Description
Creamy bacon tortellini alfredo brings Italian-inspired comfort straight to dinner tables with rich, indulgent flavor. Cheese-coated pasta and crispy bacon pieces create a luxurious meal perfect for satisfying hunger and delighting palates.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 (20 ounces/566 grams) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
Dairy and Cream Components:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Seasonings and Herbs:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Initiate the pasta preparation by boiling a generously salted water bath in a substantial pot, then gently immerse the tortellini and cook precisely according to the package guidance. Carefully drain the tender pasta and reserve it momentarily.
- Transform bacon pieces into crispy morsels by rendering them in a spacious skillet over medium thermal intensity. Extract the golden-brown fragments using a perforated utensil, preserving approximately one tablespoon of the rendered lipid within the cooking vessel.
- Craft the luxurious cream sauce by introducing butter into the residual bacon essence. Rapidly sauté minced garlic until its aromatic essence permeates the pan, approximately 30 seconds. Stream heavy cream and milk into the skillet, whisking diligently while incorporating Parmesan, seasoning agents, Italian herb blend, and fiery red pepper flakes.
- Allow the sauce to gently simmer and thicken for 3-4 minutes, developing a rich, velvety consistency that coats the palate.
- Harmoniously unite the cooked tortellini and crisp bacon fragments within the sauce, ensuring each pasta pillow receives an even, decadent embrace.
- Present the dish adorned with freshly chopped parsley and an additional sprinkle of Parmesan, serving immediately to capture the peak of gastronomic pleasure.
Notes
- Bacon Tip: Opt for thick-cut bacon to achieve maximum crispiness and rich flavor depth in the dish.
- Cheese Selection: Use freshly grated Parmesan for superior melting and more intense taste compared to pre-packaged options.
- Dietary Adaptation: Substitute regular tortellini with whole wheat or gluten-free varieties for those with specific dietary needs.
- Spice Control: Adjust red pepper flakes based on personal heat preference, starting with a small amount and gradually increasing for desired kick.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg