Creamy Bacon Tortellini is a rich and comforting pasta dish featuring tender cheese-filled tortellini smothered in a luscious, creamy sauce infused with crispy bacon. This recipe is perfect for a quick yet indulgent meal, combining bold flavors with simple ingredients to create a dish that will satisfy any pasta lover.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- A delicious balance of smoky bacon, creamy sauce, and tender tortellini.
- Uses simple ingredients that are easy to find.
- Can be customized with additional vegetables or proteins.
- A restaurant-quality dish made effortlessly at home.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cheese tortellini
- Bacon
- Garlic
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese
- Chicken broth
- Butter
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate, leaving a small amount of bacon grease in the pan.
- In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Add the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, whisking until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in the cooked tortellini and crumbled bacon, ensuring they are well-coated with the sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Add Vegetables: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Protein Options: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage for a heartier dish.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Lighter Version: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or use turkey bacon for a leaner option.
- Cheese Blend: Mix in mozzarella or provolone for an extra cheesy sauce.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s consistency. You can also microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
- Freezing: This dish is not ideal for freezing, as the creamy sauce may separate when thawed.
FAQs
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free tortellini and ensure all other ingredients, like chicken broth and seasonings, are gluten-free.
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, frozen tortellini works well. Just follow the package instructions for cooking before adding them to the sauce.
What type of bacon works best?
Thick-cut bacon adds the best texture and flavor, but any type will work.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. You can mix milk with a bit of flour or cornstarch to help thicken it.
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?
If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen it.
What can I serve with creamy bacon tortellini?
A simple side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables complement this dish well.
Can I add more cheese?
Absolutely! Extra Parmesan, mozzarella, or a blend of Italian cheeses can enhance the flavor.
How do I make the sauce creamier?
Use a mix of heavy cream and cream cheese for an ultra-rich sauce.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! The creamy, cheesy sauce makes it appealing to kids. If they prefer milder flavors, reduce the Italian seasoning.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can cook the bacon and prepare the sauce in advance, then reheat and toss with freshly cooked tortellini before serving.
Conclusion
Creamy Bacon Tortellini is a delicious, easy-to-make meal that combines the comforting flavors of cheese-filled pasta, crispy bacon, and a rich, creamy sauce. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this dish is sure to impress. Try out the variations to customize it to your taste, and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home!
Print
This Creamy Bacon Tortellini is a rich and flavorful pasta dish featuring cheese-filled tortellini tossed in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce with crispy bacon. It’s a quick and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup spinach (optional)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the tortellini according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Crisp the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove and set aside, leaving some bacon grease in the pan.
- Make the sauce: Add butter and garlic to the skillet, cooking until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer until thickened.
- Combine everything: Add cooked tortellini and bacon to the sauce. Stir in spinach if using. Cook for 2 more minutes until heated through.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Enjoy hot!
Notes
- Use pancetta instead of bacon for an Italian twist.
- Add red pepper flakes for a little heat.