Description
Rich, creamy tortellini carbonara brings Italian comfort straight to your kitchen, blending classic pasta techniques with Roman-inspired flavors. Crispy pancetta, silky egg sauce, and perfectly cooked cheese tortellini promise a delightful meal you’ll savor with every delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein Ingredients:
- 18 ounces (510 grams) cheese-filled tortellini
- 6 slices bacon (or pancetta)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup Pecorino Romano cheese
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt, to taste
- Lemon zest
Optional and Supporting Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
Instructions
- Boil tortellini in salted water for 3-4 minutes until al dente, then carefully drain and reserve.
- Render bacon pieces in a large skillet over medium heat until golden and crisp, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Transfer crispy bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, retaining 2 tablespoons of rendered fat in the skillet.
- Sauté minced garlic in the bacon fat for 30-45 seconds until aromatic, avoiding browning.
- Create a creamy sauce by whisking eggs, Parmesan, heavy cream, freshly ground black pepper, and salt in a separate mixing bowl.
- Lower skillet heat and immediately add tortellini, tossing to coat with residual bacon fat.
- Pour egg mixture over tortellini, swiftly stirring to prevent scrambling, allowing gentle heat to create a silky sauce.
- Fold crispy bacon pieces back into the pasta, ensuring even distribution.
- Plate the carbonara and sprinkle with finely chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant finish.
- Serve hot, recommending immediate consumption for optimal texture and temperature.
Notes
- Choose high-quality tortellini filled with cheese or meat for maximum flavor complexity.
- Work quickly when adding egg mixture to prevent scrambling and ensure smooth, silky sauce consistency.
- Use room temperature eggs to help create a more even, creamy carbonara sauce without lumps.
- Grate fresh Parmesan cheese directly before mixing for richer, more intense cheese flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 470 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 195 mg