Description
Creamy bacon tortellini alfredo brings Italian comfort to your dinner table. Cheese-laden pasta with crispy bacon creates a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (20 oz / 567 g) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk
- 2 tbsps (28 g) unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- ¼ cup (15 g) chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Boiling Preparation: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Gently add tortellini and cook according to package instructions until perfectly tender, then drain carefully.
- Bacon Transformation: In a spacious skillet over medium heat, crisp bacon until golden brown. Remove bacon pieces, reserving approximately one tablespoon of rendered fat in the pan.
- Flavor Foundation: Melt butter into the bacon-infused skillet, then quickly sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and milk, whisking in Parmesan cheese. Season with salt, cracked pepper, Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes. Allow sauce to simmer and gradually thicken, developing rich, complex flavors.
- Harmonious Combination: Return crispy bacon to the skillet, gently folding tortellini into the luxurious cream sauce. Ensure each pasta piece becomes completely enrobed in the velvety mixture.
- Elegant Presentation: Transfer to serving dish, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and an additional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while warm and inviting.
Notes
- Control Pasta Cooking: Prevent overcooking by testing tortellini 1-2 minutes before package time, ensuring al dente texture without mushiness.
- Manage Bacon Rendering: Cook bacon slowly on medium heat for even crispiness, avoiding burning and maintaining consistent golden color throughout.
- Balance Sauce Consistency: Whisk Parmesan gradually to prevent clumping, adjusting cream ratio for desired thickness – thinner sauce needs more liquid, thicker sauce requires less.
- Customize Dietary Adaptations: Substitute turkey bacon for lower fat content, use gluten-free tortellini for celiac-friendly version, or replace heavy cream with half-and-half for lighter alternative.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 1200 mg
- Fat: 43 g
- Saturated Fat: 24 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg