Pioneer Woman Tortellini Skewers Recipe

This Pioneer Woman Tortellini Skewers recipe is a fresh and colorful appetizer, which is made with cheese tortellini, cherry tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella. It’s the perfect easy, no-fuss party food, ready in just 20 minutes.

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Pioneer Woman Tortellini Skewers Ingredients

9 ounces fresh cheese tortellini
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 pints red grape tomatoes (like Juno® Bites)
6 ounces fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine)
A generous handful of fresh basil leaves
Wooden skewers
Optional: Balsamic glaze for drizzling

How To Make Pioneer Woman Tortellini Skewers

Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fresh tortellini and cook according to the package directions, usually for about 3-4 minutes.
Cool and Season: Once cooked, drain the tortellini and immediately rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Transfer the cooled tortellini to a bowl and toss with the olive oil to prevent them from sticking together.
Assemble the Skewers: Thread the ingredients onto the wooden skewers. A classic order is a grape tomato, a piece of tortellini, a folded basil leaf, and a mozzarella ball. Repeat as desired.
Serve: Arrange the finished skewers on a serving platter. If you like, drizzle them with a balsamic glaze just before serving.

Recipe Tips

How to prevent mushy tortellini? Be careful not to overcook the tortellini. Cook it only until it’s al dente (tender with a slight bite). Rinsing it with cold water immediately after draining stops the cooking process and helps keep it firm.
Why toss the tortellini in olive oil? This is a key step. The olive oil prevents the cooked pasta from sticking together, making the skewers much easier to assemble. It also adds a little flavor.
Can I use different kinds of tortellini? Yes! While cheese tortellini is classic, you could also use spinach, mushroom, or meat-filled tortellini for a different flavor profile.
How can I add more flavor? A drizzle of high-quality balsamic glaze over the finished skewers adds a delicious sweet and tangy element that complements the other ingredients perfectly. You could also serve them with a pesto dipping sauce.

What To Serve With Tortellini Skewers

These skewers are a perfect standalone appetizer, but they are also a great part of a larger spread.

An antipasto platter with cured meats, olives, and artichoke hearts
A simple green salad
Crusty bread with an olive oil dip
A glass of crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc

How To Store Tortellini Skewers

Best Served Fresh: These skewers are best enjoyed on the day they are made to ensure the basil is fresh and the tortellini has the best texture.
Refrigerate: You can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. If making ahead, it’s best to add the basil leaves just before serving to prevent them from wilting.

Tortellini Skewers Nutrition Facts

Calories: 200 kcal
Protein: 9g
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Sodium: 250mg

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble them a few hours in advance. Cover them and keep them in the refrigerator. For the best results, add the basil and any balsamic drizzle just before serving.

Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh?

You can, but fresh tortellini is highly recommended for the best flavor and texture. If you use frozen, there’s no need to thaw it first; just add it directly to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions.

What other ingredients can I add to the skewers?

These skewers are very customizable. You could add things like Kalamata olives, marinated artichoke hearts, or cubes of salami or prosciutto.

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