This delicious dish combines tender tortellini with bright green peas and crunchy asparagus, all brought together by crispy, flavorful bacon. It’s a colorful meal that’s perfect for any day!
Whenever I make this, I can’t help but sneak some of the bacon while cooking. Who can resist that crispy goodness? Plus, it’s so quick to whip up; dinner is ready in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortellini: Cheese tortellini is the star here, offering a delicious filling. Fresh is fantastic, but frozen works well too for convenience. If you’re in the mood for a twist, try using spinach or mushroom tortellini for added flavors.
Asparagus: Fresh asparagus is great for this dish, but you can swap it out with green beans if you prefer. Some say the crunch of peas and beans adds texture, while others might favor the flavor of asparagus for a spring feel.
Bacon: Bacon adds a savory crunch, but if you’re looking for a healthier alternative, try turkey bacon or even crispy pancetta. For a vegetarian option, just skip the bacon or use smoky tempeh for that hint of flavor.
Heavy Cream: This makes the dish rich and creamy. If you want a lighter option, substitute with half-and-half or even a non-dairy cream like coconut cream. Just be aware this may alter the flavor slightly.
Parmesan: Grated Parmesan gives a beautiful finish, but you can use Pecorino Romano or even nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative. Just adapt to your taste!
How Do I Achieve a Creamy Sauce Without Curdling?
Creating a creamy sauce can be tricky, especially if you’re heating dairy. Here’s how to do it smoothly:
- After cooking the bacon, keep just a bit of fat in the pan—this helps flavor the sauce.
- Warm the heavy cream gently on low heat. Avoid boiling, as that could cause it to separate.
- Add Parmesan after the cream is warmed through. Stir gently until melted for that rich creaminess.
Each step matters here. Keeping the heat low and adding cheese gradually ensures a silky sauce. If you notice it getting too thick, a splash of pasta water can help thin it out!
How to Make Tortellini with Peas, Asparagus, and Bacon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta Dish:
- 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 6 oz asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 cup fresh or frozen green peas
- 6 slices bacon
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil or bacon drippings
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend about 10 minutes cooking the tortellini and veggies, and another 20 minutes preparing the creamy sauce and everything together. It’s a quick and satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Tortellini and Vegetables:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add in the cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions until they are al dente. In the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, add the asparagus pieces and green peas to the boiling water to soften. Drain everything and set them aside when done.
2. Cook the Bacon:
While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the bacon slices and cook until they are crispy, which takes about 6-8 minutes. Once cooked, remove the bacon and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain. After it cools, chop or crumble it into small pieces.
3. Prepare the Creamy Sauce:
In the same skillet where you cooked the bacon, carefully remove excess bacon fat, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons. Then, add the olive oil or the reserved bacon drippings. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until it becomes fragrant but not browned.
4. Make it Creamy:
Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Gently stir and warm the cream for about 1-2 minutes. Next, add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it is melted and mixed into a creamy sauce. Taste it and add salt and pepper as needed.
5. Combine Everything:
Now, add the cooked tortellini, peas, and asparagus into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss everything together gently so that the sauce coats all the ingredients evenly.
6. Add the Bacon:
Finally, stir in the crispy bacon pieces, mixing well to combine everything.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Tortellini with Peas, Asparagus, and Bacon immediately. If you like, garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a nice touch!
Enjoy your delicious, creamy Tortellini with Peas, Asparagus, and Bacon!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While cheese tortellini is the star of this recipe, you can substitute it with other pasta like farfalle, penne, or even gluten-free options. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose!
What if I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
If you’re out of heavy cream, you can use half-and-half, whole milk with a little cornstarch for thickness, or even a non-dairy milk like coconut cream. Keep in mind that using milk will result in a lighter sauce, so adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes, just omit the bacon for a vegetarian version! For added flavor, try using smoked paprika or diced sun-dried tomatoes to give a smoky taste. You could also include mushrooms for extra texture.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat while adding a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce’s creamy texture. Enjoy!
