Tortellini Recipes

Introduction

Tortellini, those little rings of pasta filled with cheese, meat, or vegetables, have been a staple in Italian cuisine for centuries. Originating from the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, tortellini are not just food; they’re a piece of Italian history and culture served on a plate. This article takes you on a culinary journey, exploring various tortellini recipes that showcase the versatility and deliciousness of this beloved pasta.

What is Tortellini? 

Tortellini is a type of pasta that originates from the Italian region of Emilia-Romagna, particularly the areas around the cities of Modena and Bologna. It is traditionally stuffed with a mix of meat (typically pork loin, prosciutto, or mortadella), Parmesan cheese, egg, and nutmeg, although there are many variations that include different fillings like cheese or spinach.

Tortellini Recipes 

1. The Cozy Cook’s Chicken Tortellini Soup

Key Ingredients: Seasonings (basil, parsley, oregano, mustard powder, sage, pepper), bone-in chicken breast, Italian seasoning, olive oil, butter, yellow onion, carrots, celery, garlic, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, refrigerated tortellini. Preparation Highlights: Starts with seasoning and searing the chicken for added flavor. The vegetables are sautéed in the same pot to incorporate the fond from the chicken searing. The recipe offers both stove top and Crock Pot methods, with the addition of tortellini towards the end of cooking. Optional add-ons include Parmesan rind, heavy cream, spinach, or frozen vegetables for extra flavor and texture. Cooking Time: Approx. 50 minutes on the stove top. Serving Suggestions: Can be served with Ranch Oyster Crackers for extra flavor.

2. A Spicy Perspective’s Chicken Tortellini Soup

Key Ingredients: Extra virgin olive oil, sweet onion, red bell pepper, carrots, garlic, boneless skinless chicken breast, chicken broth, three-cheese tortellini, heavy cream, spinach, parsley, thyme leaves, crushed red pepper, salt and pepper. Preparation Highlights: This creamy soup recipe begins with sautéing onions, bell peppers, carrots, and garlic. Chicken breasts are added to the broth with seasonings and simmered until cooked. The tortellini is cooked in the broth, and heavy cream and spinach are stirred in at the end for a creamy, comforting finish. Cooking Time: Approx. 42 minutes. Serving Suggestions: Best served immediately for the freshest taste.

3. Salt & Lavender’s Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup

Key Ingredients: Olive oil, onion, celery, carrots, garlic, Italian seasoning, chicken broth, shredded cooked/rotisserie chicken, refrigerated cheese tortellini, salt, pepper, parsley. Preparation Highlights: This easy version requires sautéing onion before adding celery, carrots, and garlic with Italian seasoning. The broth is then added and brought to a boil before simmering. Cooked chicken and tortellini are added towards the end, with the soup being seasoned to taste and garnished with parsley. Cooking Time: Approx. 40 minutes. Special Notes: Best eaten immediately due to tortellini absorbing the broth over time. Offers tips for making it in a slow cooker or Instant Pot.

Special Tortellini Dishes

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini

Marry Me Chicken Tortellini combines the creamy, savory flavors of Marry Me Chicken with the comforting texture of tortellini pasta. This dish is known for its richness and depth of flavor, often featuring ingredients like garlic, heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese, making it irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breasts, seasoned to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 package (9 oz) tortellini (cheese or spinach)
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Directions:

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant.
3. Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping up any brown bits. Add heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
4. Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet. Add tortellini, ensuring it’s submerged in the sauce. Cover and simmer according to the tortellini package instructions, usually about 5-7 minutes, until pasta is tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Tips:

• Adjust the creaminess with more or less heavy cream according to your preference.
• Ensure the chicken is fully cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Serve hot, ideally with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Buitoni Tortellini: A Brand Overview

Buitoni is a well-known brand that offers a variety of Italian foods, including fresh tortellini. Their tortellini are praised for their quality ingredients and convenience, making it easy for home cooks to prepare gourmet meals quickly.

Brand Highlights:

• Variety: Buitoni offers multiple tortellini fillings, including cheese, spinach, and meat, catering to a wide range of tastes.
• Quality: They use high-quality ingredients, aiming to provide an authentic Italian experience.
• Convenience: Buitoni tortellini cook in just a few minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.

Using Buitoni Tortellini:

• Preparation: Follow the package instructions for cooking times, usually boiling in salted water for a few minutes.
• Versatility: Buitoni tortellini can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups and salads to baked casseroles.

Recipe Ideas:

• Soup: Add Buitoni tortellini to your favorite vegetable or chicken broth, along with spinach and Parmesan, for a quick and comforting soup.
• Salad: Toss cooked and cooled Buitoni tortellini with fresh vegetables, olives, and a vinaigrette dressing for a refreshing pasta salad.
• Baked Tortellini: Combine cooked Buitoni tortellini with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese, bake until bubbly for an easy, cheesy dinner.

Tips:

• Add Buitoni tortellini towards the end of your soup cooking process to avoid overcooking.
• For salads, let the tortellini cool after cooking to prevent the dressing from becoming oily due to the heat.

Cooking with Frozen Tortellini 

Cooking with Frozen Tortellini

How Long to Cook Frozen Tortellini

Cooking frozen tortellini is quick and convenient, offering a tasty meal with minimal effort. For boiling, the general guidance is to cook frozen cheese tortellini for about 4-6 minutes in a pot of boiling water. This ensures the tortellini are cooked thoroughly without being mushy. No need to thaw them beforehand; they can go straight from the freezer into the pot of boiling water​​.

Creative Recipes Using Frozen Tortellini

• Baked Tortellini Casserole: Mix your favorite sauce (marinara, alfredo, pesto, etc.) with a bit of water and shredded cheese. Place frozen tortellini in a baking dish, pour the sauce mixture over, and bake until bubbly and golden on top. Baking times can vary, but starting with a preheated oven at around 375°F (190°C) and baking for 25-30 minutes is a good rule of thumb​​.
• Tortellini Soup: Boil the frozen tortellini in chicken or vegetable broth instead of water to infuse additional flavor. Add vegetables like spinach, tomatoes, or mushrooms and season with herbs for a comforting soup.
• Tortellini Salad: After boiling the tortellini, cool them under cold water, and toss with your choice of dressing, vegetables, and maybe some olives or cheese for a refreshing salad.
• Tortellini Skewers: Boil and cool the tortellini, then thread them onto skewers with cherry tomatoes, basil leaves, and mozzarella balls. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for an easy appetizer.
• Cheesy Tortellini Bake: Combine cooked tortellini with a creamy sauce, add a layer of cheese on top, and bake until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.

The versatility of frozen tortellini allows for a wide range of recipes beyond just boiling and serving with sauce. Whether you’re looking for a warm, comforting soup or a cool, refreshing salad, there’s a tortellini recipe to fit the bill.

Tortellini Sauce Inspirations    

Good Sauces for Tortellini

• Tomato-Based Sauces: A classic marinara or a rich tomato sauce with herbs can enhance the flavors of cheese-filled tortellini.
• Cream-Based Sauces: Alfredo or a simple cream sauce with garlic and Parmesan offers a rich and decadent option, perfect for cheese or meat-filled tortellini.
• Pesto Sauce: Basil pesto, either homemade or store-bought, adds a fresh and herby flavor to tortellini, complementing both cheese and vegetable fillings.
• Butter and Sage Sauce: A simple sauce of melted butter with sage leaves lightly fried until crisp is an elegant and easy choice that highlights the delicate flavors of the pasta.
• Cheese Sauce: A gooey cheese sauce, similar to what you might use for macaroni and cheese, adds richness and comfort to any tortellini dish.
• Vodka Sauce: A creamy tomato sauce with a splash of vodka offers a balance of flavors that’s both tangy and smooth, perfect for elevating cheese tortellini.

Homemade Tortellini Sauce Varieties

• Homemade Pesto: Combine fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil in a food processor until smooth. Adjust with salt and pepper for a classic pesto sauce.
• Brown Butter and Sage: Melt butter in a pan until it starts to foam and turn golden brown, then add fresh sage leaves. Cook until the sage is crispy and the butter has a nutty aroma.
• Roasted Red Pepper Sauce: Blend roasted red peppers with garlic, olive oil, and a touch of cream for a smooth, flavorful sauce that pairs beautifully with cheese tortellini.
• Gorgonzola Cream Sauce: Melt Gorgonzola cheese with a bit of cream and butter in a pan, stirring until smooth. This sauce offers a tangy and creamy option for tortellini.
• Arrabbiata Sauce: For those who like it hot, a spicy Arrabbiata sauce made with garlic, red chili flakes, and tomatoes brings heat and depth to tortellini dishes.
• Lemon Parmesan Cream Sauce: Combine cream, Parmesan cheese, and lemon zest in a pan, simmering until thickened for a bright and zesty sauce.

Cheese Tortellini: A Closer Look    

What is Cheese Tortellini?

Cheese tortellini is a type of pasta originating from the Italian region. It is characterized by its ring shape and is traditionally stuffed with a mix of cheese and sometimes herbs. The outer shell is made from durum wheat flour, giving it a tender yet firm texture that holds up well to cooking. The filling often includes cheeses like ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella, creating a rich and creamy flavor profile. Cheese tortellini can be served in a variety of ways, including in broths, with sauces, or in pasta salads, making it a versatile ingredient in Italian cuisine.

Diverse Fillings for Cheese Tortellini

The traditional cheese filling for tortellini is a tempting combination of ricotta, Parmesan, and sometimes mozzarella, but the possibilities for filling tortellini are nearly endless, allowing for a wide range of flavors and textures. Here are some ideas for diversifying the fillings in cheese tortellini:

• Ricotta and Spinach: Adding finely chopped spinach to ricotta cheese creates a classic and beloved filling that pairs beautifully with both light and rich sauces.
• Four Cheese: A mixture of four different cheeses, such as ricotta, Parmesan, mozzarella, and Gorgonzola, offers a complex and deeply satisfying flavor.
• Pumpkin and Sage: For a fall-inspired twist, a filling of pureed pumpkin seasoned with sage, nutmeg, and Parmesan can provide a sweet and savory flavor profile.
• Goat Cheese and Sun-Dried Tomato: Creamy goat cheese mixed with finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes and herbs makes for a tangy and rich filling with a bit of texture.
• Mushroom and Truffle: Finely chopped mushrooms combined with a hint of truffle oil and ricotta cheese create a luxurious and earthy filling that’s perfect for special occasions.

Serving and Pairing Tortellini 

What Do You Serve with Tortellini?

• Delicious Lasagna Soup: Warm Your Soul with Every Spoonful!

This comforting Lasagna Soup combines the rich flavors of traditional lasagna with the warmth of soup, making it a perfect companion to tortellini. Imagine diving into a bowl filled with tender lasagna noodles, succulent ground meat, and a tomato-based broth enriched with garlic, onions, and Italian herbs. This soup is a testament to comfort food’s ability to warm hearts and lift spirits.

• Easy Cowboy Casserole Recipe: A Hearty Family Dinner

The Cowboy Casserole is a rugged and hearty dish that embodies the spirit of the frontier. With its rich layers of meat, it offers a comforting and satisfying meal that’s sure to please. This dish is a fantastic variation of the classic Tater Tot Casserole, featuring ground beef, corn, cheddar cheese, and sour cream, making it an excellent pairing with the delicate flavors of tortellini.

Do You Eat Tortellini by Itself?

Yes, tortellini can be enjoyed by itself, especially when it’s filled with flavorful ingredients like cheese, meat, or spinach. It’s often served in a broth or with a sauce to enhance its flavors. However, adding sides or incorporating it into a larger meal, like pairing it with the Lasagna Soup or Cowboy Casserole, can elevate your dining experience, offering a more balanced and satisfying meal.

FAQs

Can you freeze tortellini?

Yes, you can freeze tortellini, and it’s a great way to extend its shelf life. Both homemade and store-bought tortellini can be frozen. For the best results, spread them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer bag. This prevents them from sticking together, and you can cook them directly from frozen by adding a couple of minutes to the boiling time.

Can you freeze tortellini soup?

Freezing tortellini soup is possible, but it’s important to note that the pasta may become softer once thawed and reheated. To avoid this, you can freeze the soup without the tortellini and add fresh or frozen pasta when you’re ready to reheat the soup. This method ensures the tortellini maintains a better texture.

What is tortellini filled with?

Tortellini can be filled with a variety of ingredients. The most traditional fillings include a mix of meats (such as pork loin, raw prosciutto, and mortadella), Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, eggs, and nutmeg. However, cheese fillings, spinach and ricotta, and even pumpkin for sweet versions are also popular, showcasing the pasta’s versatility.

Do you eat tortellini by itself?

Tortellini can be enjoyed by itself, especially when it’s filled with flavorful ingredients. A simple drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese can be enough to turn it into a delicious meal. However, tortellini is also commonly served with broth, in salads, or with a sauce to enhance its flavors.

What do you serve with tortellini?

Tortellini pairs well with a variety of sides. A light salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread complement the pasta well, balancing out its richness. For tortellini served in a broth, a simple side of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious flavors.

What is the difference between tortellini and tortelloni?

The main difference between tortellini and tortelloni is their size and, sometimes, their fillings. Tortellini are smaller and traditionally filled with a meat mixture, while tortelloni are larger and often filled with cheese or vegetables. Both shapes are similar in appearance, folding into a navel-like shape, but the size and filling can influence the best ways to serve and enjoy them.

Conclusion

Tortellini recipes offer a world of culinary possibilities, from hearty soups to elegant main courses. This versatile pasta, with its rich history and delicious fillings, can bring a taste of Italy to any table. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook, there’s a tortellini recipe that’s perfect for your next meal.