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Creamy Tortellini Carbonara Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 115 reviews

This Creamy Tortellini Carbonara is a rich and comforting Italian-inspired pasta dish featuring cheese-stuffed tortellini tossed in a luscious sauce made from eggs, Parmesan cheese, and crispy pancetta or bacon. The sauce is gently cooked by the residual heat of the pasta and skillet, providing a creamy, velvety texture without using cream. Garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan, this easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

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

Sauce

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

Protein and Flavor

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

Seasonings and 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 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 this mixture aside.
  3. Cook the Pancetta or Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced pancetta or bacon until it turns crispy, about 5-7 minutes. If using garlic, add it during the last minute of cooking to infuse flavor. Remove the skillet from heat once done.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained tortellini into the skillet with the crispy pancetta. Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta, stirring constantly to prevent the eggs from scrambling. Utilize the residual heat of the skillet and pasta to gently cook the sauce. Gradually add the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired creamy consistency.
  5. Season and Serve: Season with freshly ground black pepper and salt to taste. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Be sure to stir the sauce constantly when adding to pasta to avoid curdling the eggs.
  • Using fresh Parmesan cheese significantly enhances the flavor and texture of the sauce.
  • If pancetta is unavailable, good quality bacon is an excellent substitute.
  • Reserve some pasta water as its starch helps to create a smooth and creamy sauce.
  • This dish is best served right away as the creamy sauce thickens as it cools.

Keywords: Creamy Tortellini Carbonara, Tortellini recipe, Carbonara sauce, Pancetta pasta, Easy Italian dinner

Find it online: https://amayaharis.com/creamy-tortellini-carbonara-recipe/