Cheese In Tortellini: Mozzarella, Ricotta, And More!

Tortellini is an Italian dish consisting of small pasta nuggets or dumplings filled with cheese, meat, or vegetables. The most popular types of cheeses used in tortellini are ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan. However, other cheeses such as mascarpone, asiago, Pecorino Romano, and Swiss Emmentaler are also used. The pasta is typically made with flour and eggs, and the filling is a combination of thick, creamy cheeses and seasonings.

Ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan

Tortellini is a type of Italian stuffed pasta, often filled with meat and/or cheese. The most popular types of cheeses used in tortellini are ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan.

A simple homemade tortellini recipe can be made with a combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses, along with flour, water, and salt. The dough is typically made with all-purpose flour, although some recipes may also call for cake flour or rice flour for a tender, springy texture. The addition of eggs and olive oil can also enhance the dough's flavour and texture.

To make the filling, the cheeses are combined and seasoned with salt and pepper, and sometimes Italian seasoning. Nutmeg and parsley are also common additions to the cheese mixture. The dough is then rolled out, cut into circles, and filled with a teaspoon of the cheese mixture. The tortellini is shaped by folding the dough over the filling and sealing the edges.

Freshly made tortellini can be boiled in salted water and served with a variety of sauces, such as marinara, alfredo, or a simple broth. They can also be frozen for later use, making them a versatile and convenient option for meals.

Fresh tortellini with tangy marinara

Ingredients

• 1 package (9 ounces) refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 1 package (15 ounces) refrigerated marinara sauce
• 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced Italian tomatoes, undrained
• 1/2 pound sliced fresh mushrooms
• 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Optional

• Crusty French bread
• Green beans

Instructions

Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain the excess fat.

Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, and mushrooms. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender.

Remove the skillet from the heat. Carefully stir in the cooked tortellini, then sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Cover the skillet and let stand for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.

Serve with crusty French bread and green beans on the side, if desired.

Tips

• You can also warm the dish in a slow cooker instead of preparing it on the stovetop.
• For a vegetarian option, omit the Italian sausage and add extra vegetables of your choice, such as sautéed mushrooms, to the marinara sauce.
• If you prefer a different type of cheese, you can substitute the mozzarella with cheddar or parmesan.
• If you're short on time, you can use frozen tortellini instead of fresh. However, avoid dried tortellini as it is not traditional and may not measure up in terms of quality.

Tortellini with cured meats

Tortellini is a versatile pasta that can be served in many ways, including as a salad, in a soup, or baked. It is often stuffed with meat and cheeses, and the most popular types of cheeses used are ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan. Here are some ideas for tortellini with cured meats:

Baked Tortellini

This recipe combines tortellini with ground beef, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese. It is an easy and comforting dish that can be prepared in a single pot. Start by browning the ground beef and garlic, then add marinara sauce and tortellini. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with mozzarella cheese, and bake until hot and bubbly.

One-Pot Tortellini with Meat Sauce

This recipe is a quick and easy one-pot meal that can be prepared in 45 minutes. It features tortellini, Italian sausage, and garlic in a tomato-based sauce. Simply cook the garlic, tomato paste, and Italian sausage in a large pot, then add the tomatoes and tortellini. Serve topped with grated Parmesan cheese. For an even heartier dish, sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top and broil until melted and browned.

Tortellini with Peas and Pancetta

This dish adds a zesty twist to your basic pasta. It features pancetta, a cured meat made from pork belly, and peas. The tortellini is cooked and then tossed with the pancetta, peas, and a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese. This dish can be served hot or chilled.

Tortellini Salad

This salad is a bright and colourful dish perfect for a family cookout or potluck. Cooked tortellini is combined with an array of vegetables, including peppers, onions, cucumbers, broccoli, carrots, and peas. Cubed pepperoni and Italian salad dressing are added for a zesty kick, and the salad is topped off with a generous sprinkling of Parmesan cheese.

Deep-Fried Tortellini

This unique appetizer is sure to impress your guests. Cheese-filled tortellini is breaded and fried in olive oil until golden brown. Serve with tomato sauce for dipping, and your guests will be begging for more.

Homemade vs store-bought

Tortellini is an Italian stuffed pasta, often filled with meat and/or cheese. While you can make it at home, it's also readily available in stores. Here's a comparison between homemade and store-bought tortellini, specifically focusing on the type of cheese used.

Homemade Tortellini

Creating homemade tortellini allows you to know exactly what goes into your food. You can use a variety of cheeses, such as mascarpone, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, Asiago, and Romano. Homemade tortellini is made by preparing a simple dough with flour, water, mascarpone cheese, and salt. The cheese filling is made by combining different cheeses and adding Italian seasoning. The process involves cutting the dough into squares, filling them with cheese, and sealing them into the iconic tortellini shape.

Store-Bought Tortellini

Store-bought tortellini offers convenience and variety. Different brands use different combinations of cheeses, but the most commonly found ones are ricotta, Parmesan, and Romano. Some brands also include mozzarella, Emmentaler, Grana Padano, mascarpone, and Pecorino Romano.

Comparison

Both homemade and store-bought tortellini have their advantages. Homemade tortellini allows for customization of the filling and ensures you know exactly what's in your food. On the other hand, store-bought tortellini saves time and effort, offering a quick solution for busy cooks. Additionally, store-bought tortellini comes in various sizes, such as regular tortellini and tortelloni, and can be found in dried, frozen, or refrigerated options.

Whether you choose to make your own tortellini or opt for store-bought convenience, the type of cheese used plays a crucial role in the overall taste and texture. Homemade tortellini provides the freedom to experiment with different cheeses, while store-bought tortellini offers a wide range of options to suit different preferences. Ultimately, the decision between homemade and store-bought depends on your time constraints, culinary skills, and desire for customization.

How to make tortellini

Making tortellini from scratch may seem daunting, but it's a rewarding process that will impress your friends and family. This guide will take you through the steps to making delicious homemade tortellini.

Ingredients

Firstly, you will need to gather your ingredients. For the pasta, you will need flour, eggs, and a pinch of salt. For the filling, you can choose from a variety of options, such as ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, parsley, and even meats like Italian sausage or ground beef.

Making the Dough

To make the dough, create a mound with your flour on a clean work surface and make a well in the centre. Crack the eggs into the well and slowly work the flour into the eggs using a fork. When the mixture thickens, use your hands to incorporate the rest of the flour until you have a ball-like form.

Kneading the Dough

Now it's time to knead the dough. Press the heel of your hand into the dough and push it away from you. Turn the dough over and press into it with your knuckles. Repeat this process for about 10 times, adding a sprinkle of flour if the dough becomes sticky. Roll the dough back into a ball and continue kneading for 10-20 minutes until you achieve a smooth and silky consistency.

Resting the Dough

Once you've finished kneading, roll the dough back into a ball and place it in a bowl. Cover it with a tea towel and let it rest for about an hour. This step is important as it allows the dough to relax and become soft and malleable, making it easier to work with.

Making the Filling

While the dough is resting, you can prepare the filling. For a cheese tortellini, mix together ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and any additional spices or herbs you'd like to add, such as nutmeg or parsley. You can also add other types of cheese, such as mozzarella or mascarpone, to create a creamy and flavourful filling.

Rolling and Cutting the Pasta

Once the dough has rested, it's time to roll it out. Use a pasta machine or a rolling pin to roll the dough into thin sheets. If using a pasta machine, start with the largest setting and gradually move to smaller settings until you reach the desired thickness. Cut the pasta sheets into squares or circles, aiming for a size of about 2 inches by 2 inches.

Filling and Shaping the Tortellini

Place a small amount of filling in the centre of each square or circle, using less than a full teaspoon to avoid overfilling. Moisten the edges with water and fold the pasta over to create a triangle or half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly to seal in the filling. Now comes the tricky part—forming the tortellini shape. Take the bottom corners of the triangle and fold them around your index finger so they meet, then squeeze the corners together and seal with a bit more water if needed.

Cooking the Tortellini

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and carefully lower the tortellini into the water using a slotted spoon. Cook the tortellini for about 2-3 minutes, or until they float to the surface.

Storing and Serving

If you have any leftover tortellini, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days or freeze them for up to 3 months. Serve your freshly made tortellini with your favourite sauce, such as a tomato sauce, cream sauce, or a simple olive oil toss. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for a delicious, authentic Italian meal.

Tips for Success

When making tortellini, remember to keep the pasta covered to prevent it from drying out. Also, use ample flour to prevent the shaped tortellini from sticking to the tray or each other. Don't overstuff the pasta, as it will make it tricky to seal and may cause the tortellini to burst during cooking. Finally, give yourself enough time, as making tortellini can be a time-consuming process. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!

Frequently asked questions