As much as my family loves Pasta you would think we would have tried Tortellini at least once but Charlie and I haven’t had it. As for David I can’t say if he has had any or not. To change this and to celebrate National Tortellini Day I think I will make Fettuccini Alfredo with Tortellini Pasta. Would you like to join us for dinner?
Did you know Tortellini is the Pasta of legends as the story goes, the Goddess Venus had come to stay at a Tavern in the Italian city of Bologna. The owner, trying to spy on her through the keyhole, was only able to see her navel.
He was so inspired by the sight that he rushed to his kitchen and created the navel-shaped Pasta we now call Tortellini. Now these Pasta pillows of deliciousness are adored by Pasta lovers all over the world. On February 13th, whether you enjoy Tortellini with Butter and Sage or Prosciutto and Parmesan, lift a fork to celebrate National Tortellini Day.
National Tortellini Day Activities
- Did you know making your own Tortellini isn’t difficult and can be a wonderful afternoon project that leads to a delicious dinner? Tke a class or watch a video to learn how to make Tortellini in your own kitchen
- Not only will you find Tortellini’s in most of the Italian restaurants in your City you will find Tortellini on many other menus, as well. Each Chef has their own take on what to stuff the Tortellini with and what Sauce to use, so have fun trying all the options your City has to offer.
- There is no, better way to bring a great group of friends together than with a Pasta dinner? Make a variety of Tortellini with different Stuffings and Sauces, or invite your guests to each bring a different Tortellini dish. However you choose to do it, good friends, good food, and possibly good Wine will guarantee you a wonderful night.
Why We Love National Tortellini Day
Did you know Tortellini is among the most versatile of Pastas? The traditional filling for Tortellini is a mixture of Meats seasoned with Parmigiano-Reggiano and Nutmeg and served in a Capon Broth, but there are also many other popular versions stuffed with different Cheeses, Meats, or Vegetables including Pumpkin or Brussels Sprouts. Chefs all over the world have found inventive ways to stuff Tortellini, making Tortellini a menu favorite at some of the best restaurants.
You can make Pasta yourself, Tortellini can be purchased fresh from a Grocery Store near you. Coo the pasta like you like and if you can use, Tortellini which can be part of a delicious meal that’s ready in just a few minutes after a long day.
In general, Pasta can provide your body with an easy, versatile source of carbohydrates, which are an important energy source for your body. If your pasta is made with whole Wheat, it may also contain fiber, which can aid in digestion, help reduce cholesterol, and stabilize your blood sugar levels. Tortellini stuffed with Meat or Cheese can provide a more fully rounded nutritional option.
Recipe: Easy Garlic Alfredo Tortellini 20 min
Ingredients
- 1 9-ounce package Refrigerated Three Cheese Tortellini 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter 3 cloves Garlic (minced) ¼ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (crushed) (Optional) 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour 1 cup Milk (or more, as needed) ½ cup Half And Half 2 ounces Cream Cheese (cubed) ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated) add Kosher Salt (and freshly ground black pepper) 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley Leaves (chopped)
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook tortellini according to package instructions; drain well.
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Whisk in flour until lightly browned, about 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in milk and half and half, and cook, whisking constantly, until slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in cheeses until melted, about 1-2 minutes. If the mixture is too thick, add more milk as needed; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Stir in tortellini and gently toss to combine.
- Serve immediately, garnished with parsley, if desired.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
