This Spinach and Ricotta Tortelli Was Enzo Ferrari’s favorite – Here’s the Recipe

The ultimate Italian comfort dish with a legendary backstory

What do you get when you mix homemade pasta, creamy ricotta, fresh spinach, and golden sage butter? A dish worthy of Enzo Ferrari himself. This tortelli recipe, hailing from Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, was a favorite of the iconic Ferrari founder—and it’s not hard to see why. These tender pasta pillows are filled with a light, lemon-scented ricotta-spinach mix and tossed in nutty, fragrant brown butter with crispy sage. It’s a simple, elegant, and deeply satisfying dish that’s guaranteed to impress at any dinner table.

Tortelli vs. Tortellini – yes, there’s a difference

Unlike their more famous cousin tortellini, tortelli are traditionally larger and shaped more like little folded scarves or triangles. Tortellini are tiny, ring-shaped, and often filled with meat, while tortelli are soft, generously filled, and often feature cheese or vegetables. In this version, the filling is a delicate blend of sautéed spinach, creamy ricotta, Parmesan, and lemon zest—fresh, light, and perfectly balanced. Once sealed into homemade pasta squares, the tortelli are quickly boiled, then finished in a pan of browned butter infused with sage. The result? A dish that tastes luxurious but feels grounded in Italian tradition.

Homemade pasta that’s worth the effort

Yes, making pasta from scratch takes a bit of time—but it’s easier than you think, and the results are unbeatable. The dough is made simply with flour, eggs, and salt, kneaded until smooth, and rolled thin before being filled and shaped. Once cooked, the tortelli are gently pan-fried in golden sage butter until they’re glistening and aromatic. A final dusting of Parmesan and a twist of black pepper is all it takes to finish this unforgettable meal.

What’s the best way to store homemade tortelli? Can I use store-bought pasta sheets? What wine pairs well with this dish?

Tortelli with sage, spinach, and ricotta (Enzo Ferrari’s favorite dish?)

If you want to impress your guests with a delicious and authentic Italian dish, which was also one of Enzo Ferrari’s favorite dishes, then our recipe for tortelli with spinach/ricotta filling fried in butter and sage is a perfect option!

Jump To Recipe

What’s the best way to store homemade tortelli?
If not cooking immediately, lay them on a floured tray and refrigerate for up to a day or freeze them in a single layer before storing in a bag.

Can I use store-bought pasta sheets?
Yes, high-quality fresh lasagna sheets can work in a pinch—just be sure they’re thin enough to fold without tearing.

What wine pairs well with this dish?
A dry Italian white wine like Pinot Grigio or Verdicchio pairs beautifully with the creamy filling and sage butter.