Description

This creamy tortellini carbonara is a delightful twist on traditional carbonara, featuring tender tortellini coated in a luscious, creamy sauce with bacon and garlic. It’s a quick and comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

1 package (9 oz) refrigerated tortellini (cheese or your favorite filling)
4 slices of bacon, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 large eggs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
1/4 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 3-5 minutes. Remember to reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining!
While the tortellini is cooking, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pan.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Once the tortellini is cooked, drain and return it to the pot. Quickly add the hot bacon drippings and garlic, tossing to combine.
Remove the pot from heat and add the egg mixture to the pasta, stirring quickly to create a creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Finally, fold in the crispy bacon and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan on top.

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Add a hint of nutmeg for a warming twist or use pancetta instead of bacon for a more authentic carbonara experience.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 400
Sugar: 1
Sodium: 800
Fat: 20
Saturated Fat: 8
Carbohydrates: 40
Fiber: 2
Protein: 15

Keywords: creamy tortellini carbonara, easy dinner, comfort food, pasta recipe