Make delicious sacchetti pasta with creamy ricotta, spinach, and garlic butter sauce. An easy homemade Italian-inspired dinner.
Sacchetti Pasta Recipe: Easy Homemade Little Purses
Sacchetti pasta is one of the prettiest types of stuffed Italian pasta. These small, handmade pasta purses look beautiful on a dinner plate, but they are also filled with delicious ingredients that make every bite special. If you enjoy homemade pasta, this sacchetti pasta recipe is a lovely dish to try in your own kitchen.
But what is sacchetti pasta? It is a type of filled pasta shaped like a small bag or purse. Each piece is made by placing a little filling in the center of fresh pasta dough and gathering the edges together at the top.
For this recipe, we are filling our pasta purses with creamy ricotta, spinach, Parmesan, and garlic. We will serve them with a simple garlic butter sauce, fresh sage, and a little lemon juice.
The result is a comforting Italian-inspired dinner that looks impressive but uses simple ingredients. Whether you are cooking for your family or preparing a special meal, this homemade pasta is worth the effort.
What Is Sacchetti Pasta?
Sacchetti is a type of Italian stuffed pasta that gets its name from its little purse-like shape. The Italian word sacchetti refers to small bags or sacks.
These pasta pieces are made from thin sheets of fresh pasta dough. A small amount of filling is placed in the center, and the dough is gathered and pinched at the top to create a little pouch.
The filling stays inside while the pasta cooks, making each piece a small package of flavor.
Where Does Sacchetti Pasta Come From?
Sacchetti belongs to the wider Italian tradition of handmade stuffed pasta. However, it is difficult to assign one specific birthplace or inventor to this particular shape.
Different Italian regions have their own filled pasta styles, and the fillings and shapes can vary between families and restaurants.
Sacchetti is also sometimes called beggar’s purse pasta because of its appearance.
How Is Sacchetti Different From Tortellini and Ravioli?
Although these three pastas can contain similar fillings, their shapes are different.
- Sacchetti: Small pasta squares or rounds gathered and pinched at the top to look like little purses.
- Tortellini: Small ring-shaped pasta pieces with the ends joined together around the filling.
- Ravioli: Usually square or round pasta pockets made by placing filling between two pasta sheets and sealing the edges.
Sacchetti is especially attractive because of its gathered top. It also offers plenty of room for different fillings, including cheese, mushrooms, vegetables, and halal-certified meat.
Homemade Sacchetti Pasta Recipe
This homemade sacchetti pasta recipe uses a creamy spinach and ricotta filling with a simple garlic butter sauce.
The pasta dough is made from basic ingredients, and the filling comes together quickly. You can prepare the dough and filling ahead of time to make the process easier.
Sacchetti Pasta Recipe Easy Homemade Little Purses
Difficulty: Medium4
servings45
minutes10
minutes560
kcal30
minutes1
hour25
minutesIngredients
- Ingredients for the Filling
250 g (1 cup) whole-milk ricotta cheese
100 g (3.5 oz) fresh spinach
40 g (⅓ cup) grated Parmesan cheese
1 small garlic clove, minced
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
¼ teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon olive oil
- Ingredients for the Pasta Dough
300 g (2½ cups) all-purpose flour
3 large eggs
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
1–2 tablespoons water, if needed
- Ingredients for the Garlic Butter Sauce
60 g (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
120 ml (½ cup) vegetable stock or chicken stock
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon fresh sage, chopped
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Directions
- Prepare the Pasta Dough
Place the flour and salt on a clean work surface. Make a small well in the center and add the eggs and olive oil.
Use a fork to slowly mix the eggs with the flour. Continue mixing until the dough starts coming together.
Knead the dough with your hands for about 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
If the dough feels too dry, add a little water. If it feels too sticky, sprinkle in a small amount of flour.
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap or cover it with an airtight bowl. Let it rest for 30 minutes at room temperature.
Pro Tip: Resting the dough makes it easier to roll and helps prevent it from shrinking while you work. - Prepare the Spinach and Ricotta Filling
Heat the olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
Add the spinach and cook until it wilts. This usually takes 2–3 minutes.
Transfer the spinach to a plate and let it cool. Squeeze out as much extra water as possible, then chop it finely.
Place the ricotta in a mixing bowl. Add the cooked spinach, Parmesan, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper.
Mix everything until well combined.
Pro Tip: Removing excess water from the spinach is very important. Wet filling can make the pasta difficult to seal and may cause it to open during cooking. - Roll Out the Pasta Dough
Divide the rested dough into four smaller portions. Keep the portions you are not using covered so they do not dry out.
Use a pasta machine or rolling pin to roll one portion into a thin sheet.
The dough should be thin enough to see a little light through it but strong enough to hold the filling.
Dust your work surface lightly with flour if the dough starts sticking.
Common Mistake: Avoid adding too much flour while rolling. Excess flour can make homemade pasta dry and difficult to seal. - Cut the Pasta Squares
Use a sharp knife or pasta cutter to cut the dough into approximately 7–8 cm (2¾–3 inch) squares.
Try to keep the squares similar in size so they cook evenly.
Place the squares on a lightly floured surface and cover them with a clean kitchen towel while working. - Fill and Shape the Sacchetti
Place approximately 1 teaspoon of spinach and ricotta filling in the center of each pasta square.
Bring the corners and edges upward around the filling. Gently gather the dough and pinch it together at the top to create a small purse.
Make sure the filling is completely enclosed.
If the dough edges feel dry, lightly moisten them with water before pinching.
Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
Pro Tip: Do not overfill the pasta. Too much filling makes the top difficult to close and can cause the little purses to break while boiling. - Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
Place the butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
Once melted, add the minced garlic and chopped sage. Cook for about 30–45 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the vegetable or chicken stock and stir gently.
Add the lemon juice and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Add the grated Parmesan and stir until the sauce becomes slightly creamy.
Keep the heat low while you cook the pasta. - Cook the Sacchetti Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil.
Carefully add the prepared sacchetti pasta in batches. Avoid overcrowding the pot.
Fresh pasta usually takes around 3–5 minutes to cook, depending on its thickness and size.
The pasta should be tender, and the filling should be hot.
Remove the pasta carefully with a slotted spoon instead of pouring everything into a colander.
Common Mistake: Avoid a very aggressive boil. The pasta purses are delicate, and strong bubbling can damage their shape. - Toss the Pasta in the Sauce
Transfer the cooked sacchetti directly into the skillet with the garlic butter sauce.
Gently move the pan or use a large spoon to coat the pasta without breaking the little purses.
Let everything warm together for about 30–60 seconds.
Add a little reserved pasta water if the sauce needs to be thinner.
Taste and adjust the salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. - Serve and Garnish
Transfer the sacchetti pasta to warm serving plates.
Spoon a little extra sauce over the top. Finish with fresh basil or parsley and a light sprinkle of Parmesan.
Serve immediately while the pasta is warm and the filling is creamy.
Notes
- Halal cheese reminder: Choose Parmesan and other cheeses made with microbial or vegetarian rennet.
- You can also use Italian 00 flour for a softer, smoother pasta dough.
- Use halal-certified chicken stock if choosing the chicken version.
Tips for the Best Sacchetti Pasta
Homemade pasta is easier when you pay attention to a few small details.
Keep the Dough Covered
Fresh pasta dough dries quickly when exposed to air. Keep unused portions covered while shaping your pasta.
Use a Smooth Filling
A smooth filling is easier to place inside the pasta and helps create neat little purses.
If your ricotta is watery, drain it in a fine-mesh strainer before mixing.
Avoid Overfilling
One teaspoon of filling is usually enough for a small pasta purse. Leave enough space around the edges to close the dough properly.
Make the Pinched Tops Thin
Gather the dough gently at the top. Avoid squeezing too much dough together because thick sections may stay chewy after cooking.
Cook in Small Batches
Adding too many pasta pieces at once can lower the water temperature and make them stick together.
Prepare Ahead
You can prepare the filling and dough in advance. Keep them refrigerated separately in airtight containers and assemble the pasta when ready.
Delicious Sacchetti Pasta Variations
One of the best things about sacchetti pasta is that you can change the filling to match your taste.
Here are four delicious variations worth trying.
1. Spinach and Ricotta Sacchetti
This is the filling used in our main recipe.
Combine ricotta, cooked spinach, Parmesan, garlic, lemon zest, and black pepper.
It creates a creamy, mild filling that works beautifully with garlic butter sauce.
2. Mushroom Sacchetti
For a rich and earthy version, replace the spinach with finely chopped mushrooms.
Cook the mushrooms with garlic and olive oil until their moisture evaporates. Let them cool before mixing them with ricotta and Parmesan.
A creamy garlic sauce or light mushroom sauce works especially well with this filling.
3. Halal Chicken Sacchetti
For a more filling dinner, use finely chopped halal-certified chicken.
Cook the chicken with olive oil, garlic, black pepper, and a little salt until fully cooked. Let it cool before mixing it with ricotta and a little Parmesan.
A light creamy sauce made with stock is a delicious match.
4. Vegetarian Sacchetti
For a vegetarian option, combine ricotta, roasted butternut squash, Parmesan, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
You can also use finely chopped roasted zucchini or a mixture of vegetables.
This version tastes wonderful with sage butter sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Sacchetti pasta is filling enough to serve as a main course, but you can add a few simple sides to make the meal more complete.
Here are some ideas:
- Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread for soaking up the extra sauce.
- Fresh Green Salad: A salad with lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, and lemon dressing balances the richness of the pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted zucchini, carrots, and bell peppers make an excellent side.
- Creamy Tomato Soup: A small bowl of tomato soup works well as a starter.
- Grilled Chicken: Serve with sliced halal-certified grilled chicken if you want extra protein.
For another comforting meal, try Creamy Vegan Mac n Cheese Recipe Everyone Will Love.
You can also explore Butter Noodles Recipe with Chicken Broth.
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating
Homemade sacchetti pasta is best served fresh, but you can store leftovers and prepare extra portions for another day.
How to Store Cooked Sacchetti
Allow leftover pasta to cool slightly. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking.
Store for up to 3 days at 40°F (4°C) or below.
Keep the pasta and sauce together to help prevent the pasta from drying out.
How to Freeze Uncooked Sacchetti
Freezing uncooked pasta is a great way to prepare dinner ahead of time.
- Arrange the uncooked pasta purses in a single layer on a flour-dusted baking sheet.
- Make sure they are not touching.
- Freeze until firm.
- Transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Label the container with the preparation date.
For best quality, use within approximately 2 months.
Cook the pasta directly from frozen. Allow extra cooking time and check that the pasta is fully cooked before serving.
How to Reheat Sacchetti Pasta
The stovetop is the best way to reheat leftover pasta.
- Place the pasta and sauce in a skillet.
- Add 1–2 tablespoons of vegetable or chicken stock.
- Heat gently over low heat.
- Stir or move the pan carefully until warmed through.
Avoid high heat because it can break the pasta purses.
For food safety, reheat leftovers until steaming hot throughout.
Halal Notes
This sacchetti pasta recipe is made without pork, alcohol, or non-halal meat.
Keep these points in mind when purchasing ingredients:
- Choose halal-certified chicken if preparing the chicken variation.
- Check that Parmesan and other cheeses use microbial or vegetarian rennet.
- Use vegetable stock or halal-certified chicken stock.
- Avoid cooking wine, wine-based sauces, and alcohol-based flavorings.
- Check packaged pasta and cheese ingredients for animal-derived additives.
The homemade pasta in this recipe uses flour, eggs, olive oil, and salt, so you can control exactly what goes into your meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Is a Sacchetti Pasta?
Sacchetti pasta is a type of Italian stuffed pasta shaped like a small purse or bag. It is made by placing a small amount of filling in the center of fresh pasta dough and gathering the edges together at the top.
Common fillings include ricotta, spinach, mushrooms, cheese, and meat. It is usually served with butter, cream, or tomato-based sauces.
2. What Is the Most Expensive Pasta in the World?
There is no universally recognized official record for the world’s most expensive pasta.
However, su filindeu, a rare handmade pasta from Sardinia, Italy, is often mentioned among the world’s rarest and most expensive pasta varieties. Its production requires a highly skilled traditional technique, and it is made by stretching dough into extremely fine strands by hand.
Its rarity and labor-intensive preparation contribute to its high value. Some specialist sellers have reported prices of around £60 per kilogram, although prices and availability vary.
3. Is Sacchetti the Same as Tortellini?
No, sacchetti and tortellini are different types of stuffed pasta.
Sacchetti has a small purse-like shape with gathered and pinched edges at the top. Tortellini is shaped into a small ring, with the ends of the pasta joined together.
Both can contain cheese, vegetables, or meat fillings, but their appearance and shaping methods are different.
4. What Does Sacchetti Mean?
Sacchetti is an Italian word meaning small bags or little sacks. The name describes the appearance of this pasta because each piece looks like a tiny pouch filled with delicious ingredients.
The singular form is sacchetto, while sacchetti is plural.
5. What Is the Tastiest Pasta in the World?
There is no single answer because taste depends on personal preference, ingredients, and cooking style.
Some widely loved Italian pasta dishes include fettuccine Alfredo, lasagna, spaghetti carbonara, and ravioli.
If you enjoy creamy cheese fillings, sacchetti with ricotta and spinach is also a wonderful choice. Its delicate pasta and rich filling make it a delicious meal.
6. How to Prepare Sacchetti?
To prepare sacchetti, first make fresh pasta dough using flour, eggs, olive oil, and salt. Knead it until smooth and let it rest.
Next, prepare your preferred filling, such as ricotta and spinach. Roll the dough into thin sheets and cut it into small squares.
Place a little filling in the center of each square, then gather and pinch the edges at the top to create a purse shape.
Finally, boil the pasta in salted water for approximately 3–5 minutes, depending on thickness, and serve with your favorite sauce.
Conclusion
Homemade sacchetti pasta is a beautiful way to enjoy traditional Italian-inspired cooking at home. Its little purse shape makes it different from ordinary stuffed pasta, while the creamy filling gives every bite plenty of flavor.
This sacchetti pasta recipe combines fresh pasta dough, ricotta, spinach, Parmesan, and a simple garlic butter sauce to create a comforting meal for the whole family.
You can also experiment with mushroom, chicken, or vegetarian fillings to make different versions.
The best part is that you do not need to be a professional chef to make it. With a little patience and the right ingredients, you can prepare these delicious pasta purses in your own kitchen.
Give this recipe a try and enjoy a homemade pasta dinner that looks just as wonderful as it tastes.
Make Me Eat Tip: Make a double batch of uncooked sacchetti and freeze the extra portions. You will have a delicious homemade dinner ready for another day.