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Creamy Tortellini Carbonara Recipe

4.4 from 82 reviews

This Creamy Tortellini Carbonara recipe offers a rich and comforting twist on the classic Italian dish, combining cheese-stuffed tortellini with a luscious egg and Parmesan sauce, crispy pancetta, and optional garlic for added depth. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an easy yet elegant meal perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 18 oz Tortellini (cheese-stuffed or preferred filling)

Sauce

  • 2 large Eggs
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated, plus extra for garnish)

Meat & Aromatics

  • 6 oz Pancetta or Bacon (diced)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced, optional)

Seasonings & Garnish

  • To taste Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • To taste Salt
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
  2. Prepare the Sauce Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and well combined. Set the mixture aside temporarily.
  3. Cook the Pancetta or Bacon: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the diced pancetta or bacon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is crispy, about 5 to 7 minutes. During the last minute of cooking, add minced garlic if using, to infuse the fat with flavor. Remove the skillet from the heat to prevent overcooking.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained tortellini to the skillet containing the crispy pancetta. Immediately pour the egg and Parmesan mixture over the pasta, stirring constantly and quickly to prevent the eggs from scrambling. The residual heat will gently cook the eggs, creating a creamy, silky sauce. Gradually add the reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until the desired sauce consistency is reached.
  5. Season and Serve: Taste the pasta and season with freshly ground black pepper and salt if needed. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley for a bright finish. Serve immediately while warm and creamy. Enjoy your meal!

Notes

  • Use cheese-stuffed tortellini for a creamy texture but feel free to substitute with other filled pasta varieties like spinach or mushroom for variety.
  • Be sure to stir the egg mixture into the hot pasta off the heat to avoid scrambling and achieve that signature carbonara creaminess.
  • Reserved pasta water is key to adjusting the sauce’s thickness and helping it adhere perfectly to the pasta.
  • Adding garlic is optional but recommended to enhance flavor; it can be omitted if you prefer a more traditional carbonara taste.
  • Serve immediately, as the sauce thickens and sets as it cools.

Keywords: Creamy Tortellini Carbonara, Tortellini recipe, Italian pasta dish, pancetta carbonara, quick pasta dinner, easy carbonara recipe