Easy Tortellini Carbonara
Indulge in the creamy, savory goodness of Easy Tortellini Carbonara—a quick, restaurant-quality dish that combines rich flavors with effortless preparation. This 25-minute recipe transforms tender cheese tortellini into a velvety masterpiece, coated in a luscious sauce made from Parmesan, eggs, and a splash of heavy cream. Crispy bacon and fragrant garlic elevate every bite, while a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a refreshing finish. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinner parties, this one-pan wonder is as simple as it is satisfying. Plus, with the option to use fresh or frozen tortellini, it’s a versatile meal that’s sure to become a household favorite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 16 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 8 slices bacon
- 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and season with 1 tablespoon of salt. Cook the tortellini according to package instructions until tender, usually 3-5 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and then drain the tortellini.
While the tortellini is cooking, slice the bacon into small pieces. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels. Discard most of the bacon grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the skillet.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the reserved bacon grease. Cook for 30 seconds or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Remove the skillet from heat.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and black pepper until smooth.
Return the skillet with the garlic to low heat. Add the drained tortellini and toss to coat it in the garlic and bacon grease.
Quickly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the tortellini, tossing constantly to create a creamy sauce. Be careful not to scramble the eggs; the sauce should be smooth and velvety. If the sauce is too thick, stir in the reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
Stir in the crispy bacon pieces and mix well. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2382 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 132.5 g | 170% | |
| Saturated Fat | 68.3 g | 342% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 957 mg | 319% | |
| Sodium | 11110 mg | 483% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 163.7 g | 60% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.6 g | 34% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.6 g | ||
| Protein | 118.4 g | 237% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.3 mcg | 17% | |
| Calcium | 1442 mg | 111% | |
| Iron | 10.6 mg | 59% | |
| Potassium | 1250 mg | 27% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
