Creamy Tortellini Carbonara Recipe
This Creamy Tortellini Carbonara is a luscious Italian-inspired dish featuring cheese-stuffed tortellini enveloped in a rich and silky sauce made from eggs, Parmesan cheese, and crispy pancetta or bacon. Enhanced with garlic and fresh parsley, it’s a quick and indulgent meal perfect for any pasta lover seeking comfort food with minimal fuss.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 18 oz cheese-stuffed tortellini (or preferred filling)
Sauce
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
Protein & Flavorings
- 6 oz pancetta or bacon, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- To taste freshly ground black pepper
- To taste salt
Garnish
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water for later use in the sauce.
- Prepare the Sauce Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and grated Parmesan cheese until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Set this aside to use shortly.
- Cook the Pancetta or Bacon: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the diced pancetta or bacon. Cook until the meat is crispy, about 5 to 7 minutes. During the last minute of cooking, add minced garlic if using, to infuse flavor. Remove the skillet from heat once done.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained tortellini directly into the skillet with the crispy pancetta. Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta, stirring constantly and vigorously to prevent the eggs from turning into scrambled eggs. The heat from the pasta and skillet will gently cook the eggs, creating a creamy sauce. Add the reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you achieve your desired sauce consistency.
- Season and Serve: Season generously with freshly ground black pepper and salt if needed. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant finish. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh eggs at room temperature for a silkier sauce.
- Do not reheat leftover carbonara as the sauce may curdle; instead, warm gently with a splash of water or cream.
- Reserve some pasta water to help loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Garlic is optional but adds a subtle savory depth.
- Freshly cracked black pepper is essential for authentic carbonara flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, omit pancetta or bacon and substitute with sautéed mushrooms or smoked tofu.
Keywords: Creamy Tortellini Carbonara, Tortellini pasta, Italian carbonara recipe, pancetta pasta, easy pasta recipe, creamy egg sauce pasta
Find it online: https://ricoloranz.com/creamy-tortellini-carbonara-recipe/
