Tortellini Carbonara

An easy dinner recipe that takes around 30 minutes and minimal ingredients, this Tortellini Carbonara is always a family hit.

I have an obsession with tortellini, I make so many dishes that use it and they are all so good so it’s always hard to choose which one I want.

But I’m obsessed with Carbonara. We have been having Carbonara for years but wanted to switch it up and add tortellini as the pasta base instead.

This dinner recipe is super easy and quick to make, it is also filling where you really don’t need any side dishes if you do not want.

With the cheese and spinach filled pasta, bacon, peas, cheese, cream and more – you really couldn’t ask for a more amazing dish.

If you’ve been looking about switching up your pasta routine, then you absolutely have to make this Tortellini Carbonara.

Some of my other favorite pasta recipes we have on our site include: Creamy Ground Beef Pasta, Chicken Alfredo Casserole and Lemon Ricotta Pasta.

WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:

• Uses minimal and easy to find ingredients.
• Is ready in around 20 minutes.
• Adult and kid friendly!

INGREDIENTS NEEDED (FULL RECIPE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE POST):

Cheese & spinach tortellini
Bacon
Heavy cream
Egg yolks
Parmesan cheese
Frozen peas

HOW TO MAKE TORTELLINI CARBONARA, STEP BY STEP:

1. In a large saucepan, cook the tortellini according to package directions, making sure to cook for 2 minutes less than al dente directions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, cook the bacon for 5-7 minutes or until slightly crispy, drain off all but 1 ½ Tablespoon of the grease. Reduce to low or medium-low heat.
3. In a medium bowl, add heavy cream, egg yolks and parmesan cheese and whisk together until fully combined.
4. Slowly add the liquid mixture to the skillet, whisking constantly until combined and then stir in the peas.
5. Continue stirring until the sauce starts to simmer and the cheese begins to melt and then add in the tortellini and stir it in.
6. Cook for 2 minutes longer or until the cheese is completely melted and the tortellini is coated evenly with sauce and cooked through.
7. Serve hot, garnish with extra parmesan cheese if desired.

CAN I USE ANOTHER TORTELLINI?

Yes, we do not use frozen tortellini for this recipe and use packaged since we are using 12 ounces and usually frozen is around 19 ounces.

You can find other flavors in packages such as 3 cheese in the Barilla brand if you’d like.

Frozen can be used, but you will want to make sure that you are using only 12 ounces instead of the frozen package.

DO I HAVE TO USE BACON?

Bacon really gives this an amazing flavor. If you want to use something else pancetta is another great meat that is commonly used in Carbonara.

If you can find it Guanciale is traditionally used in Italy, but the pancetta and bacon works great in it’s place.

WHY DO MY INGREDIENTS NEED TO BE ROOM TEMPERATURE?

Ensure that the heavy cream, egg yolks, and grated Parmesan cheese are at room temperature. This helps create a smooth and creamy sauce without curdling the eggs.

That is one of the most important things, is if you are using room temperature ingredients and cooking on a lower temp the eggs will not curdle on the pasta which will be easy to see when it does happen.

CAN I ADD ANYTHING ELSE TO THIS TORTELLINI CARBONARA?

Absolutely! If you want to add some more flavor on top of what we have in the recipe already, some ideas include:

1. Sauteed Mushrooms
2. Cooked Onions
3. Diced Cooked Chicken
4. Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
5. Spinach

HOW TO STORE:

This can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator where it will keep for up to 3-4 days.

You can also freeze this Carbonara, place in a freezer container and it will keep for up to 3 months.

Be aware that freezing this will change the consistency of the sauce. But that can be remedied, keep on reading to see how to fix it.

To defrost remove from the freezer into the refrigerator until thawed, place in a pan on the stove or in the microwave with a splash or two of cream or milk until heated through and stir so the sauce is creamy.

TIPS AND TRICKS:

• You can use other tortellini if you’d like, see above for ideas.
• This is a very quick dish, ready in around 20 minuntes.
• Easily double this recipe to serve more people.
• This can be frozen, see above on how to do that.
• Other ingredients can be added to this, see above for suggestions.
• Make sure that you are using room temperature ingredients and you are cooking at a low temperature so the eggs do not curdle.
• Pancetta or Guanciale can be used in place of the bacon.

Love a flavorful, creamy and cheesy pasta dish? You absolutely cannot pass up this Tortellini Carbonara!

If you like this recipe you might also like:

• Tortellini alla Panna
• Pesto Tortellini
• Baked Tortellini
• Garlic Parmesan Tortellini Salad

If you’ve tried this TORTELLINI CARBONARA or any other recipe on my site, let me know in the comment section how it turned out, we love hearing from our readers! You can also follow along with me on PINTEREST, FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM to see more amazing recipes and what shenanigans I’m getting into!