Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this Bacon Cream Cheese Tortellini! This recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights when you want something comforting but super quick to whip up. A while back, I was craving something creamy and dreamy, and this dish fit the bill perfectly. The combination of crispy bacon, rich cream cheese, and tender tortellini creates this mouthwatering explosion of flavor that makes it impossible not to go back for seconds!
What I love most about this recipe is how easily you can throw it together. Just imagine the smell of sizzling bacon filling your kitchen while the tortellini cooks in a pot—heavenly, right? Plus, it’s a total crowd-pleaser, whether it’s just the two of us at home or we’re hosting friends for dinner. Pair it with a simple salad or some garlic bread, and you’ve got a meal that everyone will rave about! If you’re in the mood for more creamy goodness, check out my Alfredo Chicken Bake—it’s another family favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Bacon Cream Cheese Tortellini
- Rich and creamy sauce that’s irresistibly indulgent
- Sweet and savory combination from crispy bacon and cheese
- Quick to prepare—ready in under 30 minutes!
- Uses simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand
- Perfectly customizable; add in your favorite veggies like spinach or peas
- Great for meal prep; leftovers taste just as good the next day
- Comfort food at its finest, ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions
This dish combines the deliciousness of bacon, cream cheese, and freshly cooked tortellini for a meal that’s sure to impress and satisfy!
How to Make Bacon Cream Cheese Tortellini
This Bacon Cream Cheese Tortellini is a delightful, creamy dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner at home! It only takes about 30 minutes to prepare, and who could resist the combination of bacon, cream cheese, and pasta? Let’s dive in!
What You’ll Need:
- Cheese tortellini – 12 oz, fresh or frozen. I love using fresh tortellini for the best texture, but frozen works just as well!
- Cream cheese – 6 oz, softened. Make sure it’s well softened; this will help it melt smoothly into the sauce.
- Heavy cream – 1 cup. I use Horizon Organic heavy cream for its rich flavor, but any good quality heavy cream will do.
- Bacon – 6 slices, cooked and crumbled. I prefer a thicker cut bacon for extra crunch and flavor.
- Parmesan cheese – 1/2 cup, grated. Freshly grated cheese melts better and adds a lovely taste!
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic is a must for that aromatic flavor.
- Italian seasoning – 1 teaspoon, for that perfect herb blend.
- Salt and pepper – to taste, enhancing all the amazing flavors.
- Fresh parsley – chopped, for garnish. It adds a lovely pop of color!
The Directions:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the crumbled bacon and cook until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the delicious bacon fat in the skillet.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic to the fat and sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn!
- Lower the heat and add the softened cream cheese to the skillet, stirring until it starts to melt and combine with the garlic.
- Gradually pour in the heavy cream while stirring. This helps create a smooth and creamy sauce as everything combines.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Keep stirring until the cheese melts beautifully into the sauce. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste!
- Add the cooked tortellini and crumbled bacon into the sauce, gently tossing to fully coat the pasta in the creamy goodness.
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley for a nice fresh touch. Enjoy every bite!
Tip: If you prefer a thicker sauce, feel free to add a bit more cream. You can also toss in some fresh spinach or peas for a splash of color and a nutritional boost!
Can I Use Frozen Tortellini Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen tortellini, just cook them according to the package instructions. There’s no need to thaw them first—just add them directly to your pot of boiling water. They might take a minute or two longer to cook, so check for that perfect al dente texture.
What if I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No problem! You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but keep in mind the sauce will be a bit less rich. To thicken the sauce, you might want to mix in a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch combined with a little water before adding to the skillet.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce’s creaminess. Avoid reheating in the microwave if possible, as it can make the pasta chewy.
Can I Add Other Ingredients to This Dish?
Definitely! You can customize this dish by adding veggies like chopped spinach, peas, or even mushrooms. Just sauté them along with the garlic for a few minutes before adding the cream cheese to ensure they’re cooked through and flavorful.
