Stovetop Cheese Tortellini: Cooking Time And Tips

Cooking cheese tortellini on the stove is a quick and easy process. The first step is to fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Then, add salt to the water – this will ensure the tortellini cooks evenly and will make it float to the top when it's done. Next, add the tortellini to the pot and bring the water back to a boil. The cooking time will depend on the type of tortellini you are using – fresh or refrigerated tortellini will take 2-7 minutes, frozen precooked tortellini will take 2-5 minutes, frozen uncooked tortellini will take 8-12 minutes, and dry tortellini will take 10-12 minutes. Once the tortellini is cooked, drain the water and serve with your choice of sauce or broth.

Boiling times for different types of tortellini

The boiling time for tortellini depends on the type and whether it is fresh, frozen, or dried.

Fresh/Refrigerated Tortellini

Fresh tortellini is typically found in the produce section of a grocery store, often near specialty cheeses. It cooks very quickly but has a short shelf life. It is perfect for weeknight dinners. The boiling time for fresh or refrigerated tortellini is generally between 2 to 7 minutes. It is important to cook it until it floats, and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Frozen Tortellini

Frozen tortellini is a great alternative to fresh tortellini as it has a longer shelf life and cooks almost as quickly. It comes in cooked and uncooked varieties. The boiling time for frozen tortellini depends on whether it is precooked or uncooked. For precooked frozen tortellini, the boiling time is 2 to 5 minutes, while for uncooked frozen tortellini, it is 8 to 12 minutes.

Dried Tortellini

Dried tortellini is typically available in cheese or spinach flavors and is found in the dry pasta aisle. It takes significantly longer to cook compared to fresh or frozen tortellini. The boiling time for dried tortellini is generally between 10 to 12 minutes.

Olivieri Fresh Tortellini

Olivieri recommends a slightly different cooking method for their fresh tortellini. They suggest bringing a pot of water to a boil, adding a dash of salt, and then cooking the tortellini at a gentle boil for about 6 minutes. They also recommend stirring during the first minute or two to prevent the pasta from sticking.

Tortelloni

Tortelloni is similar to tortellini but larger and with more filling. It is often served alone or with a light sauce. Since it is larger, it may require a slightly longer cooking time than tortellini, but the exact boiling time will depend on whether it is fresh, frozen, or dried.

How to tell when tortellini is cooked

Tortellini is cooked when it floats to the top of the water. The internal temperature of the tortellini should be 165°F. Depending on the type of tortellini, the cooking time will vary.

Cooking Times:

• Fresh/Refrigerated: 3-5 minutes
• Frozen: 10-12 minutes
• Frozen Precooked: 2-5 minutes
• Frozen Uncooked: 8-12 minutes
• Dry: 10-16 minutes

It is important to note that tortellini will continue to cook when added to sauce, so it is best to cook it to al dente. Additionally, do not add oil to the water as this will prevent the sauce from sticking to the pasta.

What to serve with tortellini

When it comes to serving tortellini, there are endless possibilities. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Sauces

Tortellini is a versatile pasta that pairs well with various sauces. Here are some options:

• Cream-based sauces
• Red marinara-type sauces
• Browned butter
• Pesto
• Walnut sauce

Proteins

If you're looking for a more substantial meal, consider adding some protein to your dish. Here are some options:

• Chicken
• Shrimp
• Ground beef
• Italian sausage
• Crispy bacon

Vegetables

To add some extra flavour and texture to your dish, try incorporating some vegetables. Here are some ideas:

• Mushrooms
• Spinach
• Broccoli
• Red bell pepper
• Olives
• Artichokes

Appetizers and Snacks

Tortellini can also be served as an appetizer or snack. Here are some ideas:

• Toothpicks or small skewers with tortellini, cherry tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella cheese
• Tortellini skewers with garlic butter sauce
• Tortellini salad with Italian dressing, vegetables, and salami

Sides

To round out your meal, here are some side dish options that pair well with tortellini:

• Garlic bread
• Bruschetta
• Grilled bell peppers
• Caesar salad
• Tomato cucumber salad
• Roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic reduction and cranberries

Soups and Casseroles

Tortellini can also be added to soups and casseroles:

• Sausage Tortellini Soup: Cheese tortellini, Italian sausage, and kale in a creamy broth
• Slow Cooker Chicken Tortellini Soup: A chicken noodle soup variation with tortellini
• Soups and casseroles: Add tortellini to your favourite soup or casserole recipe

Salads

Tortellini also works well in salads:

• Italian Chopped Salad: Veggies, salami, mozzarella, and chickpeas with Italian dressing
• Cherry Tomato Salad with Roasted Lemons: Sweet tomatoes with a tangy vinaigrette and roasted lemons
• Kale Salad: Kale, Parmesan cheese, and croutons with a lemon dressing
• Arugula Salad: Arugula with a red wine vinaigrette
• Italian Radicchio Salad: Radicchio, olives, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese with a lemon-vinaigrette

Desserts

For a sweet ending to your meal, try one of these dessert options:

• Tiramisu: A classic Italian dessert with ladyfingers, coffee, and mascarpone cheese
• Cannoli: Fried dough shells filled with sweet ricotta cream
• Gelato: Italian-style ice cream in various flavours

Drinks

To complement your tortellini dish, here are some drink options:

• Wine: A glass of red or white wine, depending on your preference and the sauce you choose
• Beer: A crisp lager or a hearty ale
• Cocktails: Try an Italian-inspired cocktail like an Aperol Spritz or a Negroni

Feel free to experiment with different combinations of sauces, proteins, vegetables, and sides to create your perfect tortellini dish!

How to cook tortellini in sauce

Ingredients:

To cook tortellini in sauce, you will need the following ingredients:

• Tortellini (fresh, frozen, or dried)
• Water
• Salt
• Sauce of your choice (e.g. tomato sauce, garlic butter sauce, lemon butter sauce)
• Additional ingredients depending on the sauce (e.g. butter, olive oil, garlic, onion, lemon juice, cheese, etc.)

Step-by-Step Guide:

Now, let's get into the step-by-step guide on how to cook tortellini in sauce:

Step 1: Prepare the Tortellini

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. The amount of salt added to the water is important as it adds flavor to the tortellini. Once the water is boiling, carefully add the tortellini to the pot. If using frozen tortellini, there is no need to thaw it beforehand; simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Step 2: Cook the Tortellini

After adding the tortellini to the pot, bring the water back to a boil. The cooking time will depend on the type of tortellini you are using. Follow the package instructions, but as a general rule of thumb, here are the approximate cooking times:

• Refrigerated tortellini: 3-7 minutes
• Frozen precooked tortellini: 2-5 minutes
• Frozen uncooked tortellini: 8-12 minutes
• Dried tortellini: 10-12 minutes

Keep in mind that tortellini is typically cooked "al dente," which means it still has a slight bite to it. To check if it's done, look for the tortellini to float to the top of the water.

Step 3: Drain and Rinse the Tortellini

Once the tortellini is cooked to your desired doneness, carefully drain the water using a colander or a slotted spoon. Give the tortellini a quick rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent it from becoming overcooked.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

While the tortellini is cooking, you can prepare your sauce. The type of sauce you choose is entirely up to your preference. You can go for a simple tomato sauce, a creamy garlic butter sauce, or even a zesty lemon butter sauce. Follow the specific instructions for your chosen sauce recipe.

Step 5: Combine the Tortellini and Sauce

Now, it's time to bring everything together. In a large saucepan or skillet, combine the cooked tortellini with your prepared sauce. Gently toss the tortellini in the sauce to ensure even coating. If desired, you can add a small amount of the pasta cooking water to the sauce to help thicken it and enhance the flavor.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

That's it! Your tortellini in sauce is now ready to be served. You can plate it individually or family-style. Garnish with some fresh herbs, extra cheese, or a drizzle of olive oil if desired. Enjoy your delicious and flavorful meal!

How to cook tortellini in a broth

Ingredients

• Chicken broth or vegetable broth
• Cornstarch
• Cheese tortellini (fresh, frozen or dried)
• Butter
• Salt
• Pepper
• Fresh basil or parsley
• Parmesan cheese

Instructions

The first step is to make the broth. You can use store-bought chicken broth, but if you want to make your own, you'll need the carcass and wings of a chicken, chopped celery, a chopped carrot, chopped parsley stems, and saffron (optional). Simmer these ingredients for at least 2 hours and up to 4 hours. You can also add tortellini directly to the broth you'll be using in your recipe.

Next, prepare the pasta dough. Mix flour, eggs and yolks in a large bowl to make a dough. Knead for at least 5 minutes and up to 10 minutes. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for about an hour.

Then, make the filling. Mix cooked chicken, lemon zest, parmesan cheese and nutmeg. You can also add salt to taste. Put the mixture in a food processor with an egg and pulse until you have a paste.

Now, it's time to assemble the tortellini. Cut the dough into small squares, about 1.5 inches in size. Pipe about 1/2 teaspoon of the filling into the center of each square. Fold the square over to make a triangle, painting the edges with water to seal. Then, fold the triangle around your finger and pinch the edges together. Repeat until you've used all the filling.

Finally, cook the tortellini. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook until they float to the top, about 2-3 minutes for fresh or refrigerated tortellini, 3-5 minutes for frozen tortellini, and 10-11 minutes for dried tortellini. Drain the tortellini and set aside.

In a separate saucepan, heat the broth until boiling. Add the tortellini and cook until the internal temperature of the tortellini reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Serve the tortellini in broth with fresh basil or parsley and Parmesan cheese on top.

Enjoy your delicious, homemade tortellini in broth!

Frequently asked questions