Description
Golden, crispy cheese tortellini coated in Parmesan and breadcrumbs, then finished with a zesty lemon drizzle — these crunchy bites are an addictive appetizer or side that’ll steal the show every time. Discover the 5 secrets to getting them perfectly crisp and flavorful!
Ingredients
10 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian or panko)
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tbsp olive oil
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook tortellini in salted boiling water for 2–3 minutes until just tender, then drain and pat dry.
2. Set up a breading station with three bowls: flour, beaten eggs, and a mix of breadcrumbs with Parmesan.
3. Coat tortellini first in flour, then egg, then breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and pan-fry tortellini until golden and crisp on both sides.
5. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with a pinch of salt while hot.
6. Whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, a drizzle of olive oil, and black pepper to make the lemon drizzle.
7. Drizzle over crispy tortellini and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
💡 5 Secrets to Perfection:
1. Dry tortellini well before breading — moisture makes them soggy.
2. Use panko breadcrumbs for maximum crunch.
3. Mix Parmesan directly into the crumbs for cheesy flavor in every bite.
4. Fry in small batches to keep the oil temperature steady.
5. Finish with lemon zest and juice while still warm for a bright, fresh touch.
Serve with marinara, garlic aioli, or basil pesto for dipping — they’ll disappear fast!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Pan Fry
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: crispy tortellini, parmesan tortellini, fried pasta bites, lemon drizzle, appetizer, Italian snack