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20 Minute Bacon Tortellini Carbonara

20 Minute Bacon Tortellini Carbonara for Quick Comfort Food

Discover how to make 20 Minute Bacon Tortellini Carbonara, a delightful blend of flavors for a quick, satisfying meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce
  • 1 cup Half and Half or heavy cream for extra richness
  • 1/2 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese or Romano for a sharper taste
  • 1 large Egg Yolk for thickening the sauce
For the Pasta
  • 12 oz Cheese Tortellini opt for fresh or refrigerated
For the Flavor Base
  • 4 strips Bacon or pancetta for a different taste
  • 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter or olive oil for a lighter option
  • 2 cloves Minced Garlic fresh or omit for milder flavor
  • 1 tbsp Calabrian Chili Peppers adjust based on spice preference
For the Extras
  • 1 cup Frozen Sweet Peas or fresh peas if available
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder optional
  • to taste Freshly Ground Black Pepper
  • to taste Salt add cautiously due to saltiness of bacon

Equipment

  • medium bowl
  • Large Pot
  • Skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for 20 Minute Bacon Tortellini Carbonara
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolk, half and half, and Parmesan until smooth and creamy.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions for 5-7 minutes.
  3. In a cold skillet, lay the strips of bacon and turn the heat to medium. Cook for about 7-8 minutes until crispy.
  4. Remove the bacon and add unsalted butter to the rendered fat in the skillet. Add minced garlic and Calabrian chili peppers, and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
  5. Add drained tortellini and frozen peas, stirring to coat. Remove from heat and quickly pour in egg and cream mixture.
  6. Return skillet to low heat if needed and stir in reserved pasta water until desired sauce consistency is reached. Add bacon back and season to taste.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 18gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This maintains the creamy texture.

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