Difference Between Tortellini and Tortelloni

The importance of food diversity at communal and regional levels can be underestimated. In the recent past, innovation has seen similar food products to produce diverse menus. Pasta, for instance, can be modified to different shapes, sizes and with different fillings, for different delicious recipes such as tortellini and tortelloni. Although the two have pasta as the base ingredient, they are different in several ways including the sizes, shapes, fillings, and flavor. 

What is Tortellini?

Originally from Emilia, an Italian region, this is pasta with a navel or ring shape that is stuffed with cheese or meat and is served with beef or chicken broth. It is more prevalent in areas with large Italian communities. Although tortellini is available in most parts of the world, fresh-packed ones have a 7 weeks shelf life. They are flavorful but small in size.

What is Tortelloni?

Common in areas with high Italian population, this is pasta that is stuffed with leafy vegetables, amaretti biscuits, pumpkin pulp or ricotta cheese and served with melted butter, ragu or sage leaves. Tortelloni are less flavorful and bigger than tortellini.

Similarities between Tortellini and Tortelloni

• Both are pasta based foods
• Both are popular Italian dishes

Differences between Tortellini and Tortelloni

Definition

Tortellini refers to pasta with a navel or ring shape that is stuffed with cheese or meat and is served with beef or chicken broth. On the other hand, tortelloni refers to pasta that is stuffed with leafy vegetables, amaretti biscuits, and pumpkin pulp or ricotta cheese and served with melted butter, ragu or sage leaves.

Flavor

Tortellini has much flavor while tortelloni is less is flavorful.

Fillings

While Tortellini is filled with cheese or meat, tortelloni is filled with leaf vegetables, amaretti biscuits, pumpkin pulp or ricotta cheese.

Size

Tortellini is smaller in size while tortelloni is larger.

Served with

Tortellini is served with beef or chicken broth while tortelloni is served with melted butter, ragu or sage leaves.

Tortellini vs. Tortelloni: Comparison Table

Summary of Tortellini vs. Tortelloni

Tortellini refers to pasta with a navel or ring shape that is stuffed with cheese or meat and is served with beef or chicken broth. Although it’s small in size, it has more flavors. On the other hand, tortelloni refers to pasta that is stuffed with leafy vegetables, amaretti biscuits, and pumpkin pulp or ricotta cheese and served with melted butter, ragu or sage leaves. Although larger, it’s less flavorful.

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