Filled pasta

Type of pasta that is filled with various ingredients

Agnolotti, a type of filled pasta

Filled pasta refers to a variety of pasta that is stuffed with different fillings, which can include meat, cheese, vegetables, or a combination of these ingredients. This type of pasta is a staple in Italian cuisine and is enjoyed worldwide in various forms.

Types of Filled Pasta

Filled pasta comes in numerous shapes and sizes, each with its own unique characteristics and traditional fillings. Some of the most popular types include:

Ravioli

Ravioli are square or circular pillows of pasta dough filled with a variety of ingredients. Common fillings include ricotta cheese, spinach, ground meat, or mushrooms. Ravioli are typically served with a sauce, such as tomato sauce or butter and sage.

Tortellini

Tortellini are small, ring-shaped pasta that are traditionally filled with a mixture of meat, cheese, or both. They are often served in broth or with a light sauce. Tortellini are a specialty of the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy.

Agnolotti

Agnolotti are a type of filled pasta originating from the Piedmont region. They are typically filled with roasted meat or vegetables and are often served with a simple sauce or in broth. Agnolotti are known for their distinctive half-moon shape.

Cappelletti

Cappelletti are similar to tortellini but are slightly larger and have a different folding technique. They are often filled with cheese or meat and are traditionally served in broth.

Cannelloni

Cannelloni are large, cylindrical pasta tubes that are filled with a mixture of meat, spinach, and ricotta cheese. They are typically baked in the oven with a tomato or béchamel sauce.

Manicotti

Manicotti are similar to cannelloni but are often ridged and slightly larger. They are filled with ricotta cheese and spinach or meat and are baked with sauce and cheese.

Preparation and Cooking

The preparation of filled pasta involves making a pasta dough from flour and eggs, rolling it out thinly, and placing small amounts of filling on the dough. Another sheet of dough is placed on top, and the pasta is cut into the desired shape. The edges are sealed to prevent the filling from escaping during cooking.

Filled pasta is typically cooked by boiling in salted water until it floats to the surface, indicating that it is done. It can then be served with a variety of sauces or in broth, depending on the type of pasta and regional traditions.

Culinary Uses

Filled pasta is versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. It can be served as a first course (primo piatto) in a traditional Italian meal or as a main dish. The choice of sauce or broth can greatly influence the flavor profile of the dish, allowing for endless variations.

Related Pages

• Pasta
• Italian cuisine
• Ravioli
• Tortellini
• Agnolotti