We all love fresh, homemade pasta, and few dishes are as charming as tortellini. These little stuffed pasta rings are soft, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making them a perfect treat for family or friends.

Making tortellini at home may seem complicated, but with a clear step-by-step guide, it can be fun, satisfying, and surprisingly easy.

Today, we'll walk you through a complete recipe to make homemade tortellini from scratch—including the dough, filling, shaping, cooking, and serving.

Ingredients

For the pasta dough:

- 200g all-purpose flour

- 2 large eggs

- 1 pinch of salt

For the filling:

- 150g ricotta cheese

- 50g grated Parmesan cheese

- 70g cooked and finely chopped spinach (squeeze out excess water)

- Salt and black pepper to taste

- 1 pinch of nutmeg (optional)

For cooking and serving:

- Water for boiling

- Pinch of salt

- Sauce of your choice: butter and sage, tomato sauce, or creamy sauce

- Extra Parmesan cheese for topping

Step By Step To Make It

Step 1: Making the Dough

1. Place the 200g flour on a clean work surface. Make a small well in the center.

2. Break 2 eggs into the well and add a pinch of salt.

3. Using a fork or your fingers, gradually mix the flour into the eggs until it forms a dough.

4. Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.

5. Cover the dough with a clean cloth and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. Resting makes the dough softer and easier to roll.

Step 2: Preparing the Filling

1. In a mixing bowl, combine 150g ricotta cheese, 50g grated Parmesan, and 70g cooked spinach.

2. Add salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.

3. Mix until smooth and creamy. The filling should be firm enough to hold its shape but soft enough to scoop.

Step 3: Rolling and Cutting the Dough

1. Once the dough has rested, divide it into 2 portions. Keep one covered while working with the other.

2. Roll the dough into thin sheets using a rolling pin or pasta machine. The sheet should be about 1–2mm thick.

3. Cut the sheets into squares approximately 4cm × 4cm.

Step 4: Filling and Shaping the Tortellini

1. Place a small spoonful (about 1 teaspoon) of filling in the center of each square.

2. Fold the square into a triangle and press the edges to seal, making sure no air is trapped inside.

3. Bring the two corners of the triangle together, forming a ring shape, and press lightly to seal.

4. Place the shaped tortellini on a lightly floured tray to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Cooking the Tortellini

1. Bring a large saucepan of water to a gentle boil and add a pinch of salt.

2. Carefully drop the tortellini into the boiling water.

3. Cook for 3–4 minutes, or until the tortellini float to the surface.

4. Remove them with a slotted spoon and drain well.

Step 6: Serving and Saucing

1. Prepare your sauce while the tortellini cook. A simple butter and sage sauce works beautifully, or you can use tomato or creamy sauce.

2. Place the cooked tortellini in the sauce and gently toss to coat evenly.

3. Serve warm, topped with extra grated Parmesan cheese.

Tips for Success

- Roll the dough thinly; thick dough can make the tortellini heavy.

- Don't overfill, or the tortellini may burst while cooking.

- Lightly flour your surface and hands when shaping to prevent sticking.

- Fresh tortellini taste best, but you can freeze uncooked ones for later use.

Enjoy Your Tortellini

Making homemade tortellini is such a fun and rewarding experience. From kneading the dough to shaping each tiny ring, we get to enjoy both the process and the amazing taste at the end.

We hope you give this recipe a try, experiment with different fillings, and share your fresh pasta creations with loved ones. Nothing beats the joy of homemade tortellini straight from your own kitchen!