National Tortellini Day (February 13)
Check out the weird holiday National Tortellini Day on February 13. Learn the history of tortellini, and get ideas on how to celebrate.

One weird holiday on February 13 is National Tortellini Day. Check out the other weird February holidays!
History of National Tortellini Day
Tortellini is an Italian pasta that is made by wrapping thin, fine pasta around fillings such as meat, cheese (ususally a blend of a blend of prosciutto, mortadella, and Parmigiano-Reggiano), and ham. It is then served with a variety of sauces or even soup.
Tortellini is known as the dish of Bologna, Italy, and it is usually reserved for grand or formal occasions, such as a wedding or a feast. Tortellini is typically paired with red wine. It is in the family of stuffed pasta like ravioli.
This pasta has a few legends about how it was created. It’s said that in the 1500s in medieval Italy, the two Roman gods Venus and Jupiter spent the night in a tavern in Bologna. The tavern keeper was so entranced by Venus’s beauty, he tried to spy on her through her keyhole but was only able to see her navel. He then promptly recreated it as pasta.
A similar story features the infamous Lucrezia Borgia (a femme fatale) as the woman who was spied upon. In this legend, only her navel was seen as well. This is one reason why a nickname for tortellini is ambelico, which means belly button.
The earliest recipe of tortellini was in 1570 for a dish called tortelleti, which was created by Bartolomeo Scappi. It was then renamed to tortellini by Vincenzo Tanara in the 17th century.
In 1974, the official recipe for tortellini was registered at the Chamber of Commerce in Bologna, Italy.
Nowadays, there is an organization in Balogna called The Learned Order of the Tortellini. They wear special hats at their meetings which are red and gold and shaped like tortellini, along with a gold tortellini on a ribbon that hangs around their necks.
Ideas for National Tortellini Day
Here are some delicious ways to make tortellini to celebrate today’s weird holiday! You can make them from scratch yourself, or purchase them store-bought.
How to make Tortellini
Homemade Tortellini is not only fun and easy to make in your own kitchen on National Tortellini Day. Nothing compares to the taste and texture of fresh homemade pasta.
20 Minute Tortellini Pasta Carbonara
20 Minute Tortellini Pasta Carbonara. Bacon and broccoli are tossed with tortellini pasta and a light cream sauce for a scrumptious quick and easy meal. This easy National Tortellini Day pasta recipe is loaded with flavors and textures.
The Easiest Chicken Broccoli Bake with Tortellini Ever
This pasta chicken bake recipe is yummy, easy, and doesn't create a ton of dishes! Try it for National Tortellini Day with any meat!
Tri-Color Tortellini Recipe
This tri-color tortellini recipe is an easy and delicious National Tortellini Day dinner. Tossed with a homemade creamy basil pesto sauce, this quick meal is made in just 20 minutes!
Cheese Tortellini with Peas and Pepper
This Cheese Tortellini with Peas and Pepper is one of the fastest pasta meals you can put on your dinner table for National Tortellini Day. The whole thing comes together in about 15 minutes and it’s perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. A creamy Parmesan and butter sauce with a fresh, sweet bite from the peas.
3 Cheese Tortellini Soup with Ham Recipe [+VIDEO]
3 cheese tortellini soup enriched with ham pieces makes a comforting winter meal for the family. Give it a try on National Tortellini Day!
Easy One Pan Sausage Tortellini Skillet Recipe
Dinner is ready in less than 20 minutes on National Tortellini Day and made in one pan with this Easy One Pan Sausage Tortellini Skillet. Simple, quick and delicious.
Tortellini with Chicken, Spinach, and Mushrooms in a Light Vodka Sauce
This Three Cheese Tortellini with a light vodka sauce topped off with sauteed chicken, mushrooms, and fresh spinach is the perfect dish for National Tortellini Day.
Tortellini and Broccoli Alfredo
When it comes to deliciousness, this Broccoli Tortelllini Alfredo is sure to bring smiles to your dinner table on National Tortellini Day! And the best part is you can have this restaurant-style dish on your table in 30 minutes or less!
Chicken Tortellini Alfredo
Chicken Tortellini Alfredo satisfies any comfort food craving! Tortellini pasta and tender bites of chicken are tossed in a creamy, cheesy, Alfredo sauce for a quick and easy dinner that everyone will love. This is a meal that should be made regularly (not just on National Tortellini Day), and after trying it once, we know you will want to!
Santa Fe Chicken Tortellini Casserole
If you are a fan of cheese tortellini, you have to give this Santa Fe Chicken Tortellini Casserole recipe a try on National Tortellini Day. It is the ultimate casserole recipe, that is loaded with tender tortellini, veggies, in a creamy sauce with chicken throughout. The ultimate comfort food recipe to make.
Pesto Tortellini Salad
This creamy pesto tortellini salad is easy to make and loaded with flavor. Fresh and colorful, this tortellini pasta salad can be made ahead of time and is the perfect side dish to serve at National Tortellini Day parties or to take to a potluck.
Air Fryer Tortellini
Air Fryer Tortellini is crispy on the outside and deliciously gooey on the inside! In less than 20 minutes you will have the perfect National Tortellini Day appetizer or dinner ready to serve that everyone will be raving about.
Greek Cheese and Beef Tortellini Skillet Recipe
This Greek-style skillet meal of cheese tortellini with ground beef, olives, and feta is a perfect pasta dish for the family table on National Tortellini Day. The incomparable Mediterranean flavors will have everyone begging for seconds!
Parmesan Chicken and Tortellini
One pot creamy Chicken and Tortellini is a quick and easy to make dinner recipe on National Tortellini Day. It is packed with crispy pan-seared chicken cutlets, spinach and tortellini, all in a creamy garlic parmesan sauce. Ready in about 30 minutes!
Cajun Tortellini Skillet (easy one-pan dinner!)
Using 3 Cheese Tortellini and Alfredo Sauce, this creamy one-skillet supper is done in about 30 minutes for National Tortellini Day and gets a kick from Andouille sausage and Cajun seasoning. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you still want a hearty, delicious dinner, and the recipe is filled with grocery hacks to save you on prep time.
Creamy Bacon And Chicken Tortellini
Creamy Chicken Tortellini with bacon and sundried tomato is comforting and easy dinner recipe for National Tortellini Day - loaded with juicy chicken, bacon, sundried tomatoes, and a delicious cream sauce.
Portobello Mushroom Cheese Tortellini
When you’re craving comfort food on National Tortellini Day, you need this meatless Portobello Mushroom Cheese Tortellini recipe with carrots, garlic, basil, and a creamy Alfredo sauce.
Lemon Chicken Tortellini Salad
Lemon chicken tortellini salad is easy to make, perfect for meal prep, parties, National Tortellini Day, family gatherings and more. This simple salad recipe is great for a quick dinner, lunches throughout the week or an afternoon snack.
Easy, Healthy Instant Pot Tortellini Soup (Made With Spinach, Frozen Chicken & Without Cream)
This Instant Pot Tortellini Soup recipe is hearty comfort food for National Tortellini Day. Little bundles of pasta wrapped around meat or cheese and floating in savory soup - it’s so hearty and tasty!
Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe-Butter Your Biscuit
Greek tortellini pasta salad is a family favorite. Quick and easy with a zesty dressing, perfect anytime of year, especially on National Tortellini Day!
Crockpot Chicken Alfredo Recipe
Crockpot Chicken Alfredo – juicy chicken breasts and noodles are slow cooked in a creamy, garlicky Alfredo sauce. With minimal prep, this comforting meal is made all in one pot and is a total crowd pleaser on National Tortellini Day!
Instant Pot Enchilada Tortellini Casserole
You’ll love how simple it is to make this amazing Instant Pot enchilada tortellini casserole for National Tortellini Day! Cheesy, saucy, and layered with beef and beans, it’s a super easy one-pot meal!
Cheesy Tortellini Bake
How about something really easy for dinner on National Tortellini Day? This cheesy tortellini bake is it! Even your pickiest eaters are going to love this hearty and comforting pasta dish. Saucy, meaty, cheesy… yep, this one checks all the boxes!
Creamy Cajun Tortellini Soup
Creamy Cajun tortellini soup for a cozy and comforting quick and easy National Tortellini Day dinner! Chock full of tender cheese tortellini, flavorful andouille sausage, spicy Cajun seasoning and spinach. So freaking good!
Caprese Tortellini Pasta Salad
Fresh, fast and delicious! This Caprese Tortellini Pasta Salad is all of those things and more! Serve this delicious salad as a side or appetizer on National Tortellini Day and enjoy the fresh flavours of basil, cherry tomatoes and mozzarella with a healthy serving of pasta!
Creamy Shrimp Tortellini Soup
Creamy Shrimp Tortellini Soup is packed with vegetables, so filling and so comforting – ready in about 30 minutes for dinner on National Tortellini Day.
Lazy Turkey Sausage Tortellini Soup
Turkey sausage tortellini soup is an easy and deliciously intense flavored soup that has something for everyone on National Tortellini Day. This homemade crockpot soup recipe will make even your pickiest eaters happy!
Cheesy Slow Cooker Tortellini
An easy cheesy slow cooker tortellini recipe made with just 5 simple ingredients including ready-made pasta sauce, fresh filled tortellini, and dried herbs! So easy for National Tortellini Day and oh so tasty!
Cheese Tortellini Pasta With Pancetta
Tortellini Pasta With Pancetta is an easy recipe for a pasta dinner. Cheese filled pasta is studded with crispy bits of pancetta, sautéed tomatoes, fresh arugula and basil in a light buttery garlic white wine sauce.
Tortellini Pasta Salad
This tortellini pasta salad is the perfect National Tortellini Day side dish when you want pasta! Made with a few fresh ingredients, it's perfect as a quick and healthy lunch, great for a summer picnic or BBQ cookout, or a weeknight dinner.
Spinach Tortellini Soup (So Easy!)
Hearty, warming, and accidentally vegetarian, this Spinach Tortellini Soup feeds a crowd and is great for making planned leftovers after National Tortellini Day! This soup is packed with veggies and cheesy tortellini in a broth with rich tomato flavor. Enjoy a batch of easy tortellini soup as is, or serve with a side of crusty bread or a green salad.
Cozy Soups: Crock Pot Tortellini Soup with Cream Cheese Recipe
Being able to start dinner early in the day on National Tortellini Day and forget about it until dinner is almost ready is so satisfying. Recipes like this cozy Crock Pot Tortellini Soup uses cream cheese and makes you a total rock star in the kitchen!
Instant Pot Taco Tortellini Casserole
Instant Pot Taco Tortellini Casserole has tender cheese-filled pasta with zesty taco-flavored beef. It's the perfect new recipe for National Tortellini Day!
Tortellini alla Panna
Tortellini alla panna, or "tortellini with cream", is an incredibly simple pasta recipe that is the epitome of comfort food! This easy dinner, featuring prosciutto and peas, will be on the table for National Tortellini Day in less than 30 minutes.
Delicious and Creamy Kale Tortellini Soup
Here is a super yummy and filling kale and tortellini soup that will hit the spot! The family will love this one all winter long, not just on National Tortellini Day.
Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup
This Instant Pot creamy tomato tortellini soup is made in no time for National Tortellini Day thanks to pressure cooking – majorly creamy and cheesy and packed with bright summer basil!
Mini Tortellini Kabobs
Simple Mini Tortellini Kabobs are a great antipasto appetizer when you’re just snacking at home with the family or having friends over. They are a guaranteed crowd pleaser at your next get together for National Tortellini Day – everyone loves them!
Tortellini with Walnut Sage Butter
Tortellini Bolognese Pasticcio Pie
ortellini Bolognese pasticcio (or timballo) is a pastry encased pasta pie filled with tortellini, Bolognese sauce and grated Parmigiano. The recipe for this tortellini pie comes from Bologna, home to all the ingredients used. Give it a try on National Tortellini Day!
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