Authentic Italian Sacchetti: Cooking Guide and Recipe

Ingredients

  • For the Sacchetti:
    • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    • 2 large eggs
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • Water as needed
  • For the Filling:
    • 1 cup ricotta cheese
    • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • For the Sauce:
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
    • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
    • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano

Steps and instructions

  1. Start by making the pasta dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt and eggs. Gradually add water as needed, kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic. Cover the dough and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
  2. While the dough is resting, prepare the filling: In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well mixed.
  3. Once the dough has rested, roll it out on a floured surface to about a 1/8 inch thickness. Cut out circles of dough using a round cookie cutter or glass.
  4. Place a small spoonful of the filling onto the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape, then pinch the edges to seal, creating little pouches or "sacchetti".
  5. To make the sauce, heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until it's fragrant. Add the crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, dried basil, and dried oregano. Let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, until it thickens.
  6. While the sauce is simmering, cook the sacchetti in a large pot of boiling salted water. They are done when they float to the surface, usually after about 3-5 minutes.
  7. Drain the sacchetti and divide them among serving plates. Top with the tomato sauce and serve immediately.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier option.
  • Experiment with different fillings such as spinach and feta, mushroom and goat cheese, or butternut squash and sage.
  • Add cooked and crumbled Italian sausage or ground beef to the filling for a meaty variation.
  • Replace the ricotta cheese with cottage cheese or a vegan cheese alternative for a dairy-free version.
  • Try different sauces such as a creamy Alfredo sauce, pesto sauce, or a spicy arrabbiata sauce.
  • Add chopped fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or thyme to the filling for an extra burst of flavor.
  • Make a gluten-free version by using a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour.
  • Add a layer of grated mozzarella cheese on top of the filled sacchetti before baking for a cheesy variation.
  • For a crispy texture, deep fry the sacchetti instead of boiling them.
  • Serve the sacchetti with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for added richness.

Recipe overview

This is a classic recipe for Sacchetti, a traditional Italian pasta that's stuffed with a delicious blend of cheeses. Sacchetti, meaning 'little bags' in Italian, are small pouches of pasta filled with ricotta and Parmesan cheese. They're then boiled until tender and served with a rich and flavorful tomato sauce. This recipe takes you through the process of making the pasta dough from scratch, preparing the filling, and cooking the perfect tomato sauce. It's a bit of a project, but the result is a delicious and impressive dish that's worth the effort. Everyone will be amazed by these little 'bags' of flavor! Though this recipe requires some time and patience, it's broken down into manageable steps to make the process as simple as possible. Plus, the satisfaction of creating your own homemade pasta is second to none. Enjoy the process and the delightful end result!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of cheese for the filling? Yes, you can use a different type of cheese for the filling if you prefer. However, ricotta and Parmesan cheese are traditionally used in this recipe.
  2. How many sacchetti does this recipe make? The number of sacchetti will vary depending on the size of your dough circles and the amount of filling you use. On average, this recipe makes around 20-24 sacchetti.
  3. Can I make the dough in advance? Yes, you can make the dough in advance. After kneading the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Make sure to bring the dough back to room temperature before rolling it out.
  4. Can I freeze the sacchetti? Yes, you can freeze the uncooked sacchetti for later use. Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they don't touch each other, and place in the freezer until firm. Once firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Cook them directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
  5. Can I use store-bought pasta dough instead? Yes, if you don't want to make your own pasta dough, you can use store-bought fresh pasta sheets. Cut out circles from the pasta sheets and proceed with the filling and sealing steps.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Rolling Pin - Used to roll out the pasta dough to the desired thickness.
  • Round Cookie Cutter or Glass - Used to cut out circles of dough for making the sacchetti.
  • Large Mixing Bowl - Used to mix and knead the pasta dough.
  • Saucepan - Used to cook the tomato sauce.
  • Serving Plates - Plates on which the cooked sacchetti will be served.
  • Spoon - Used to spoon the filling onto the dough circles.
  • Knife - Used to cut excess dough and seal the sacchetti.
  • Strainer - Used to drain the cooked sacchetti.

Origin stories

Sacchetti, which translates to "little bags" in Italian, is a type of pasta that hails from the Emilia Romagna region, renowned for its rich and diverse culinary traditions. Resembling small pouches or 'bags', Sacchetti are typically filled with a variety of ingredients such as ricotta cheese, porcini mushrooms, or even truffles, giving each morsel a delightful surprise. The charm of Sacchetti lies in its playful exterior which hides the savoury treat within, much like the surprise hidden in a wrapped gift. This pasta is a testament to the creativity of Italian pasta makers and their skill in crafting pasta that is not just delicious but visually appealing as well.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.