Tortellini Pasta Carbonara

Introduction:
Elevate your pasta night with this delightful Tortellini Pasta Carbonara! Combining tender cheese-filled tortellini with a creamy, savory carbonara sauce, this dish is a comforting twist on the classic Italian favorite. It’s rich, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make, making it a perfect choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Creamy and comforting: The carbonara sauce creates a luscious, indulgent coating for the tortellini.
• Quick and easy: Minimal prep and cook time make it ideal for busy days.
• Elevated flavors: Bacon and Parmesan add a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile: Customize with your favorite additions or adjustments.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Tortellini:

• Cook the tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

1. Cook the Bacon:

• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside, leaving a small amount of bacon fat in the pan.

1. Cook the Onion and Garlic:

• In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

1. Prepare the Carbonara Sauce:

• In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
• Remove the skillet from heat and pour the egg mixture into the pan, stirring constantly to avoid scrambling the eggs.
• Cook gently for 1-2 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken. Add the dried thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

1. Combine Everything:

• Stir in the cooked tortellini and bacon, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and well coated with the sauce. If using, add the frozen peas and cook until heated through.

1. Serve:

• Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.

Tips for Success:

• Eggs: Make sure to remove the skillet from the heat before adding the egg mixture to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
• Creaminess: Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more cream if needed or a splash of pasta cooking water.
• Bacon: For extra crispiness, cook the bacon until very crispy.

Recipe Variations:

• Add Veggies: Incorporate vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a bit of heat.
• Cheese Options: Try different cheeses such as Pecorino Romano or Gruyère for a unique twist.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad to round out the meal.
• Pair with a light white wine or sparkling water for a refreshing accompaniment.

Freezing and Storage:

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. If reheating on the stovetop, add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if needed.

Special Equipment:

• Large Skillet: For cooking the bacon, onion, garlic, and combining the pasta with the sauce.
• Mixing Bowl: For preparing the carbonara sauce.

FAQ:

• Can I use a different type of pasta?
  Yes, you can use other types of pasta, but cooking times and sauce absorption may vary.
• Can I make this dish ahead of time?
  You can prepare the carbonara sauce and cook the tortellini ahead of time. Combine and reheat before serving.
• Can I use a different type of cheese?
  Yes, you can substitute other hard cheeses like Asiago or Grana Padano for a different flavor profile.

Preparation Time:

• 10 minutes for prepping ingredients and cooking the bacon.

Cook Time:

• 15 minutes for cooking the tortellini, preparing the sauce, and combining everything.

Total Time:

• 25 minutes (including prep and cook time).

Nutrition Information (per serving, assuming 4 servings):

• Calories: 600
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Cholesterol: 185mg
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g

Tortellini Pasta Carbonara

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• Author: Julie
• Total Time: 25 minutes

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

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Instructions

• Cook the Tortellini:
  • Cook the tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• Cook the Bacon:
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside, leaving a small amount of bacon fat in the pan.
• Cook the Onion and Garlic:
  • In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
• Prepare the Carbonara Sauce:
  • In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
  • Remove the skillet from heat and pour the egg mixture into the pan, stirring constantly to avoid scrambling the eggs.
  • Cook gently for 1-2 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken. Add the dried thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Combine Everything:
  • Stir in the cooked tortellini and bacon, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and well coated with the sauce. If using, add the frozen peas and cook until heated through.
• Serve:
  • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes

Nutrition

• Calories: 600 kcal
• Fat: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Protein: 25g

Closing Notes:
Have you tried making this Tortellini Pasta Carbonara? Share your experience and photos in the comments below! Don’t forget to tag us on social media with your pasta creations and check back for more delicious recipes.