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Creamy Tortellini Carbonara Recipe

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4.4 from 275 reviews

  • Author: Chef
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

This Creamy Tortellini Carbonara is a delightful Italian-American dish featuring tender cheese tortellini tossed in a luscious, silky sauce made from eggs, Parmesan, and cream. Crispy bacon adds a savory crunch while garlic enhances the flavor. Quick to prepare and perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, this pasta combines rich textures and bold flavors in every bite.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 20 oz (565 g) refrigerated cheese tortellini

Bacon and Aromatics

  • 6 slices bacon, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

Sauce

  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup reserved pasta water

Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Boil Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the cheese tortellini according to package instructions until tender but still firm to the bite. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the tortellini thoroughly.
  2. Cook Bacon: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crisp. Once done, transfer the bacon to a plate leaving about 1 tablespoon of the rendered bacon fat in the skillet.
  3. Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with bacon fat and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
  4. Prepare Egg Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the large eggs, egg yolks, grated Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, black pepper, and salt until smooth and well combined.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the hot cooked tortellini directly into the skillet with the bacon fat and garlic mixture. Remove the skillet from heat to prevent the eggs from scrambling. Slowly pour in the egg and cheese mixture, tossing the tortellini continuously to evenly coat and create a creamy sauce.
  6. Adjust Sauce Consistency: Gradually add the reserved pasta water a little at a time while stirring gently until the sauce reaches a smooth and silky consistency that clings nicely to the tortellini.
  7. Add Bacon: Stir the crispy bacon pieces back into the creamy tortellini to distribute the savory crunch throughout the dish.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Serve immediately to enjoy the creamy sauce at its best.

Notes

  • Remove the pan from the heat before adding the egg mixture to prevent the eggs from scrambling into a scramble; this ensures a silky sauce.
  • Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese yields a smoother melting sauce with better flavor.
  • For additional nutrition and freshness, you can add cooked peas or spinach to the pasta.
  • The sauce thickens as it cools, so serve the dish immediately for the best texture and creaminess.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Find it online: https://kitchenmartha.com/creamy-tortellini-carbonara-recipe/