It’s easy to mix up these dumpling-like pastas, especially given their similar names.

However, there are some key differences that distinguish these two delicious varieties.

What Is Tortelloni?

Tortelloni is a stuffed, keyhole-shaped pasta created by folding a round piece of dough in half over a filling, then twisting the ends to form a circular shape. This pasta is popular in the Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna regions of Northern Italy and is traditionally filled with a vegetarian mixture, which may include ricotta cheese, leafy greens (like spinach and parsley), crumbled amaretti biscuits, or pumpkin purée.

After being stuffed and shaped, tortelloni is typically cooked in a simple sage-infused butter sauce, but it can also be paired with various sauces such as pesto, ragù, marinara, or cream sauces. Due to its vegetarian filling, tortelloni is often served on Eve in Italy, as some tradition encourages abstaining from meat on the day before the holiday.

What Is Tortellini?

Originating from the Emilia-Romagna region—famous for ingredients like Parmigiano-Reggiano, prosciutto di Parma, and balsamic vinegar of Modena—tortellini is a small, ring-shaped pasta traditionally filled with a mixture of ground meats, egg, and parmesan cheese, all sealed in a circular shape. Local legend claims that the shape of tortellini is intended to resemble the navel of the goddess Venus.

While Bologna and Modena both claim to be the birthplace of tortellini, the two regions agree on the classic way to enjoy this pasta: boiled and served in a rich chicken broth. Tortellini can also be served with various sauces typical of Italian cuisine, such as bolognese or tomato sauce.

What Is the Difference Between Tortelloni and Tortellini?

The main differences between these two stuffed pastas lie in their size and traditional fillings. Although they share a similar shape, tortelloni are larger than the delicate tortellini. Tortelloni is typically filled with vegetarian ingredients, whereas tortellini usually contains meat.

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