Tortellini Day

Tortellini Day is February 13th

Celebrate the creation of the Tortellini on Tortellini Day. This Italian dish originates from the Italian region of Bologna where all kinds of stuffings and pasta types were invented. What's your favorite Tortellini filling?

Have you been dying to gorge on a plate of tortellini, the classic Italian pasta, but the timing hasn’t been right? Well, you’re in luck, because February 13th is Tortellini Day! Break out the good china, open up the wine, and share your favorite tortellini dish with family and friends. Carbs be darned, today is about good eatin’!

History Tortellini Day

Our research could not uncover the originator of this holiday, so we can only speculate as to the reason for its creation. I wonder what it could be? Hmm. There is probably nothing on Earth that brings people together the way food does. The unifying might of food is almost a superpower unto itself! A food as storied as tortellini, whose history dates back centuries, holds a special place in the hearts of countless generations. National Tortellini Day serves to highlight the emotional bond between dish and connoisseur. Like the very best holidays, National Tortellini Day is about connection and remembrance.

More About Tortellini

Tortellini originates from the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy and has a close association with the city Bologna. Numerous folk tales and legends surround this peculiar looking pasta. The story goes that Venus, the goddess of love, once stayed at a tavern in the city of Castelfranco Emilia. Some versions of the tale pair her up with Jupiter (or Zeus, as known by the Greeks), the king of the gods. Others refer to her as a woman who was very human but of possessing great beauty. Whichever way you slice it, the story comes down to this: the innkeeper, entranced by his guest, sneaks up to the room and peeks in through the keyhole. The man is only able to catch a glimpse of one thing; Venus’ navel. Awestruck by her visage, the innkeeper runs down to his kitchen. Rolling out a sheet of egg pasta, he shapes the dough into a form inspired by the goddess’ tummy button. And thus, tortellini is born!

FUN FACT: There is a larger version of the pasta called tortelloni: these you can stuff with cheese and greens, and serve them in a meat or butter sauce.

Ways to Celebrate Tortellini Day

• Eat tortellini! Bake tortellini! Enjoy tortellini.
• Here's a bevy of tortellini recipes for you to try
• And these are some instructionals on how to make tortellini.

Whether you’re a tortellini enthusiast or mildly curious, National Tortellini Day is the day for you to break out the rolling pin, slap on an apron, and lay out some pasta! Host a dinner party with friends! Cook a little something special for that significant someone! Or just treat yourself to some hearty Italian food. How ever you shape it, make your Tortellini Day as memorable as the belly button of a goddess.