Tortellini Carbonara is a creamy pasta dish that’s quick and easy to make. Plump tortellini is tossed in a smooth sauce made with eggs, cheese, and crispy bacon bits. Yum!
I love how this dish brings together flavors that feel fancy but can be ready in no time. Just boil the pasta, mix, and serve — dinner is done in a flash! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cheese Tortellini: Fresh tortellini is often best for a little extra bite, but frozen works just as well. If you want a twist, try using spinach tortellini for a pop of color and a hint of flavor.
Pancetta or Bacon: Pancetta gives an authentic Italian taste, but if you can’t find it, bacon is a great substitute. You can also use turkey bacon for a lighter version or diced ham if you’re looking for a different flavor.
Eggs: The eggs in this recipe create a creamy consistency. For a lower-cholesterol option, consider using egg whites or a mixture of whole eggs and egg whites, but keep in mind it may slightly change the texture.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan will melt beautifully, but if you don’t have it, Pecorino Romano is a nice substitute that adds a bit more saltiness and tang. Just remember to adjust the seasoning if you use it!
How Do I Make the Perfect Carbonara Sauce?
Creating the creamy carbonara sauce can be tricky because we want to avoid scrambling the eggs. Here’s how to nail it:
- After cooking the pancetta, remove the skillet from the heat before adding the egg mixture.
- Quickly stir in the egg and cheese mix off the heat. This will use the residual heat to form a smooth sauce.
- If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water gradually until you reach the desired creaminess. This is a key step for the perfect texture!
Taking your time and following these tips will lead you to a delicious Tortellini Carbonara — creamy, rich, and full of flavor!
How to Make Tortellini Carbonara
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (340 g) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 4 oz (115 g) pancetta or bacon, diced
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Tortellini Carbonara will take about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and boiling the tortellini, then another 20 minutes cooking and tossing everything together. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a special occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Tortellini:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions until they are al dente, which usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes. After they’re done, drain the tortellini but be sure to save about 1/4 cup of the pasta water for later!
2. Crisp the Pancetta:
While the tortellini is cooking, take out a skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add the diced pancetta or bacon to the skillet. Cook it until it’s nice and crispy, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once crispy, add the minced garlic and sauté everything for about 30 seconds until you can smell that delicious garlic aroma. Then, remove the skillet from heat.
3. Whisk the Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, crack the 2 eggs and whisk them together with 3/4 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Make sure it’s well combined — this will be your creamy sauce!
4. Combine and Heat:
Now, return the skillet with pancetta back to low heat. Carefully add the drained tortellini to the skillet and gently toss everything together to get it mixed in and warm again.
5. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Take the skillet off the heat again! This step is important. Quickly pour in the egg and cheese mixture, stirring constantly. This helps prevent the eggs from scrambling. If it seems a bit thick, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired creamy texture.
6. Season to Taste:
Give everything a good mix and taste the dish. Adjust with more salt and pepper if needed. It’s all about making it just right for your palate!
7. Serve and Garnish:
Plate your Tortellini Carbonara immediately! Top each serving with the remaining Parmesan cheese, some crispy pancetta bits, and a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
Now, sit back and enjoy your delightful Tortellini Carbonara dish! It’s rich, creamy, and absolutely fantastic!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While tortellini is traditional, you can use other pasta types like fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.
Is This Recipe Suitable for Meal Prep?
Yes, but keep in mind that the creamy sauce is best enjoyed fresh. If you want to meal prep, cook the tortellini and pancetta ahead of time, and combine the egg sauce right before serving to ensure it stays creamy.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do it gently on the stove over low heat to avoid scrambling the eggs in the sauce.
Can I Make This Dish Lighter?
Definitely! You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lower-fat cream. Additionally, using turkey bacon instead of pancetta will cut down on the fat while still providing great flavor!
