Cheese Tortellini: Perfect Pairing Ideas For Foodies

Cheese tortellini is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways and paired with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas for what goes well with cheese tortellini:

- Salads: A tossed green salad with baby kale, spinach, carrots, and tomatoes can complement the tortellini. You can also add olives, nuts, and your favourite dressing.

- Garlic bread: This simple side dish can be made with a French baguette, garlic powder, and olive oil.

- Creamed spinach or green beans: Sauté spinach in olive oil and mix with condensed cream of mushroom soup, or boil green beans and mix with the soup.

- Pizza salad: Create a fun pizza salad by using a dough crust and adding tomato pasta sauce and fresh basil leaves. For a more complex flavour, add olives, cheese, and dried herbs.

- Breadsticks: Brush breadsticks with olive oil and bake for 10-15 minutes on each side. Then, brush with garlic butter and top with Parmesan cheese.

- Braised asparagus: Sauté garlic in olive oil, add asparagus, and season with salt and pepper. Add water and let the asparagus simmer for a few minutes.

- Meatballs: Season beef or pork with garlic powder, cook in a sauce or fry with olive oil, and add to your favourite marinara or creamy sauce.

- Lasagna: Serve tortellini as a side dish with lasagna, or replace the traditional spaghetti sauce with a vegetarian option. You can even use tortellini instead of noodles for a unique twist.

Salads: Tossed green salad, Italian salad, or pizza salad

Salads are a great way to complement your cheese tortellini. Here are some ideas for salads that go well with cheese tortellini:

Tossed Green Salad

A tossed green salad is a simple yet delicious option to pair with your cheese tortellini. To make a classic Italian side salad, you'll need:

• Bright, leafy green romaine lettuce for its crunch
• Red onions and cherry tomatoes (optional but recommended)
• Pepperoncinis and olives for an authentic Italian flavour
• Grated Parmesan cheese, as much as you like
• Croutons for extra crunch, either store-bought or homemade

For the dressing, you can make your own using extra virgin olive oil, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Simply place all the ingredients in a jar, secure the lid, and shake well.

Italian Salad

An Italian salad is a perfect side dish for your cheese tortellini. It typically includes:

• Romaine lettuce as a crisp and refreshing base
• Red bell peppers for colour and a sweet crunch
• Hothouse cucumbers (also known as English cucumbers) for freshness and crunch
• Carrots for additional colour and texture
• Grape tomatoes for bursts of juicy sweetness
• Pitted olives for a briny, salty kick
• Cheese such as ricotta salata or feta for creaminess

For the dressing, blend fresh Italian parsley, basil, oregano, garlic, red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, salt, pepper, and honey in a food processor.

Pizza Salad

A pizza salad is a fun and unique option to serve with your cheese tortellini. It typically includes:

• Tortellini, preferably cheese tortellini for a chewy and adorable addition
• Cherry tomatoes for their juicy texture
• White beans for a creamy texture and plant-based protein
• Thinly sliced red onions for sharp, savoury flavour and crunch
• Artichoke hearts and pepperoncini for a tangy, briny flavour
• Arugula for a gorgeous green colour and peppery flavour
• Fresh basil, a pasta salad essential that adds a sweet and citrusy flavour
• Grated cheese such as pecorino or Parmesan (optional)
• Red pepper flakes for heat

For the dressing, you can make your own zingy, herbaceous Italian dressing with olive oil, dried herbs, and fresh lemon juice.

Breads: Garlic bread, breadsticks, or focaccia

Bread is a great side dish to serve with cheese tortellini. Here are some ideas for bread to serve with this dish:

Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is a tasty option to serve with cheese tortellini. Jazz up store-bought French bread with simple homemade garlic butter. You can also make cheesy garlic bread by adding mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Breadsticks

Breadsticks are another option to consider. You can make them cheesy by adding mozzarella cheese or try Craigo’s breadsticks, which are cheesy, yeasty, salty, and garlicy.

Focaccia

Focaccia bread is an excellent choice to serve with cheese tortellini. Try this rosemary focaccia bread recipe, which is topped with rosemary and sea salt. It's easy to make and even easier to eat!

Vegetables: Creamed spinach, green beans, braised asparagus, or roasted vegetables

Creamed Spinach, Green Beans, Braised Asparagus, or Roasted Vegetables

Creamed Spinach

Creamed spinach is a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that pairs well with tortellini. To make it, simply saute spinach in olive oil and mix it with a can of condensed cream of mushroom soup. You can also add some crunchy croutons or breadcrumbs on top for extra texture.

Green Beans

Green beans are another great option to serve alongside tortellini. You can either boil them and mix them with condensed cream of mushroom soup, or try the microwavable green beans with almonds option from the store.

Braised Asparagus

If you're looking for something green to serve with your tortellini, braised asparagus is a great choice. It only takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 5 minutes to simmer. Simply saute some chopped garlic in olive oil, add the asparagus and coat it with the garlic, then season with salt and pepper, and add some water to simmer.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables are a versatile side dish that can be made with a variety of ingredients. Try roasting some bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, or mushrooms to serve alongside your tortellini. You can also add these roasted vegetables to a tortellini salad for a heartier meal.

Meat: Meatballs, grilled chicken, or Italian sausage

Meatballs, grilled chicken, or Italian sausage are all great meat options to pair with cheese tortellini. Here are some ideas for each:

Meatballs:

Meatballs are a classic and versatile option that can be easily customised to your taste. You can make them with beef or pork, seasoned with garlic powder, and cooked in a sauce or fried in olive oil. They pair well with a variety of sauces, including marinara, creamy, or even a walnut sauce.

Grilled Chicken:

Grilled chicken is a healthy and tasty option to accompany your cheese tortellini. A simple herb-crusted grilled chicken complements pasta dishes well. You can use dried herbs like oregano, thyme, and basil, which are likely already in your pantry. This option is perfect for those who enjoy a more straightforward and light meal.

Italian Sausage:

Italian sausage is a flavourful choice that can be used in a variety of dishes, including soup and pasta. It pairs well with tortellini and can be used as a substitute for ground beef in a meat sauce. The slight spice and robust flavour of Italian sausage will elevate your tortellini dish.

These meat options provide a hearty and satisfying component to your meal, making them a great choice to pair with the cheese tortellini.

Pasta: Lasagna or ravioli

Lasagna and ravioli are both types of pasta that can be used interchangeably in many recipes. They are both versatile and can be filled with a variety of ingredients, such as cheese, meat, or vegetables. Here are some insights into the differences between the two and some ideas on how to use them in your cooking:

Lasagna:

Lasagna is a classic Italian dish that is typically made with layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese. It is usually baked in a casserole dish and cut into square portions. Lasagna can be made with various fillings and sauces, making it a versatile dish that can be customised to different tastes and dietary preferences. Here are some tips and ideas for using lasagna:

• Lasagna as a main dish: Lasagna is commonly served as a main course and can be a complete meal in itself. It is often hearty and satisfying, making it perfect for a comforting family dinner or a potluck contribution.
• Vegetarian and vegan options: Lasagna can easily be made vegetarian or vegan by substituting the traditional meat sauce with a vegetarian option. You can use plant-based proteins, such as lentils or soy mince, or focus on vegetables like eggplant or zucchini.
• Customisable layers: Lasagna is all about the layers. You can experiment with different types of pasta sheets, sauces, and fillings to create unique flavour combinations. Try using fresh herbs, spices, and seasonal vegetables to enhance the dish.
• Make-ahead and freezer-friendly: Lasagna is an excellent choice for make-ahead meals as it freezes well. You can prepare a large batch, divide it into portions, and freeze them for future quick and convenient dinners.

Ravioli:

Ravioli is a type of filled pasta that is typically square or circular in shape. It is made by filling two layers of pasta dough with a variety of sweet or savoury fillings and then sealing the edges. Ravioli is commonly boiled and served with a sauce, similar to other types of pasta. Here are some tips and ideas for using ravioli:

• Customisable fillings: Ravioli can be filled with almost anything you can imagine. Traditional fillings include cheese, meat, or vegetables, but you can get creative and experiment with different combinations. For example, you could try making dessert ravioli filled with sweet ricotta and chocolate chips.
• Boiling and sauce pairing: When cooking ravioli, be sure to use a large pot of generously salted boiling water. Cook the ravioli in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot, which can cause them to stick together. Ravioli pairs well with various sauces, from classic tomato-based sauces to creamy alfredo or pesto sauces.
• Baking option: Ravioli can also be baked in casseroles or used in baked pasta dishes. This gives the pasta a slightly different texture and can be a fun way to change up your regular pasta routine.
• Fresh, frozen, or dried: Ravioli is available in fresh, frozen, or dried forms. Fresh ravioli is typically found in the refrigerated section of grocery stores, while frozen and dried options are more shelf-stable and convenient for last-minute meals.

Comparing Lasagna and Ravioli:

Both lasagna and ravioli are versatile and customisable, allowing you to get creative with your fillings and sauces. They can be used as main dishes or side dishes, depending on your portion size and what else you are serving alongside them. Here are some additional comparisons between the two:

• Portion size and serving suggestions: Lasagna is typically served in larger portions as a main course, while ravioli is often served in smaller portions as a first course or appetiser. However, you can also serve smaller portions of lasagna as a starter or side dish.
• Shape and presentation: Lasagna is characterised by its layered structure and square portions, while ravioli comes in various shapes, including squares and circles. Ravioli's smaller size and variety of shapes can make it a fun and visually appealing option for plated meals.
• Ease of eating: Lasagna is generally easier to eat as it is cut into portions before serving, while ravioli, especially smaller varieties, can be more delicate and require a bit more care when eating.
• Cooking and preparation time: Lasagna typically takes longer to prepare and cook due to the multiple layers and the need for the dish to set properly. Ravioli, on the other hand, cooks relatively quickly, especially if you are using fresh or frozen varieties.

Frequently asked questions