Enjoy Our Tasty Goat Cheese Scarpinocc Pasta Recipe

Interested in enjoying some little slippers for dinner this evening? Stick with us—and your answer will be yes. Here, we’ll dive into the history of scarpinocc—derived from the Italian word for little slippers—and explore our recipe for filling these tiny pasta pockets with truffled goat cheese, all topped with a tangy, sweet balsamic reduction. Hungry? […]

What is Scarpinocc?

This traditional Italian stuffed pasta was created in the Valtellina region of Italy. The name was derived from the local term for “little shoes” or “little slippers,” as the shape of the pasta resembles the soft, pointy foot coverings traditionally worn by residents in the area.

This pasta is closely associated with the village of Parre in Bergamo, where it is celebrated as a regional specialty. Local festivals often feature scarpinocc as a centerpiece dish, highlighting its importance in Lombard culinary heritage.

The rural area has a tradition of creating humble pasta, set apart from luxury Italian foods like ravioli and tortellini. Festivals in the area often celebrate local history by serving scarpinocc as a centerpiece dish. Scarpinocc was developed as a filling dinner when meat was scarce and continues to be beloved for its rich, cheesy filling designed to stick to your ribs on chilly nights in the alpine valleys of Italy.

Today, the pasta isn’t just enjoyed when times are tough—it’s celebrated as a delicious vegetarian dinner option for people across Italy—and the world.

How is Scarpinocc Made?

While Scarpinocc looks time-consuming to make, it’s actually a simple process—much like riding a bike—once you get the hang of it, it’ll become second nature.

Scarpinocc dough is made of a simple mixture of flour and eggs, rolled flat and cut into rounds. A small amount of filling is placed in the center of each round, and the edges of each piece are pinched to create the traditional little slipper shape.

Making Scarpinocc at Home

Ready to get your hands dirty? Making scarpinocc at home is a bit of work, but you’ll find that it’s well worth your efforts. All you’ll need is a clean countertop, Italian 00 flour, and some eggs. If you’re down for a workout, you can knead the pasta by hand. If you’d prefer to use a food processor or pasta machine to create your pasta dough, feel free!

Scarpinocc Pasta with Goat Cheese Filling

Ingredients

For the Pasta

2 1/2 cups Italian 00 flour
4 whole eggs plus 6 egg yolks

For the Filling

1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup Cypress Grove Truffle Tremor Goat Cheese
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 large egg yolk
1/4 teaspoon salt, to taste
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Butter or olive oil

Toppings (Your Choice)

Parmesan cheese
Shredded basil
Marinara sauce
Sage-infused butter
Sundried tomatoes
Balsamic vinegar reduction

Instructions

For the Pasta

Place the flour on a clean worktop, form it into a mound. Create a large well in the middle of the flour. Crack the eggs and egg yolks into well. Whisk with fork, pulling a little bit of the flour into the eggs at a time. Continue until the egg/flour mixture becomes kneadable.
Using the heel of your hand, push the dough away from you. Fold over the remaining dough. Turn the dough 90 degrees and repeat. Continue kneading for 8 to 10 minutes.
Form the dough into a flat disc and place it on plastic wrap. Then, wrap the dough tightly and place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

For the Filling

Mix the ricotta, Parmesan, goat cheese, minced garlic, egg yolk, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

To Fill the Pasta

After the pasta has chilled, roll it flat with a rolling pin. Use the top of a cup or a jar to cut thin circles of pasta.
Using a piping bag or small spoon, place a small ball of filling in the middle of each circle. Fold one edge of the pasta over to create a crescent moon shape, sealing the edge.
Fold the area with the filling over the non-filled edge. Pinch the top and bottom ends of the pasta. Make a small indentation in the filled area to create the trademark scarpinocc shape.

To Cook the Pasta

Cook the filled pasta in small batches by placing it in boiling, salted water for 2 minutes (or until the pasta begins to float).
Place the butter or olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the boiled pasta, cook until slightly browned. Add toppings of your choice (we recommend a balsamic vinegar reduction topped with Parmesan and chopped sundried tomatoes). Enjoy!

Cypress Grove Scarpinocc: Your Home for Delicious Decadence

At Cypress Grove, we work day in and day out to provide you with delicious, tangy goat cheese to add a touch of excitement to your favorite recipes. Check out our website to make an order, or use our store locator to find us in the deli case at your favorite grocery store.