Indulge your senses with the delightful flavors of Italy by making "Fresh Tortellini Filled with Basil Ricotta." This mouthwatering dish combines the creamy richness of ricotta cheese with the aromatic freshness of basil, all enveloped in tender, pillowy tortellini. Perfect for a cozy dinner or impressing your guests at a gathering, this recipe is as simple as it is delicious. With just 35 minutes of your time, you can create a culinary masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds. Ready to elevate your pasta game? Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh basil
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 package fresh tortellini
- Salt to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the basil ricotta filling by washing the fresh basil leaves thoroughly and patting them dry with paper towels.
- Finely chop the basil leaves using a sharp knife or food processor until they are uniformly minced.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with the chopped basil, mixing gently until the herbs are evenly distributed throughout the cheese.
- Season the ricotta mixture with a pinch of salt, tasting and adjusting seasoning as needed.
- If the tortellini is pre-packaged and not already filled, carefully open the package and prepare a clean work surface for filling.
- Using a small spoon, delicately fill each tortellini with the prepared basil ricotta mixture, ensuring not to overfill to prevent bursting during cooking.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil, creating enough space for the tortellini to move freely.
- Carefully add the tortellini to the boiling water, stirring gently to prevent sticking.
- Cook the tortellini for approximately 3-5 minutes or until they float to the surface and appear puffy.
- Drain the tortellini in a colander, reserving a small amount of pasta water if desired for adjusting sauce consistency.
- Transfer the cooked tortellini to serving plates, and generously sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Serve immediately while hot, garnishing with additional fresh basil leaves if desired for extra aroma and presentation.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: The quality of your basil and ricotta makes a significant difference. Opt for fresh basil leaves and creamy ricotta for the best flavor.
- Don’t Overfill: When filling the tortellini, use just enough basil ricotta mixture to avoid bursting during cooking. A small spoonful is usually perfect!
- Salt Your Water: Make sure to salt the boiling water generously; this is your chance to season the pasta itself, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining, save a cup of the pasta water. This starchy water can help adjust the consistency of any sauce you choose to serve with your tortellini.
- Serve Immediately: Tortellini is best enjoyed fresh and hot. Serve it right after cooking for the best texture and flavor, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan and basil.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 163kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 28mg
