Bacon Cream Cheese Tortellini Recipe

Introduction

This Bacon Cream Cheese Tortellini is a rich and comforting dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. Creamy, cheesy sauce combined with crispy bacon and tender tortellini creates a satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 1 (20 ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 1 pound bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the bacon pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until crispy and golden brown, about 8-10 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Reserve 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet and discard the excess grease.
2. Step 2: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the reserved bacon grease. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Reduce heat to low. Add the softened cream cheese to the skillet and stir constantly until melted and smooth. Gradually pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated.
4. Step 4: Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Let it simmer gently over low heat for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
5. Step 5: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain immediately in a colander.
6. Step 6: Add the drained tortellini to the skillet with the cream cheese sauce. Gently toss to coat. Add the crispy bacon and toss gently to combine. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese and parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes instead.
• Use fresh parsley to brighten the dish, or substitute with basil for a slightly different herb flavor.
• If you prefer a spicier sauce, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of crushed chili pepper.
• Cook the bacon in advance and store in the fridge to save time during preparation.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?

Yes, frozen tortellini can be used. Follow package instructions for cooking times, as they may differ slightly. Be sure to cook until just tender and avoid overcooking.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, substitute the cream cheese and heavy cream with dairy-free alternatives like cashew cream or coconut cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan for a cheesy flavor.

Bacon Cream Cheese Tortellini Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 78 reviews

This Bacon Cream Cheese Tortellini recipe is a rich and creamy pasta dish featuring tender cheese tortellini tossed in a decadent sauce made from crispy bacon, cream cheese, heavy cream, and Parmesan. Enhanced with sautéed onions, garlic, and fresh parsley, it’s an easy-to-make comfort food favorite perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or special occasion.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
• Category: Pasta
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 1 (20 ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini

Meat

• 1 pound bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

Sauce

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the bacon: In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the bacon pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until crispy and golden brown, about 8-10 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Reserve 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet and discard the excess grease.
2. Sauté onions and garlic: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the reserved bacon grease. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until onions are softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
3. Make the cream sauce: Reduce heat to low. Add the softened cream cheese to the skillet and stir constantly until melted and smooth. Gradually pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly to create a creamy consistency. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until fully melted and incorporated.
4. Season and simmer the sauce: Season the sauce with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Let it simmer gently over low heat for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors and slightly thicken the sauce.
5. Cook the tortellini: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the refrigerated cheese tortellini and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain immediately in a colander.
6. Combine pasta with sauce and bacon: Add the drained tortellini to the skillet with the cream cheese sauce. Gently toss to coat the pasta evenly. Fold in the crispy bacon pieces and stir in the chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

• For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes to taste.
• You can substitute bacon with pancetta or smoked turkey bacon for a different flavor.
• Use fresh tortellini for best texture, but frozen can work as well; just adjust cooking time accordingly.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
• Adding a handful of sautéed mushrooms or spinach can boost the veggie content and flavor.

Keywords: Bacon Cream Cheese Tortellini, creamy pasta, bacon pasta recipe, quick dinner, Italian pasta, easy tortellini recipe