Imagine a dish that combines the crispy decadence of bacon, the earthy richness of Brussels sprouts, and the cheesy comfort of tortellini - all wrapped up in a luxuriously creamy sauce that will make your taste buds dance with joy! This isn't just another pasta recipe; it's a culinary adventure that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal you can easily create in your own kitchen. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that's both sophisticated and utterly irresistible!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz cheese tortellini
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 cups Brussels sprouts, halved
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Chop the bacon into small pieces, halve the Brussels sprouts, and grate the Parmesan cheese. Set aside.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions, usually around 3-5 minutes, until they float to the top. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the chopped bacon. Cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
- In the same skillet with the bacon fat, add the halved Brussels sprouts. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they are tender and slightly caramelized, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the Brussels sprouts. Allow the cream to simmer gently for about 2-3 minutes, letting it thicken slightly.
- Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet, gently stirring to coat them in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of pasta cooking water to reach your desired consistency.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Finally, add the crispy bacon back into the skillet, mixing it in with the tortellini and Brussels sprouts.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your creamy tortellini with bacon and Brussels sprouts!
Tips
- Use fresh Brussels sprouts for the best flavor and texture - frozen can work but won't caramelize as nicely.
- Don't overcook the tortellini; they should be just al dente to prevent a mushy texture.
- Save some pasta water before draining - it's a secret weapon for adjusting sauce consistency if needed.
- For extra crispiness, consider broiling the bacon instead of pan-frying.
- Use high-quality Parmesan cheese and grate it fresh for maximum flavor impact.
- If you want a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Fresh parsley isn't just a garnish - it adds a bright, fresh note that cuts through the richness of the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Cholesterol: 110mg
