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Rich Creamy Smoky Tortellini Carbonara

A delightful twist on the classic Italian dish, this creamy tortellini carbonara is rich in flavor with smoky bacon and cheesy goodness, making it the perfect comfort food for any occasion.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Comfort Food, Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 600
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 12 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini Fresh is key! Preferably filled with ricotta and spinach.
  • 4 slices bacon Thick-cut recommended for maximum crispiness; turkey bacon can be used for a healthier option.
  • 1 tbsp olive oil Use extra virgin for the best flavor.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic is essential for the best aroma.
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream Opt for heavy whipping cream for an even richer experience.
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Freshly grated is preferred for flavor.
  • 2 large egg yolks At room temperature for better blending.
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika Adds a lovely smokiness to the dish.
  • to taste Salt and pepper To enhance flavors as per preference.
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley For garnish and a touch of freshness.

Method
 

Cooking the Tortellini
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the tortellini according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 3-4 minutes.
  2. Reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta water and then drain the tortellini.
Crisping the Bacon
  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the slices of bacon and cook until crispy, around 5-6 minutes.
  2. Remove the bacon from the skillet, drain on paper towels, and crumble into small pieces. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan.
Preparing the Sauce
  1. Add olive oil to the skillet if needed. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Lower the heat, add the heavy cream and smoked paprika, and stir to combine, gently warming without boiling.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and grated Parmesan until smooth.
Combining Ingredients
  1. Add the drained tortellini to the skillet with the cream sauce, remove from heat, and quickly pour in the egg yolk mixture. Toss immediately to create a silky sauce.
  2. If it's too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
Finalizing the Dish
  1. Stir in the crumbled bacon and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  2. Divide the pasta into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy your delicious creation!

Notes

For best results, mix the egg yolks in while the pasta is hot to avoid scrambling. Leftover sauce may be thickened, so reheat gently with a splash of cream or pasta water.