Bacon Tortellini Alfredo

Bacon tortellini Alfredo is a rich, creamy, and indulgent pasta dish that combines tender cheese-filled tortellini with crispy bacon and a homemade Alfredo sauce. This quick and easy meal is perfect for busy weeknights but delicious enough for a special dinner. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a comforting, restaurant-quality dish in under 30 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Creamy & Indulgent – A rich Alfredo sauce coats every bite.
  • Quick & Easy – Ready in just 25 minutes!
  • Flavor-Packed – Crispy bacon adds a smoky, salty crunch.
  • Great for Busy Nights – Uses store-bought tortellini for a fast meal.
  • Customizable – Add veggies, proteins, or spices to make it your own.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
  • Bacon (chopped)
  • Butter
  • Garlic (minced)
  • Heavy cream
  • Parmesan cheese (grated)
  • Black pepper
  • Salt
  • Italian seasoning (optional)
  • Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

  1. Cook the Bacon – In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving a bit of bacon grease in the pan.
  2. Boil the Tortellini – Cook the tortellini according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
  3. Make the Alfredo Sauce – In the same skillet, melt butter, then sauté garlic until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and simmer for 2 minutes. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  4. Combine Everything – Add the cooked tortellini to the sauce, stirring to coat evenly. Sprinkle in crispy bacon and mix well.
  5. Serve – Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

  • Chicken Bacon Tortellini – Add grilled or shredded chicken for extra protein.
  • Spicy Alfredo – Add red pepper flakes for a little heat.
  • Garlic Mushroom Alfredo – Sauté mushrooms with the garlic for extra flavor.
  • Spinach Tortellini Alfredo – Stir in fresh spinach before serving.
  • Lighter Option – Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage – Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating – Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving, as it may cause the sauce to separate.
  • Freezing – Not recommended, as the creamy sauce may break when thawed.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini?

Yes! Just cook according to package instructions before adding to the sauce.

What’s the best bacon to use?

Thick-cut bacon adds great texture, but any type works.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, but the sauce may thicken in the fridge. Add extra cream when reheating.

How do I keep the Alfredo sauce from getting too thick?

If the sauce thickens too much, add a little pasta water, milk, or cream to loosen it.

Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?

Yes! If short on time, use pre-made Alfredo sauce and simply add bacon.

What’s the best Parmesan cheese to use?

Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-shredded versions.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely! Broccoli, peas, or cherry tomatoes make great additions.

Can I make this without heavy cream?

Yes, use whole milk with a bit of cornstarch for a lighter sauce.

What other pasta can I use?

Ravioli or fettuccine work well if tortellini isn’t available.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free tortellini and check that your Alfredo sauce ingredients are gluten-free.

Conclusion

Bacon tortellini Alfredo is a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With crispy bacon, tender tortellini, and a rich Alfredo sauce, this dish is easy to make yet full of flavor. Try it for dinner tonight and enjoy a comforting homemade meal in just minutes!

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Bacon Tortellini Alfredo

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This Bacon Tortellini Alfredo is a creamy, cheesy pasta dish loaded with crispy bacon and tender cheese-filled tortellini. It’s an easy, comforting meal that comes together in just 20 minutes—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!

  • Author: Beth
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner, Pasta
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (20 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
  • 6 slices bacon, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the tortellini – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Cook the bacon – In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pan.
  3. Make the Alfredo sauce – Add butter to the pan with the bacon grease. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and milk, then whisk in Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened.
  4. Combine everything – Add the cooked tortellini and crispy bacon to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
  5. Serve – Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve warm!

Notes

  • Protein Swap: Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
  • Cheese Options: Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
  • Make Ahead: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.

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