Tortellini

Tips: Cook tasty tortellini

Find out how to cook and store tortellini with our helpful tips.

Al dente pasta

Cook the tortellini just until al dente. If they are overcooked, they can become mushy and lose their shape, affecting the overall texture of the dish. “Al dente” means “to the tooth” and describes the ideal texture of cooked pasta, which is tender but firm to the bite.

Finely dice ingredients

To prepare a delicious and evenly flavoured salsa, start by finely dicing the tomatoes and onion. This ensures a uniform texture, allowing the flavours to blend more seamlessly. As a result, each spoonful of salsa will have a consistent mix of both ingredients. This not only distributes the flavours evenly but also makes every bite equally enjoyable.

Storing leftover tortellini

To ensure your leftover tortellini retain a fresh taste, store them in an airtight container and refrigerate immediately. They are best enjoyed within 2 days. When reheating, you can either gently warm them in a pot of boiling water or use a microwave. If using the microwave, cover the dish to trap steam and stir occasionally to ensure even heating.

Enjoy our easy recipe for tortellini

All it takes is 15 minutes in the kitchen to whip up a delectable batch of tortellini served with fresh tomato salsa. Our recipe transforms simple ingredients into a wonderful Italian meal that is easy to prepare and perfect for a quick lunch or a convenient dinner solution on hectic evenings. It does not matter if you are pressed for time or planning a relaxed family meal; this recipe is a fantastic choice for any day of the week.

If you enjoy filled pasta, see our recipe for homemade ravioli and fried ravioli in tomato sauce. We also have a selection of delectable tortellini recipes, such as lobster tortellini, tortellini with mushrooms, or creamy tortellini with cheese sauce.

Tender cheese-filled tortellini

The main attraction of this dish is undeniably the tender, cheese-filled tortellini. They might seem simple, but they offer a delightful balance between a gently firm exterior and a creamy, flavourful filling. It is important to cook the tortellini al dente to achieve that perfect bite which complements the smooth cheese filling inside. This combination of texture and taste not only enhances the dish but also explains why this pasta is so popular. Each mouthful is a comforting union of simplicity and taste, truly making it a pleasure to savour.

Topped with fresh tomato salsa and tangy white cheese

We like to serve our cheese tortellini with a refreshing tomato salsa on top, along with some crumbled white cheese. This simple yet well-rounded salsa features finely diced tomatoes, crisp red onions, and aromatic basil. The fresh and zesty salsa balances the richness of the tortellini, while crumbled white cheese adds tangy and slightly salty notes. Rich olive oil ties everything together, offering a bit of elegance to this humble meal.

Discover the Venus-inspired tortellini

Tortellini is an iconic pasta dish originating from the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, with a rich history that spans hundreds of years. According to legend, Venus, the goddess of love and beauty, once stayed at a local inn where the innkeeper, captivated by the sight of her navel through a keyhole, was inspired to create the navel-shaped pasta, tortellini, in her honour. Traditionally, these enticing pasta are filled with various ingredients and can be served either in a broth or with a sauce. Or you can keep it simple, as with our recipe for tortellini.

Put your own spin on it

The beauty of tortellini lies in its many types of fillings you can play around with. To keep the creamy element, try experimenting with a classic combination like spinach and ricotta. This version offers a soft, creamy, and earthy tortellini that pairs beautifully with a refreshing tomato salsa. The same goes for a mushroom and truffle filling, delivering rich, umami notes that perfectly balance the bright flavours of tomato and red onion.

Instead of olive oil, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar. The acidity of the vinegar brightens the salsa’s flavours and makes for a tasty counterpoint to the cheesy filling of the tortellini. You can also roast some pine nuts and sprinkle them on top of the dish for a nutty flavour and crunchy texture.