Crispy Tortellini Bites with Creamy Tomato Sauce

Be cautioned! One dunk of these fresh, crunchy tortellini chomps into smooth pureed tomatoes and you will not have the option to stop! This simple hors d’oeuvre formula will be your new top pick!

This is all that you need in a Super Bowl nibble… somewhat pungent, somewhat messy, somewhat sassy, and a ton of flavor. I’ve combined it with a velvety pureed tomatoes for a little pleasantness and a crush of lemon for a little punch.

While best eaten when they’re made, you can make them an hour or two ahead and warm them in a warm broiler.

Also, in case you’re in any way similar to me, you’ll need to test a couple of each time you fry a cluster just to ensure they’re OK. Furthermore, I guarantee they’ll be alright.

Ingredients

Creamy Tomato Sauce

• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 1/2 Tbsp tomato paste
• 28 oz can tomato puree
• 2/3 cup heavy cream
• 1/3 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning, dried
• 1 Tbsp parsley, minced
• 1 1/2 tsp sugar
• 1/4 tsp red chili flakes
• 1 tsp kosher salt

Tortellini Bites

• Canola oil, for frying
• 1 lb fresh tortellini, cooked according to package instructions
• 2 eggs, beaten with 2 Tbsp water
• 2 cups panko bread crumbs
• 3/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tsp garlic salt
• Salt and pepper
• *Grated parmesan cheese, minced parsley and lemon wedges

Instructions

Creamy Tomato Sauce

1. Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and saute for 2 mins. Add the garlic and saute until until garlic and onions are soft and just golden.
3. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 mins.
4. Add the tomato puree, heavy cream, parmesan, Italian seasoning, parsley, sugar, chili flakes and salt.
5. Stir well and simmer over low heat, uncovered for 30 mins.
6. While the sauce cooks, get ready to fry the tortellini.

Tortellini Bites

1. Whisk the eggs with water in a bowl, set aside. Mix the panko bread crumbs with the parmesan, lemon zest and garlic salt.
2. Take a handful of the tortellini and toss it in the beaten eggs. Use a slotted spoon to remove and toss them into the breadcrumbs until well coated. Place the breaded tortellini on a plate and repeat with the remaining tortellini.
3. Place a large nonstick frying pan over high heat and add enough oil to cover the bottom. Heat until hot, but not smoking.
4. Add tortellini in a single layer but don’t crowd the pan. Fry until golden brown, flip and fry the other side until golden brown, about 3 mins total. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Repeat with remaining tortellini.
5. Sprinkle the tortellini bites with parmesan, parsley, salt and pepper and serve with tomato sauce and lemon wedges.

Recipe Notes

• Cook the sauce over very low heat, especially after adding the cream. You don’t want to scorch the bottom or boil.
• The cream adds a silkiness to the sauce, but if you want to skip making your own, a high quality jarred sauce will work just fine.
• The tortellini are best eaten right away, but you can hold them on a lined sheet tray in a warm 200 degree (but not hot) oven until ready to serve.