National Tortellini Day – February 13, 2027

National Tortellini Day
Categories:
Tags:
CookingFoodItalian Food
Where:
United States
Date change rule:
Every February 13
Holiday emoji:
🍝

National Tortellini Day arrives every February 13, inviting pasta lovers worldwide to indulge in these delightful, navel-shaped dumplings. Legend says tortellini was inspired by the Goddess Venus’s navel, making each bite a taste of history. Gather your loved ones, try a new recipe, or visit your favorite Italian restaurant to celebrate this iconic dish.

Want to sponsor National Tortellini Day? Learn how

Expected National Tortellini Day Deals

While we await official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows National Tortellini Day often inspires delicious deals across Italian restaurants and grocery stores. Look for special offers at chains like Olive Garden, which might feature tortellini dishes or family-style pasta meals. Grocery retailers such as Whole Foods Market and Kroger typically offer discounts on fresh or frozen tortellini, as well as accompanying sauces from brands like Rao’s Homemade. Specialty Italian markets like Eataly could host tasting events or offer bundles of artisanal tortellini and gourmet ingredients. Even fast-casual spots like Fazoli’s might roll out limited-time tortellini specials. Keep an eye out for coupons from pasta brands like Barilla and Rana. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as February 13 approaches.

Platform Guide for National Tortellini Day

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalTortelliniDay. Share mouth-watering photos of your tortellini creations, from classic broths to creamy sauces.

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalTortelliniDay. Film a quick tortellini recipe tutorial, a taste test, or a fun fact about its legendary origin story.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalTortelliniDay. Ask your community for their favorite tortellini fillings or sauce pairings.

Social Media Tips for National Tortellini Day

Individuals

Host a tortellini-making party with friends, trying your hand at fresh pasta from scratch, or simply enjoy a comforting bowl of your favorite store-bought variety.

Creators

Develop engaging content around tortellini, such as a 'best tortellini sauce' showdown, a historical deep dive into its origins, or a video showcasing unique serving suggestions.

Brands

Run a tortellini recipe contest, partnering with a local Italian restaurant or a pasta brand. Encourage user-generated content by asking followers to share their best tortellini dishes.

Top Brands for National Tortellini Day

  1. Barilla

    Founded in Parma, Italy, in 1877 by Pietro Barilla, this family-owned company is one of the world's leading pasta producers. Barilla offers a wide range of pasta products, including various tortellini and tortelloni options, making it a staple in many kitchens.

  2. Rana

    Giovanni Rana, an Italian pasta maker, founded this company in 1962, specializing in fresh pasta. Known for its high-quality, refrigerated tortellini and other filled pastas, Rana has expanded globally, bringing authentic Italian flavors to consumers seeking convenience.

  3. Rao's Homemade

    Originating from the legendary Rao's restaurant in East Harlem, New York, Rao's Homemade began selling its sauces in 1992. Renowned for its premium, slow-simmered sauces, it's a perfect accompaniment for tortellini, offering a taste of authentic Italian-American cuisine.

  4. Eataly

    Founded in Turin, Italy, in 2007 by Oscar Farinetti, Eataly is a large Italian marketplace comprising a variety of restaurants, food and beverage counters, and a retail market. It offers a curated selection of fresh tortellini, imported Italian ingredients, and gourmet prepared dishes.

  5. Olive Garden

    Established in 1982 in Orlando, Florida, Olive Garden is a casual dining restaurant chain specializing in Italian-American cuisine. With locations across the U.S. and beyond, it's a popular spot for pasta dishes, including various tortellini preparations, catering to a broad audience.

  6. De Cecco

    Founded in 1886 by the De Cecco brothers in Fara San Martino, Italy, De Cecco is known for its high-quality pasta made with durum wheat semolina and mountain spring water. While primarily known for dry pasta, their brand represents authentic Italian pasta-making traditions.

  7. Buitoni

    Founded in 1827 in Sansepolcro, Italy, by Giulia Buitoni, this brand is one of Italy's oldest pasta makers. Buitoni is celebrated for its fresh, refrigerated pasta and sauces, including a popular line of tortellini and other filled pastas, making Italian cooking accessible.

National Tortellini Day Hero

Pellegrino Artusi

Pellegrino Artusi (1820-1911) was an influential Italian businessman and literary critic, best known as the author of 'Science in the Kitchen and the Art of Eating Well.' Published in 1891, this cookbook codified Italian regional cuisine, including recipes for tortellini, and is considered a cornerstone of modern Italian gastronomy. His work helped popularize and standardize many Italian dishes.

National Tortellini Day timeline

1500s
Venus’ Navel

According to one legend, the shape of tortellini pasta is inspired by the navel of the goddess of love, Venus.

1570
Earliest Recipe

Bartolomeo Scappi’s recipe for a dish named ‘torteletti’ appears.

17th century
Renamed

Vincenzo Tanara’s writings may be the reason for the pasta’s renaming to 'tortellini.'

1974
Preserved to Perfection

The official recipe for the tortellini is registered at the Chamber of Commerce of Bologna.

National Tortellini Day FAQs

When is National Tortellini Day?

In 2027, National Tortellini Day will be observed on Saturday, February 13, making it an ideal occasion for a leisurely home-cooked Italian feast. Plan a pasta night with friends or family.

How much tortellini is consumed annually?

The U.S. also shows a significant appetite for pasta, with Americans eating around 20 pounds per person each year. This includes a growing market for fresh and frozen tortellini, as consumers increasingly seek convenient gourmet meal options.

What is the difference between tortellini and tortelloni?

Tortelloni, on the other hand, are larger versions of tortellini, typically filled with vegetarian ingredients such as ricotta cheese and spinach. They are often served with butter and sage sauce rather than broth.

What is the legend behind tortellini's shape?

This charming myth, though likely apocryphal, highlights the pasta’s distinctive, belly-button-like shape. It adds a romantic and whimsical touch to the history of this beloved Italian delicacy, celebrated by pasta enthusiasts worldwide.

National Tortellini Day Activities

  1. Learn to make your own tortellini

    Making your own tortellini isn’t difficult and can be a wonderful afternoon project that leads to a delicious dinner.  So take a class or watch a video to learn how to make these delightful little pastas in your own kitchen

  2. Explore the tortellinis in your city

    Not only will you find tortellinis in most of the Italian restaurants in your city—you will find them on many other menus, as well.  Each chef has their own take on what to stuff the tortellini with and what sauce to use, so have fun trying all the options your city has to offer.

  3. Host a tortellini dinner

    What better way to bring a great group of friends together than with a great pasta dinner?  Make a variety of tortellini with different stuffings and sauces, or invite your guests to each bring a different tortellini dish.  However you choose to do it, good friends, good food, and possibly good wine will guarantee you a wonderful night.

Why We Love National Tortellini Day

  1. It’s the ultimate fast food

    Although you can make it yourself, tortellini can be purchased fresh from a supermarket or specialty shop near you.  Cook it quickly in a pot of boiling water and top it with your favorite sauce, or mix it into a salad.  Any way you like it, tortellini can be part of a delicious meal that's ready in just a few minutes after a long day.

  2. It’s a good carb

    In general, pasta can provide your body with an easy, versatile source of carbohydrates, which are an important energy source for your body.  If your pasta is made with whole wheat, it may also contain fiber, which can aid in digestion, help reduce cholesterol, and stabilize your blood sugar levels.  Tortellini stuffed with meat or cheese can provide a more fully rounded nutritional option.

  3. There are unlimited ways to enjoy tortellini

    Tortellini is among the most versatile of pastas.  The traditional filling for tortellini is a mixture of meats seasoned with Parmigiano-Reggiano and nutmeg and served in a capon broth, but there are also many other popular versions stuffed with different cheeses, meats, or even vegetables (such as pumpkin or brussels sprouts). Chefs all over the world have found inventive ways to stuff tortellini, making it a menu favorite at some of the best restaurants.

National Tortellini Day dates

Year Date Day
2027 February 13 Saturday
2028 February 13 Sunday
2029 February 13 Tuesday
2030 February 13 Wednesday
2031 February 13 Thursday