Bacon Cream Cheese Tortellini Recipe

Bacon Cream Cheese Tortellini is a delightful pasta dish that’s creamy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. The combination of smoky bacon, rich cream cheese, and tender tortellini creates a comforting meal that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. Let’s dive into how you can make this delicious dish at home.

Ingredients

To make this scrumptious Bacon Cream Cheese Tortellini, you’ll need:

• Main Ingredients:
  • 1 pound cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
  • 8 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Sauce Ingredients:
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Salt to taste

Preparation

Cooking the Bacon:

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy.
2. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet.

Boiling the Tortellini:

1. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the tortellini according to the package instructions until al dente.
2. Drain the tortellini and set aside.

Making the Sauce:

1. Combining the Cream Cheese and Other Ingredients:
   • In the same skillet with the bacon grease, add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
   • Stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
   • Add the softened cream cheese, stirring until it melts and incorporates into the sauce.
2. Adjusting the Consistency:
   • Add the grated Parmesan cheese, dried basil, black pepper, and salt. Stir until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
   • If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit more chicken broth to reach the desired consistency.

Combining the Tortellini and Sauce:

1. Mixing Instructions:
   • Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet with the sauce. Gently toss to coat the tortellini evenly with the creamy sauce.
2. Heating Through:
   • Continue to cook over low heat for 2-3 minutes, until everything is heated through and well combined.

Garnishing and Serving:

1. Adding Fresh Herbs:
   • Garnish with the crispy bacon pieces and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil for added flavor and color.
2. Serving Suggestions:
   • Serve hot, with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this Bacon Cream Cheese Tortellini with a crisp green salad, garlic breadsticks, or roasted vegetables. The richness of the pasta is perfectly balanced by lighter side dishes.

Storage Tips

• Keeping Leftovers Fresh:
  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating Instructions:
  • Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of cream or milk if needed to restore the creamy texture.

Variations

• Using Different Proteins: Try adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or even sausage for a different twist on this dish.
• Adding Vegetables: Incorporate sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or peas for added nutrition and flavor.

Tips for Success

• Achieving the Perfect Sauce Consistency: Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened before adding it to the sauce to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth texture.
• Ensuring Even Coating: Gently toss the tortellini in the sauce to ensure every piece is evenly coated and the flavors are well distributed.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can prepare the bacon and sauce ahead of time and cook the tortellini just before serving to ensure it remains tender.
2. How do I store leftovers?
   • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
3. Can I use different pasta shapes?
   • Absolutely! You can use any pasta shape you prefer, though tortellini works particularly well with this creamy sauce.
4. How do I adjust the creaminess?
   • If you prefer a creamier sauce, add more cream cheese or heavy cream. For a lighter version, reduce the amount of cream or substitute with half-and-half.
5. What if I don’t have all the ingredients?
   • You can make some substitutions, like using milk instead of heavy cream, but the flavor and texture may vary slightly.

Conclusion

Bacon Cream Cheese Tortellini is a deliciously rich and satisfying dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. With its creamy sauce, crispy bacon, and tender tortellini, it’s the perfect meal for any night of the week. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a comforting, homemade pasta dish that’s as easy to make as it is to eat!

Yield: 4

Bacon Cream Cheese Tortellini Recipe

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Bacon Cream Cheese Tortellini is a deliciously rich and satisfying dish that's sure to become a favorite in your household. With its creamy sauce, crispy bacon, and tender tortellini, it's the perfect meal for any night of the week. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a comforting, homemade pasta dish that's as easy to make as it is to eat!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 (9 ounce) packages refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 6 strips bacon cut into small pieces
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
• 4 ounces cream cheese (1/2 block of Philly) softened
• 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

• Boil a large, salted pot of water for the tortellini. Start cooking the tortellini once the bacon is done (it'll only take a few minutes for the tortellini to cook).

• Cut the bacon into small pieces (I use kitchen shears to make the job easy). Fry it in a skillet over medium-high heat until crispy (about 10 minutes).

• Take the pan off the heat and remove the bacon to a paper towel lined plate. Drain most of the bacon fat from the pan (keep about 1 tablespoon in there).

• Stir in the garlic, chicken broth, cream, and cream cheese. Return the pan to the burner (medium heat), and stir until you've got a smooth sauce and it's reduced to your liking (about 5 minutes).

• Stir in the parmesan cheese and bacon. Take the pan off the heat and toss with the drained tortellini (but if the sauce is too thick, thin it with a few spoonfuls of the hot pasta water prior to draining it). Season with salt & pepper as needed.