Mini Tortellini Kabobs

by

Mini Tortellini Kabobs are a fun and flavorful appetizer featuring tender, cheese-filled tortellini skewered with fresh ingredients like cherry tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella, then drizzled with balsamic glaze or pesto. These bite-sized kabobs are easy to make, visually stunning, and perfect for parties, picnics, or snack boards.

I first made Mini Tortellini Kabobs when I needed a quick, crowd-pleasing appetizer, and they were an instant hit! The combination of cheesy tortellini, juicy tomatoes, and fresh basil creates a perfect balance of flavors, while the skewers make them easy to grab and enjoy. What I love most about this recipe is how customizable it is—you can mix and match ingredients to suit your taste or theme.

What’s great about these kabobs is their versatility. Add olives, salami, or roasted peppers for extra flavor, use tricolor tortellini for a pop of color, or swap the dressing to match your meal. Whether for a holiday platter, summer BBQ, or easy lunchbox idea, these Mini Tortellini Kabobs are a fresh, delicious, and fun way to enjoy pasta!

Perfect for:

  • Party appetizers
  • Holiday gatherings
  • Game day snacks
  • Potlucks and picnics
  • Quick and easy entertaining

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why these Mini Tortellini Kabobs will become your go-to appetizer:

  • Easy to Make – Assemble these mini kabobs in minutes with simple ingredients.
  • Perfect Party Appetizer – A fun and bite-sized snack that looks as good as it tastes.
  • Bursting with Flavor – Every bite combines cheesy tortellini, juicy tomatoes, and fresh basil.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly – Prep them in advance for effortless entertaining.
  • No Cooking Required – Aside from boiling the tortellini, no oven or stove needed!
  • Customizable – Swap ingredients to match your favorite flavors or dietary needs.
  • Kid-Friendly – A fun, mess-free way to get kids excited about eating their veggies.
  • Great for Any Occasion – Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or casual weeknight snacking.
  • Drizzle & Dip – Serve with balsamic glaze, pesto, or your favorite dipping sauce.
  • Fresh & Light – A refreshing alternative to heavier appetizers.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 5 minutes
  • Servings: 12 kabobs
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 100-120 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 6g, Carbs: 10g, Fat: 5g

Ingredients

For the Kabobs:

  • 24 cheese-filled tortellini, cooked and cooled
  • 12 cherry tomatoes
  • 12 marinated mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
  • 12 fresh basil leaves
  • 12 small skewers or toothpicks

The Marinade:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For Serving:

  • Balsamic glaze (optional)
  • Pesto or marinara sauce (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

  • Cheese Tortellini: Soft, cheesy, and satisfying.
  • Cherry Tomatoes: Adds a juicy, tangy contrast.
  • Marinated Mozzarella: Brings a creamy, herb-infused flavor.
  • Fresh Basil: A bright and fragrant finishing touch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Tortellini:

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
  2. Marinate the Tortellini: Toss cooked tortellini in olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let sit for 10 minutes.

Assemble the Kabobs:

  1. Layer the Ingredients: On each skewer, thread one tortellini, a basil leaf, a mozzarella ball, and a cherry tomato. Repeat for all skewers.
  2. Arrange on a Platter: Place kabobs neatly on a serving tray.

Serve:

  1. Drizzle and Dip: Drizzle with balsamic glaze and serve with pesto or marinara sauce for dipping.

How to Serve

Here are 9 ways to serve Mini Tortellini Kabobs:

  • Classic Platter – Arrange kabobs on a large serving tray with a bowl of marinara or pesto for dipping.
  • Mason Jar Display – Stand kabobs upright in small mason jars filled with cherry tomatoes or fresh basil leaves for a stylish touch.
  • Party Skewers – Serve on festive cocktail picks or bamboo skewers for an elegant appetizer presentation.
  • Lunchbox Favorite – Pack kabobs in lunchboxes alongside a small container of Italian dressing for a fun and flavorful meal.
  • Salad Topper – Remove the skewers and scatter tortellini, mozzarella, and veggies over a bed of greens for an instant pasta salad.
  • Charcuterie Board – Add kabobs to a grazing board with cured meats, olives, and crackers for a well-rounded spread.
  • Shot Glass Dips – Serve each kabob in a shot glass with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a dollop of ranch dressing.
  • Mini Picnic Bites – Wrap kabobs individually in parchment paper for an easy grab-and-go picnic treat.
  • Brunch Addition – Pair with a side of fresh fruit and mimosas for a light yet satisfying brunch option.
  • Grilled Perfection – Lightly grill kabobs for a warm, smoky flavor before serving with a sprinkle of Parmesan.

Additional Tips

  • Choose the Right Tortellini – Use cheese or spinach-stuffed tortellini for a balanced flavor. Avoid overly soft ones that may break when skewered.
  • Cook Al Dente – Boil the tortellini just until al dente, then rinse with cold water to stop cooking and keep them firm for skewering.
  • Marinate for Extra Flavor – Toss the cooked tortellini in Italian dressing or pesto for at least 30 minutes before assembling to enhance the taste.
  • Mix Up the Ingredients – Alternate with cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, mozzarella balls, olives, or even salami for variety and color.
  • Use Sturdy Skewers – Opt for short cocktail skewers or toothpicks to keep the kabobs bite-sized and easy to handle.
  • Keep it Bite-Sized – Cut larger ingredients into smaller pieces so each skewer is easy to eat in one or two bites.
  • Chill Before Serving – Let the assembled kabobs rest in the fridge for at least 15 minutes before serving to keep them fresh and crisp.
  • Drizzle Before Serving – Just before serving, drizzle with balsamic glaze or extra virgin olive oil for a flavorful finishing touch.
  • Serve with a Dip – Offer a side of marinara sauce, pesto, or garlic aioli for dipping to add extra layers of flavor.
  • Make Ahead for Convenience – Assemble the kabobs a few hours in advance and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for a stress-free appetizer.

Recipe Variations

  • Caprese Twist – Skewer cheese tortellini with cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and mini mozzarella balls. Drizzle with balsamic glaze.
  • Mediterranean Delight – Use spinach tortellini, Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese. Serve with tzatziki dip.
  • Italian Antipasto – Combine tri-color tortellini, salami, provolone cheese, roasted red peppers, and marinated artichokes.
  • Greek-Inspired – Layer cheese tortellini with cucumbers, grape tomatoes, red onion, and crumbled feta. Serve with Greek dressing.
  • Pesto Perfection – Toss tortellini in basil pesto before skewering with cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and parmesan shavings.
  • BBQ Chicken – Use cheese tortellini, grilled BBQ chicken chunks, red bell pepper, and red onion. Brush with extra BBQ sauce.
  • Veggie Lovers – Skewer spinach tortellini, roasted zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, and red onion. Serve with hummus.
  • Spicy Kick – Use jalapeño cheddar tortellini with pepperoni, banana peppers, and pepper jack cheese. Drizzle with hot honey.
  • Seafood Style – Pair cheese tortellini with cooked shrimp, cherry tomatoes, and avocado. Serve with lemon-garlic aioli.
  • Breakfast Bite – Skewer tortellini with mini sausages, cheddar cheese cubes, and grape tomatoes. Serve with maple syrup for dipping.

Special Equipment

  • Wooden or Metal Skewers – Essential for assembling the kabobs.
  • Large Pot – For boiling the tortellini.
  • Colander – To drain the cooked pasta.
  • Mixing Bowls – For tossing the tortellini in seasoning or dressing.
  • Whisk – To mix any marinade or dressing.
  • Cutting Board – For prepping ingredients like cheese and vegetables.
  • Sharp Knife – For slicing ingredients into bite-sized pieces.
  • Tongs – Handy for handling cooked pasta and other ingredients.
  • Serving Platter – To present the finished kabobs beautifully.
  • Pastry Brush – For brushing on any extra dressing or olive oil.

FAQ Section

  1. Can I make Mini Tortellini Kabobs ahead of time?
    Yes! You can prepare them a few hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just cover them with plastic wrap to keep them fresh.
  2. What type of tortellini should I use?
    Cheese or spinach-filled tortellini work best, but you can use any variety you prefer. Fresh or frozen tortellini both work—just cook them according to the package instructions.
  3. Do I need to cook the tortellini before assembling the kabobs?
    Yes, the tortellini should be cooked until al dente, then cooled before threading onto skewers.
  4. What kind of skewers should I use?
    Small wooden or cocktail skewers (about 4–6 inches long) are perfect for bite-sized kabobs. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 10 minutes to prevent splintering.
  5. What other ingredients can I add?
    Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, olives, beef salami slices, fresh basil, and bell peppers pair well with tortellini.
  6. What dipping sauce goes best with these kabobs?
    Marinara sauce, pesto, or balsamic glaze are great choices for dipping or drizzling over the kabobs.
  7. How do I keep the kabobs from getting soggy?
    After cooking, drain and pat the tortellini dry before assembling the kabobs. Store them uncovered in the fridge until ready to serve.
  8. Are these kabobs served warm or cold?
    They are best served chilled or at room temperature, making them a great make-ahead appetizer.
  9. Can I make these vegetarian?
    Absolutely! Just stick to cheese or spinach tortellini and pair them with fresh veggies and mozzarella.
  10. How long do Mini Tortellini Kabobs last?
    They stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. For best results, enjoy them the same day they are made.

Conclusion

Mini Tortellini Kabobs are a fun, bite-sized appetizer packed with flavor and perfect for any gathering! These skewers feature tender, cheese-filled tortellini paired with juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and savory cured meats like salami or prosciutto. Drizzled with balsamic glaze or a touch of pesto, they offer the perfect balance of cheesy, tangy, and herby goodness in every bite.

You can customize them by adding mozzarella balls, roasted red peppers, or olives for extra Mediterranean flair. Whether for parties, picnics, or meal prep, these no-cook kabobs are quick, easy, and sure to impress!

I can’t wait to see how your Mini Tortellini Kabobs turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creations! And don’t forget to leave a comment letting me know how you made this recipe your own!