out the rested dough on a floured surface to a thin sheet (about 1/16 inch thick).
   3.2. Cut the dough into 3-inch squares or rounds using a cookie cutter or knife.
   3.3. Place a teaspoon of filling in the center of each square or round.
   3.4. Fold the dough over the filling to form a triangle (if using a square) or a half-moon (if using a round), pressing the edges firmly to seal.
   3.5. Bring the corners of the pasta together to form a ring, pressing them together to seal and shape the tortellini.
   3.6. Place the formed tortellini on a floured surface and cover with a kitchen towel to prevent drying out while you finish the rest.

4. Cooking the Tortellini:
   4.1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   4.2. Add the tortellini in batches to the boiling water and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until they float to the top and are tender.
   4.3. Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to a serving dish.

5. Serving:
   5.1. If using a sauce, heat your chosen sauce in a saucepan until warm.
   5.2. Add the cooked tortellini to the saucepan and gently toss to coat.
   5.3. Serve immediately, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.

Servings

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings of tortellini.

Enjoy your homemade tortellini, a true taste of Italy on your plate!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Tools Needed

• Large pot
• Colander
• Rolling pin
• Knife or pasta cutter
• Large mixing bowl
• Fork or pasta crimper
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Wooden spoon
• Pasta drying rack or clean kitchen towels

Tips for Preparing Tortellini

1. Fresh Ingredients: Use the freshest ingredients for the dough and filling to ensure the best flavor and texture.
2. Knead Thoroughly: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. This can take about 10-15 minutes by hand.
3. Resting the Dough: Allow the dough to rest, covered, for at least 30 minutes. This makes it easier to roll out.
4. Thin Dough: Roll the dough as thinly as possible without it tearing. This ensures delicate and properly cooked tortellini.
5. Consistent Filling Size: Be consistent with the amount of filling to ensure even cooking.
6. Seal Properly: Ensure the edges are well sealed to prevent the filling from leaking during cooking.
7. Flour the Surface: Lightly flour the surface to prevent sticking, but avoid excess flour as it can make the dough tough.
8. Cook Immediately or Freeze: Cook the tortellini immediately or freeze them. Fresh tortellini can stick together if not handled promptly.

Skill Level

Intermediate

Serving and Presentation Recommendations

Serve tortellini in a shallow, warmed dish to help retain heat. Pair with a classic marinara sauce or a rich, creamy alfredo sauce for a luxurious meal. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and finely chopped basil or parsley adds color and a dash of extra flavor.

For an elegant touch, drizzle with or dress in a brown butter sage sauce. Garnish with a light drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil and a few freshly cracked peppercorns. Pair with a crisp white wine, like Pinot Grigio, and a side of lightly dressed arugula salad.

Storage Conditions

Tortellini can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days if covered in an airtight container. For longer storage, arrange uncooked tortellini on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag or container and store for up to 2 months. Cook from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the cooking time.

Health Benefits

Tortellini can be a balanced meal when combined with a variety of vegetables and lean proteins. Whole wheat versions increase fiber content, aiding digestion. The dish is often lower in fats compared to commercially available versions, especially when homemade fillings like spinach and ricotta are used.

Recommendations for Vegans

To make vegan tortellini, substitute egg pasta with a vegan pasta dough, such as semolina and water. Use plant-based fillings like tofu ricotta, spinach, mushrooms, or pumpkin. Ensure that all sauces and garnishes, such as butter or cheese, have vegan alternatives like nut-based cheeses or olive oil and nutritional yeast.

List of Similar Recipes

• Ravioli: A similar stuffed pasta that is usually larger with different fillings.
• Agnolotti: Another type of filled pasta, often found in the Piedmont region of Italy.
• Cappelletti: Similar to tortellini but often larger and typically filled with meat.
• Lasagna: An Italian classic that features layers of pasta with fillings.
• Gnocchi: Soft dough dumplings that can be served with the same sauces as tortellini.
• Pappardelle: Ribbon-like pasta that pairs well with hearty sauces you might also enjoy with stuffed pastas.