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Tortellini Skewers are a simple, yet elegant appetizer perfect for any party! Made with fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and tortellini, these skewers deliver the flavors of an antipasto plater in one delicious hand-held bite.
Inspired by the flavors of a classic antipasto platter, these skewers are not only delicious but also beautiful, making them the ultimate finger food for any occasion!
Paired with stuffed mushrooms and bacon-wrapped dates, you have the ultimate party spread!
Suggested Ingredients
Take this recipe as inspiration and create your own spin on these Antipasto Skewers. Any ingredient that you typically find on an antipasto platter can be used for this appetizer.
- Tortellini: Cheese tortellini is the classic choice, but any variety (fresh or frozen) will do.
- Pesto: Toss cooked tortellini with basil pesto for flavor and to prevent sticking. If you prefer, use olive oil or balsamic dressing instead.
- Basil: Fresh basil adds color and flavor, but spinach leaves work as a great substitute.
- Fresh Mozzarella: Mini mozzarella balls are ideal, or substitute with cubes of mozzarella, provolone, or asiago.
- Meat: Use salami, pepperoni, or prosciutto for added flavor, or leave it out for a vegetarian option.
- Optional Add-Ons: Kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or pepperoncini.
- Skewers: Use wooden or metal skewers; 4-inch skewers are perfect for finger foods.
How to Make Tortellini Skewers
The following tips are provided to help you achieve perfect results. You will find the ingredient quantities and detailed instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Prepare Tortellini. Prepare the tortellini according to package instructions in salted boiling water. Once cooked, drain off the cooking liquid and place the pasta into a large mixing bowl. Add the pesto (or olive oil or balsamic dressing) to the warm tortellini and toss to coat.
- Let Cool. At this point, allow the tortellini to cool to room temperature (or cover and refrigerate for up to 48 hours) before preparing the skewers.
- Assemble. Once the tortellini is cooled, thread the tortellini, cheese, tomatoes, basil, olives, meat, and any ingredients you opt to use, on the skewers in an alternating pattern.
- Serve. Serve with additional pesto if desired.
Prep Ahead Instructions
While you can prepare the tortellini up to 48 hours in advance, wait to assemble the skewers until no more than 4 hours prior to serving. This will prevent the basil from browning and wilting.
More Easy & Impressive Appetizers
If you enjoyed this recipe for Antipasto Skewers, I would love for you to love a comment below.
Tortellini Skewers
Video
Ingredients
- 20 ounces cheese tortellini, fresh or frozen
- ¼ cup prepared pesto, plus additional for serving if desired
- 24 grape tomatoes , or cherry tomatoes
- 24 mini fresh mozzarella balls
- 48 basil leaves
- 24 slices pepperoni
- 24 kalamata olives
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a rapid boil and salt well. Add 20 ounces cheese tortellini and cook according to package directions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and add to a large mixing bowl. Add ¼ cup prepared pesto and toss to coat. Let the pasta cool to room temperature OR cover and chill up to 48 hours before assembling skewers.
- Once the pasta has cooled, skewer a tomato onto a small skewer, followed by 1 olive, a basil leaf, ball of mozzarella, tortellini, another basil leaf, and finally a piece of pepperoni.
- Serve with additional pesto if desired.
Equipment
- mini cocktail skewers
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Love these! Absolutely perfect for holiday parties
I am so glad you enjoyed Nellie! Thanks for sharing!
Yum! So simple and really delicious, great idea!
Glad you enjoyed so much Noelle!
What size skewer do you recommend for these? I found cute bamboo ones but they are 6 inches and i'm not sure if that will be long enough.
Hi Denise! I have used 6 or 8 inch skewers with success. If you feel your skewer is too crowded, just omit one tortellini from the skewer. Enjoy!
I’ve made caprese pesto skewers many times, but never with tortellini - sounds so yum! I want to make these for NYE, do you think I could use sundried tomatoes in oil instead of the pepperoni? Have a vegetarian coming 😁
Hi Nora! Sundried tomatoes sounds like a PERFECT addition to these skewers.
Finally, a HEALTHY appetizer idea for New Year's Eve that's easy to make! Thank you!!
YAY!!! So happy to help!