Turmeric Chicken Tortellini Recipe – Sumac Brown Butter Pasta with Ricotta Filling

Turmeric Chicken Tortellini Recipe

This turmeric chicken tortellini recipe combines warm spices with creamy ricotta and fresh pasta, creating a rich and elegant dish perfect for dinner parties or elevated home cooking. Featured on DNA Dinners, host Mary Bosco transforms tender turmeric-spiced chicken into a luxurious tortellini filling finished with a nutty sumac brown butter sauce.

The Inspiration

This dish is inspired by the fusion of Middle Eastern spice profiles with classic Italian pasta-making techniques. Turmeric, garlic, and onion bring warmth and depth to the chicken filling, while ricotta adds creaminess and balance. By wrapping the filling in fresh pasta sheets and shaping it into tortellini, the dish bridges rustic comfort food with refined culinary technique.

On DNA Dinners, Mary Bosco highlights how global flavors can be reimagined through familiar formats. The addition of sumac brown butter introduces a tangy, nutty richness that elevates the dish beyond traditional pasta preparations. Paired with fresh tabbouleh and Parmesan, this recipe reflects a modern approach to fusion cooking—bold, balanced, and designed for memorable dining experiences.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) vegetable oil
• 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces
• 1 Yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 Garlic cloves, peeled and minced
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Turmeric
• Salt and Pepper
• 475 g (17 ounces) Ricotta
• 6 Readymade pasta sheets
• 1 Egg, for egg wash

Sumac brown butter sauce

• 1 cup (240 ml) butter
• Salt and pepper
• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) Sumac
• Tabbouleh, to garnish
• Parmesan, to garnish

Method

• Heat oil in a pan over medium high. Add chicken. Cook for 6-7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until browned on both sides. Add onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Add garlic and sauté s for 2-3 minutes. Add turmeric, salt, and pepper and stir in. Take pan off heat. Let cool for 10 minutes.
• Transfer to food processor. Blitz for 1 minute. Add ricotta and blitz for 1 more minute. Set aside.
• Lay out 1 pasta sheet. Using a round cookie cutter, cut out rounds from sheet. Remove excess dough. Dollop chicken-ricotta filling in the centre of one round.  Fold one side over to meet the other and make a half-moon shape. Press sides together to close securely. Press filling in gently so it’s all gathered in the centre. Bring the two farthest corners around to meet to make a tortellini shape. Pinch the corners together to secure. Repeat until all filling has been used.
• Brush tortellini with egg wash.
• Bring salted water to a boil. Add tortellini and cook until they rise to the surface, about 2-3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon. Transfer to serving plates.
• To make brown butter sauce, add butter to a skillet and heat over medium heat until it starts to bubble. Cook 5-6 minutes until butter starts turning a caramel color. Remove from heat. Season with salt and pepper, add sumac, and stir in. Let sit 1-2 minutes to cool. Drizzle over tortellini.
• Garnish with tabbouleh and freshly grated Parmesan.

Serving Suggestion

This turmeric chicken tortellini recipe is perfect for elegant dinners, date nights, or special gatherings where you want to serve something unique and memorable. The rich, spiced chicken filling pairs beautifully with the nutty depth of brown butter, while the bright, tangy sumac adds balance to every bite. Serve the tortellini fresh from the pot, generously coated in sauce, to highlight its delicate texture and warmth.

For entertaining, plate the tortellini in shallow bowls and finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan and a spoonful of tabbouleh on the side for freshness and contrast. This dish pairs well with light salads, roasted vegetables, or simple citrus-forward sides that complement its richness. A crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon makes an excellent beverage pairing, enhancing the herbal and buttery notes of the dish.

Final Thoughts

This turmeric chicken tortellini recipe is a celebration of fusion cooking, combining bold Middle Eastern-inspired spices with classic Italian pasta craftsmanship. The result is a dish that feels both comforting and refined, with layers of flavor in every bite.

Whether you’re cooking for guests or elevating a weeknight meal, this recipe delivers elegance, creativity, and satisfaction. It showcases how simple ingredients can be transformed into something extraordinary with thoughtful technique and global inspiration.