Let’s Cook Together in Paris | Cacio e Pepe-Style Truffle Tortellini
Today we’re making a rich, buttery and creamy truffle tortellini inspired by cacio e pepe, using some beautiful ingredients I discovered at La Grande Épicerie in Paris.
This recipe takes approximately 15 minutes and is perfect when you want a comforting dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
INGREDIENTS
* Truffle and ricotta tortellini
* 1 litre pre-boiled water
* 1 tsp crushed black pepper
* 2 tbsp salted Bordier French butter
* 1 ladle reserved pasta water
* Gruyère cheese, to taste (or finely grated Parmesan)
* Salt, to taste
* Freshly cracked black pepper, for serving
METHOD
1. Add 1 litre of pre-boiled water to a saucepan and carefully add the tortellini. Cook over high heat for approximately 5 minutes, or according to the packet instructions.
2. While the tortellini cooks, add 1 tsp crushed black pepper to a separate pan. Toast gently over low heat to release its flavour without burning.
3. Once the tortellini has puffed up and is cooked, reserve some pasta water before draining.
4. Add 2 tbsp salted Bordier French butter to the toasted pepper. Allow the butter to melt over gentle heat.
5. When small bubbles begin forming, pour in a ladle of reserved pasta water and stir.
6. Add the Gruyère cheese and allow it to melt gently into the sauce. This takes approximately 5 minutes when using small chunks, or around 2 minutes with finely grated cheese.
7. Add the cooked tortellini and gently toss everything together for another 2 minutes, ensuring each piece is coated.
8. Remove from the heat and serve immediately with freshly cracked black pepper.
MY COOKING TIPS
For a smoother sauce, use finely grated cheese and keep the heat gentle when incorporating it.
Traditional cacio e pepe is made with Pecorino Romano, but this is my own variation using Gruyère and French butter.
The starchy pasta water helps create a beautiful sauce without needing cream.
I particularly loved how the truffle and ricotta filling complemented the buttery, peppery sauce.
Follow along to see how I turn simple French ingredients into delicious recipes you can recreate at home.
What would you make with these ingredients?
#LetsCookTogether #CookingInParis #TruffleTortellini #CacioEPepe #EasyPastaRecipe
