There’s something genuinely heartwarming about sitting down to a plate of homemade Cheese Tortellini. It’s akin to being wrapped in a cozy blanket of comfort on a cold day. But who says that you have to visit a fancy Italian restaurant to experience this delightful dish? Have you ever thought about making it right in the comfort of your own kitchen?
The idea might seem daunting at first, what with the intricate folds and flavors of the tortellini, but let me assure you, it’s simpler than it appears. It’s just like knitting, once you’ve got the basics down, creating an intricate pattern is easier than you think. And the beauty is, every bit of effort you put in rewards you tenfold in taste and satisfaction. Let’s embark on this culinary journey together!
The Journey Begins with the Right Ingredients
Just like every good story begins with a captivating first line, every good dish starts with the best ingredients. For this recipe, you’ll need some simple ingredients that are easily found at your local grocery store. The hero of our story, of course, is the cheese. A good-quality blend of ricotta and Parmesan will give you that creamy, tangy filling that is the hallmark of good tortellini.
Also, you’ll need some all-purpose flour, eggs, and a touch of olive oil for the pasta dough. The sauce is equally straightforward, with butter, fresh sage leaves, and more Parmesan cheese being the primary players. And of course, a sprinkle of salt and pepper to bring it all together.
Getting your Hands Dirty – Making Pasta from Scratch
Yes, you heard it right. We’re making pasta from scratch. It’s not as scary as it sounds. In fact, it’s an incredibly satisfying process. The dough just needs some basic kneading until it’s smooth and elastic. It’s like molding clay into a work of art, but in this case, the art is also edible.
Once the dough is rested and ready, you’ll roll it out thin, cut out circles, and fill them with the cheese mixture. Shape them into the classic tortellini shape, and voila! You’ve just made pasta from scratch.
Creating the Perfect Cheese Filling
We’ve already talked about the ingredients for the cheese filling, but how you combine them is equally important. The Ricotta needs to be well-drained, so your filling isn’t too wet. It should be combined with the Parmesan and seasoned well. The result should be a creamy, tangy filling that balances the pasta perfectly.
Remember, tortellini is all about balance. The pasta and the filling should complement each other, not overpower one another. So, go easy on the seasoning. A little goes a long way.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup ricotta cheese, well-drained
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for sauce and garnish
- Handful of fresh sage leaves
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine flour, eggs, and olive oil. Knead until smooth and elastic, then let rest for at least 30 minutes.
- While the dough rests, combine ricotta, Parmesan, salt, and pepper in a bowl to create the filling.
- Roll out the dough thin, cut circles, and place a dollop of filling in the center of each. Fold and shape into tortellini.
- Boil tortellini until they rise to the surface, then drain.
- In a separate pan, melt butter, add sage leaves, and cook until fragrant. Add cooked tortellini and more Parmesan to the pan, stirring to coat.
- Serve hot, garnished with more Parmesan and a sage leaf.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Tips for Cheese Tortellini
Always drain your ricotta well before using it in the filling, as too much moisture can make your pasta dough soggy. Also, be patient when making the pasta from scratch. It may not be perfect the first time, but practice makes perfect. Finally, don’t overcook your tortellini. They’re done when they float to the surface of the boiling water.
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
This cheese tortellini recipe is a must-try not just because it’s delicious, but also because it offers a rewarding challenge. Making pasta from scratch can be incredibly satisfying, and the final result is a flavorful, fresh, and comforting dish that far surpasses store-bought alternatives.
Nutrition Information
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 13g