The Kirkland Signature Five Cheese Tortelloni from Costco is a fantastic, fast meal solution that delivers impressive flavor and value, making it a must-have for busy weeknights. If you’re looking for an authentic-tasting pasta that cooks in literally two minutes, this is one of the best fresh pastas you can find at a warehouse price. It’s versatile, family-friendly, and a product we buy again and again.
How Much Does the Kirkland Five Cheese Tortelloni Cost?
The Kirkland Signature Five Cheese Tortelloni costs $12.99 at Costco. The item number is 818073.
For this price, you get a total of 48 ounces (3 lbs) of fresh pasta. The container includes two individually sealed 24 oz (1.5 lb) packages. This breaks down to:
- $6.50 per 24 oz package
- $4.33 per pound
This is an excellent value for high-quality, fresh-filled pasta, easily beating the prices you would find at a typical grocery store for a similar product.
What Do You Get in the Package?
Inside the large plastic container, you’ll find two separately sealed 24 oz (1.5 lb) packages of fresh tortelloni pasta. You can find this product in the refrigerated section at Costco, usually near other fresh pastas, sauces, and cheeses.
The tortelloni themselves are medium-sized, golden-yellow pasta rings generously stuffed with the cheese filling. The packaging is convenient because you can open and cook one 1.5 lb package while keeping the other one sealed and fresh for later.
How to Cook Costco’s Five Cheese Tortelloni (The Right Way)
This is the most important part! To get the perfect texture, you need to cook this pasta correctly. It’s very easy to overcook.
Official Package Cooking Instructions
The cooking instructions on the back of the package are simple and get the job done in just two minutes:
- Heat 6 quarts of water to a gentle boil. Add a pinch of salt.
- Add the pasta to the water. Don’t worry if some are stuck together; they will separate as they cook. Stir gently and cook for 2 minutes. Be careful not to overcook.
- Drain the pasta and toss it with extra virgin olive oil, melted butter, or your favorite sauce.
Pro-Tip: The Best Way to Prepare Your Tortelloni
For the absolute best taste and texture, take one extra step. After boiling for 2 minutes and draining, heat a tablespoon of butter or olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the tortelloni and pan-fry for 1-2 minutes until they are lightly golden brown. This gives the pasta a slightly crispy exterior that is absolutely delicious.
Can You Cook Costco Tortelloni From Frozen?
Yes, you can cook the Costco tortelloni from frozen, but you will need to add a few extra minutes to the boiling time. The package notes that the tortelloni can be frozen for up to one month. When cooking from frozen, simply add them directly to the boiling water and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until they are heated through and float to the surface.
So, How Does It Actually Taste?
Overall, the Kirkland Five Cheese Tortelloni has a wonderfully savory and rich cheese flavor with a tender, satisfying pasta texture.
The filling is the star of the show. The blend of Ricotta, Parmigiano Reggiano, Mascarpone, Mozzarella, and Pecorino Romano creates a complex flavor profile: the Ricotta and Mascarpone provide a creamy, smooth base, while the Parmigiano and Pecorino add a sharp, salty bite. It’s cheesy and savory without being overly salty. The pasta dough itself is tender and has a pleasant chewiness when cooked for exactly two minutes. If you overcook it, it can become a bit soft, so watch your timer!
Are the Kirkland Five Cheese Tortelloni Healthy?
The Kirkland Five Cheese Tortelloni are not a health food, but they can be part of a balanced meal in moderation. It’s a pasta filled with cheese, so you should expect a decent amount of calories, carbs, and fat.
Costco Five Cheese Tortelloni Nutrition Facts
A one-cup (100g) serving of Costco’s Five Cheese Tortelloni contains 270 calories, 8g of fat, 510mg of sodium, and 13g of protein. The sodium is a bit high, at 22% of your daily value, so be mindful of adding a salty sauce.
Here are the key nutrition highlights per 100g serving:
- Calories: 270
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Sodium: 510mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 37g
- Protein: 13g
What Are the Ingredients?
The main ingredients in the Kirkland tortelloni are ricotta cheese for the filling and semolina, eggs, and water for the pasta. The quality of the ingredients, especially the real Parmigiano Reggiano, is what makes this product stand out.
- Allergens: This product contains EGG, MILK, and WHEAT.
- Cross-Contamination Warning: The package states it is processed on equipment that also packages products containing Crustacean Shellfish (Crab, Shrimp, Lobster) and Fish (Salmon).
Easy Recipe & Sauce Ideas for Costco Tortelloni
This pasta is a perfect blank canvas. While delicious with just butter and parmesan, here are a few simple ways to serve it:
- Classic Marinara: Toss the cooked tortelloni with a quality jarred marinara sauce and top with fresh basil.
- Pesto Perfection: A simple toss with basil pesto and some halved cherry tomatoes makes for an incredibly fresh and fast meal.
- Brown Butter & Sage: Melt butter in a pan until it starts to brown, then add a few fresh sage leaves. Cook for a minute until crispy, then toss with the tortelloni for a sophisticated, nutty flavor.
The Final Verdict: Is the Costco Tortelloni Worth Buying?
| Criteria | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Taste | 9/10 | Delicious, rich cheese filling and tender pasta. |
| Convenience | 10/10 | Cooks in a true 2 minutes. Incredibly fast. |
| Value | 9.5/10 | Excellent price per pound for fresh, filled pasta. |
| Overall | 9.5/10 | An outstanding product for quick, easy, and delicious meals. |
Here’s the bottom line:
- Buy If… you need quick weeknight meal options, love cheesy pasta, and want a high-quality product for a great price. It’s perfect for families and anyone short on time.
- Pass If… you are on a strict low-carb, low-fat, or low-sodium diet. This is a comfort food, not a health food.
Costco Five Cheese Tortelloni FAQ
Do you have to boil Costco tortellini? Yes, you must boil the tortellini for at least 2 minutes. This cooks the fresh pasta dough and heats the cheese filling, making it safe and delicious to eat.
Can you freeze the Kirkland tortelloni? Yes, the package states you can freeze the tortelloni for up to one month. Cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the boiling time.
Who makes the cheese for Kirkland Signature products? While Costco works with many suppliers, the package specifies this product is made with real Parmigiano Reggiano, which is a protected designation, meaning it must come from specific regions in Italy.