Description
This simple bacon tortellini alfredo recipe delivers creamy comfort in under 30 minutes using one pan and ingredients you already have. It’s easy, rich, and perfect for quick family dinners.
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 or whipping cream
▢ 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
▢ 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
▢ Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Boil the pasta water
Bring a large, salted pot of water to a boil for the tortellini. It cooks fast—just a few minutes—so wait to add it until your sauce is ready.
Step 2: Cook the bacon
Cut the bacon into bite-sized pieces and fry it in a skillet over medium-high heat. In about 10 minutes, it should be golden and crisp. Scoop it onto a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 3: Build the sauce
Drain most of the bacon grease, keeping about a tablespoon in the pan. Stir in the garlic, chicken broth, cream, and cream cheese. Return to medium heat and whisk until smooth and thick—about 5 minutes. This is your base for a real homemade alfredo sauce—no shortcuts, no jars.
Step 4: Bring it all together
Add the parmesan and bacon to the sauce. Then stir in the drained tortellini. If the sauce gets too thick, add a few spoonfuls of hot pasta water. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
Use fresh tortellini for best texture.
Add peas or broccoli to stretch it further.
This dish can be made ahead and gently reheated with extra cream or broth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 625
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 44g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: simple bacon tortellini alfredo recipe, creamy pasta, quick family dinners