Best of three: Fresh filled pasta

Fresh pasta is a delicious healthy treat. But who has the time to make their own? Laura Rowe finds three of the best ready-made varieties on the market.

Dell’Ugo Pea & Oak Smoked Pancetta Ravioli

Dell’Ugo was started in 1921 when founder Luigi Ugo came to London from Italy and began selling his homemade fresh pasta to local restaurants. Now the range, which includes everything from pasta to gnocchi, is sold in Waitrose, Costco, selected delis, and online at Ocado, and yet they still have that fresh, handmade flavour. These pretty little ravioli pillows are part of the new seasonal range and taste as good as they look. Fresh mint is flecked through the free-range egg pasta, while inside there is a delicious blend of ricotta, sweet petit pois, herbs and pancetta. It’s creamy yet light and the pancetta (which has been blended so there are no unpleasant chewy bits) provides a gentle smokiness.

Best for? Meat lovers and those after a speedy supper. It only takes three minutes to cook! Really good value for money.

Lovefood.com tip: The packet recommends serving the pasta drizzled in olive oil or a knob of butter, black pepper and some grated parmesan – and we’d have to agree. Keep it simple, as the filling does the talking here.

How much? Dell’Ugo Pea & Oak Smoked Pancetta Ravioli (250g) is available for £2.99 from Waitrose and Ocado.

Biona Organic Green Tortelloni with Cheese and Spinach

The heaviest and healthiest out of our taste test, these tortelloni were almost gnocchi-like. With a deep, irony spinach flavour from both the tender green pasta and the Quark and potato filling, they feel like they are doing you some good. They need a bit of seasoning but put in the right sauce they’ll be a popular tea-time treat.

Best for? Veggies and those that like it healthy. This pasta tastes and looks good for you.

Lovefood.com tip: Try serving with a simple tomato sauce. Make your own by frying slices of garlic in olive oil before adding a tin of tomatoes, a handful of fresh basil and seasoning, and allowing to simmer rapidly on a high heat until the sauce has reduced by a third. This should take the same time as the pasta to cook, which is 10-12 minutes.

How much? Biona Organic Green Tortelloni with Cheese and Spinach (250g) costs £2.49 and is available from Goodness Direct, Real Foods, Natural Grocery and selected health stores across the UK. Visit Biona for a full list of stockists.

The Fresh Pasta Company Ltd Butternut Squash and Sage Tortelli

Made using Italian “00” flour and free-range eggs, these handmade pasta parcels are delicious. Thin, delicate and silky pasta, which don’t burst in the pan, surrounds the most gorgeous filling in the form of smooth, velvety butternut squash. It’s sweet and savoury thanks to some umami punch from Parmigiano Reggiano and meaty sage. It’s one of The Fresh Pasta Company’s most popular flavours and has won numerous awards including Great Taste Awards in 2009 and 2010.

Best for? Those who are happy to splash a bit of cash. These aren’t cheap but taste restaurant quality, and indeed are even served in some restaurants.

Lovefood.com tip: Serve these at a dinner party and pretend you made them yourself. Deep-fry some sage leaves in butter for garnish and serve with Amaretti biscuit crumbs; they’ll never know...

How much? The Fresh Pasta Company Ltd Butternut Squash and Sage Tortelli (250g) starts at £5.99 from selected Waitrose stores, Ocado, John Lewis Food Hall, Whole Foods Market, Harrods, Harvey Nichols, independent delis, farm shops and more. See online for full stockist details.

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