Looking for a quick and delicious dinner? This Tortellini Carbonara is a fantastic choice for an easy family dinner in just 30 minutes! I remember one night when my son, Jake, declared he’d only eat pasta if it was stuffed. Well, stuffed tortellini it was, and he couldn’t get enough! This dish is perfect for those fresh new dinner ideas that make everyone smile.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love It
- It’s ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Stuffed tortellini adds a delightful twist to a classic carbonara.
- It’s a hit with both kids and adults, making it an easy meal for a family of 3.
- You can customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins!
Pure Comfort
Tortellini Carbonara is pure comfort food. The creamy sauce wraps around the tender tortellini, creating a warm hug in every bite. It’s one of those dishes that brings everyone to the table, sparking laughter and stories. Plus, it’s quick enough to whip up on a busy evening, making it a go-to recipe for family bonding time.
What You Need
- 1 8 oz stuffed tortellini – Use cheese or spinach tortellini for extra flavor.
- 1/2 cup 4 oz pancetta or bacon – Turkey bacon works as a lighter option.
- 2 2 large eggs – Make sure they’re at room temperature.
- 1/2 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated gives the best flavor.
- 2 2 cloves garlic, minced – Add more for a stronger garlic flavor.
- to taste Salt and pepper to taste – Use freshly cracked pepper for a kick.
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped – For garnish, optional.
Time to Cook
Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 20 minutes | Total: 30 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: You can prep the tortellini and sauce in advance.
Steps to Make It
- Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s bubbling, add the stuffed tortellini and cook according to the package instructions until they float, about 3-5 minutes.
- While the tortellini cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the pancetta or bacon, and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. The smell will be irresistible!
- Once the bacon is done, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, but be careful not to burn it.
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and Parmesan cheese until smooth. This will create a creamy sauce that’s oh-so-delicious!
- When the tortellini is ready, reserve a cup of the pasta water, then drain the rest. Quickly add the hot tortellini to the skillet with the bacon and garlic.
- Remove the skillet from heat and pour the egg and cheese mixture over the hot tortellini. Stir quickly to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Make It Perfect
- Make sure to whisk the eggs and cheese quickly with the hot pasta to avoid scrambling the eggs.
- Always reserve some pasta water; it’s key to adjusting the sauce’s creaminess.
- Feel free to add peas or spinach for a pop of color and nutrition.
- Use a non-stick skillet to make cleanup easier.
- Taste as you go to get the seasoning just right!
Mix It Up
- Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
- Mix in some sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist.
- Top with crispy breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
Perfect Partners
- Serve with a side salad for freshness.
- Pair with garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- A glass of white wine complements this dish beautifully.
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FAQs
Can I store leftovers?
Yes, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this dish?
It’s best fresh, but you can freeze the sauce separately for up to a month.
What can I substitute for pancetta?
Bacon or turkey bacon work well!
Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely! Pecorino Romano or even mozzarella can be great substitutes.
Conclusion
Tortellini Carbonara is not just an easy entree idea; it’s a delightful dish that brings the family together. With its creamy sauce and stuffed tortellini, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home. So, gather your loved ones, whip up this easy meal for a family of 3, and enjoy every bite!
Tortellini Carbonara
Equipment
- Skillet
- Large Pot
Ingredients
Main
- 8 oz stuffed tortellini stuffed tortellini Use cheese or spinach tortellini for extra flavor.
- 4 oz pancetta or bacon pancetta Turkey bacon works as a lighter option.
- 2 large eggs eggs Make sure they’re at room temperature.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Freshly grated gives the best flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Add more for a stronger garlic flavor.
- to taste Salt and pepper Use freshly cracked pepper for a kick.
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped For garnish, optional.
Instructions
- Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s bubbling, add the stuffed tortellini and cook according to the package instructions until they float, about 3-5 minutes.
- While the tortellini cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the pancetta or bacon, and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the bacon is done, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and Parmesan cheese until smooth.
- When the tortellini is ready, reserve a cup of the pasta water, then drain the rest. Quickly add the hot tortellini to the skillet with the bacon and garlic.
- Remove the skillet from heat and pour the egg and cheese mixture over the hot tortellini. Stir quickly to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a creamy sauce.