What Italian stuffed pasta from Emilia-Romagna is shaped like a little hat?

What Italian stuffed pasta from Emilia-Romagna is shaped like a little hat? The answer is cappelletti. The name comes from cappello, the Italian word for “hat,” describing the pasta’s distinctive folded shape.

Cappelletti are small stuffed pasta pieces traditionally associated with Emilia-Romagna, although they are also deeply rooted in Marche and parts of Umbria. They are commonly served in broth, especially at Christmas and other festive family meals. Regional fillings vary: Romagna versions often feature ricotta and other cheeses seasoned with nutmeg and lemon zest, while meat or poultry may also appear.

Cappelletti are often confused with tortellini because both are folded, filled pasta from central and northern Italy. They are not identical. Cappelletti are generally larger, with thicker dough and different shapes or fillings depending on the locality. Reggio Emilia and Parma each have their own traditions, and local terminology can make comparisons even less straightforward.

The exact birthplace of cappelletti is disputed within the broad Emilia-Romagna–Marche cultural area. That historical debate does not change the defining clue: the pasta’s hat-like form gives cappelletti their name.