Description
Enjoy a delightful dish of creamy Bacon Cream Cheese Tortellini, featuring tender cheese tortellini enveloped in a rich sauce of cream cheese, heavy cream, and crispy bacon. Ideal for a cozy dinner or special occasion!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Once the water is boiling, add the cheese tortellini. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes, until they float to the top and are tender.
- Once cooked, drain the tortellini in a colander and set aside. Make sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later use.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the chopped bacon. Cook until crispy, stirring occasionally, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the bacon is crispy, use a slotted spoon to remove it from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet for flavor.
- In the same skillet with the reserved bacon grease, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Lower the heat to medium-low and add the softened cream cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until it begins to melt and combine with the garlic.
- Gradually pour in the heavy cream while stirring. This will create a smooth and creamy sauce.
- Once the cream cheese is fully incorporated, add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
- Gently fold the cooked tortellini into the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Finally, add the crispy bacon back into the skillet. Toss everything together until the tortellini is well coated in the creamy sauce and the bacon is evenly distributed.
- Using a large spoon or tongs, serve the bacon cream cheese tortellini onto plates or into bowls.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and added freshness.
- Serve immediately while hot, and enjoy the creamy, savory goodness of this dish!
Notes
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, substitute the bacon with sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
- Add Vegetables: Consider adding peas, sun-dried tomatoes, or broccoli for extra nutrition and color.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes