Cheese Stuffed Sun-dried Tomato Tortellini

i stand by my "basics of tortellini" trio, but these little guys are sooooo delish. i woke up this morning knowing i needed more butternut squash tortellini but there was a half empty tube of sun-dried tomato paste and an opened container of ricotta that needed to be dealt with. standing there in my kitchen, contacts still sticky and annoying it came to me: sun-dried tomato pasta stuffed full of cheese! yes. the smell of the pasta alone is tantalizing enough but add the cheese and really its heavenly. a simple pink or cream sauce is a must with these.

SUN-DRIED TOMATO PASTA

2c AP flour

1 tsp salt

2 tbs olive oil

2 tbs sun-dried tomato paste

1/2c hot water

*combine the salt and flour in a bowl, make a well in the center

*add the paste, oil and water mixing with a fork gradually incorporating the four.

*once its too difficult to stir dump out onto counter and knead with your hands, adding water if too dry and flour if too wet.

*wrap in plastic and let sit for 30 minutes

*do with it as you please

CHEESE STUFFING

1/2c pecorino romano cheese, grated

1/2c parmigiana reggiano cheese, grated

1 1/2c whole milk ricotta

1/4 tsp nutmeg

1/2c whole wheat bread crumbs - i make mine from my daily bread leftovers

1/4c finely chopped parsley

salt

1 egg

*combine all in a bowl, mix well to combine. cover with plastic wrap and chill until ready to use.