This rich and creamy Bacon Cream Cheese Tortellini is a pasta dish that satisfies every craving for comfort food. It brings together the savory smokiness of crispy bacon with the velvety smoothness of cream cheese and heavy cream, creating a sauce that’s both indulgent and irresistible. Paired with cheese-stuffed tortellini and finished with Parmesan and herbs, every bite is loaded with flavor. Whether you’re hosting guests or need a quick yet luxurious dinner after a long day, this recipe is your answer. Best of all, it’s quick to prepare and only requires a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients. Serve it with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete, satisfying meal that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
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12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
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6 oz cream cheese, softened
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1 cup heavy cream
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6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
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Cook the Tortellini
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. -
Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon, crumble it, and set aside. Leave the bacon drippings in the skillet for added flavor. -
Sauté the Garlic
Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant—do not let it brown. -
Create the Cream Sauce
Reduce heat to low. Add the softened cream cheese to the skillet, stirring until it melts and begins to blend with the garlic. -
Add Cream and Seasoning
Slowly stir in the heavy cream. Mix until smooth, then add Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Stir until everything is well combined and the sauce is thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste. -
Combine Everything
Add the cooked tortellini and crumbled bacon back into the skillet. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce. -
Serve
Plate the tortellini hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Nutrients (Per Serving)
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Calories: 650
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Protein: 20g
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Carbohydrates: 45g
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Fat: 40g
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Fiber: 2g
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Sugar: 3g
Why Bacon and Cream Cheese Work So Well Together
Let’s start with the stars of the show: bacon and cream cheese. Bacon is prized in cooking for its smoky, salty crunch, which adds instant depth to almost any dish. Cream cheese, on the other hand, is smooth and rich with a slight tang, making it an ideal base for creamy sauces. When you combine the two, you get a balance of salty, creamy, and savory that elevates the humble pasta dish into something a little more special.
Cream cheese melts beautifully when warmed, turning into a velvety sauce with the help of a little cream. When infused with garlic and herbs and paired with the crispness of cooked bacon, the result is nothing short of crave-worthy.
The Role of Tortellini in This Recipe
Unlike plain pasta, cheese tortellini comes with its own built-in burst of flavor. These little pasta pockets are typically filled with a blend of cheeses like ricotta, Parmesan, or mozzarella. Their slightly chewy texture holds up well to the creamy sauce, making every bite substantial and satisfying.
Tortellini also cooks quickly, making this dish a great option when you’re short on time. Whether you’re using fresh or frozen tortellini, you’ll have a meal on the table in under 30 minutes without sacrificing taste or presentation.
A One-Pan Meal That Feels Gourmet
One of the most attractive things about this recipe—beyond its flavor—is that it’s a one-pan wonder. After boiling the tortellini, everything comes together in one skillet. The bacon is cooked first to create a flavorful base, and the remaining ingredients are layered into the pan to develop a deeply satisfying sauce.
Even though the ingredients are simple and the method is straightforward, the finished dish feels elegant. This makes Bacon Cream Cheese Tortellini an excellent option for serving guests at a casual dinner party or for elevating an ordinary weeknight meal.
Flavor Profile: Creamy, Smoky, Savory
What sets this dish apart is its layers of flavor:
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Cream cheese and heavy cream bring indulgent richness.
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Garlic and Italian seasoning add aromatic complexity.
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Parmesan cheese contributes saltiness and umami.
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Bacon brings the smoky, meaty crunch that makes this dish truly irresistible.
A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds just the right touch of brightness and color to balance the richness of the sauce.
Perfect Pairings and Side Dishes
To balance the creamy texture of the tortellini, consider pairing it with something light and fresh. Here are a few excellent options:
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Garlic bread or herb focaccia for dipping into the sauce
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Mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness
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Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus
A crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc also pairs beautifully with this dish, helping to balance the creaminess with bright acidity.
Customization and Variations
Another great aspect of this recipe is how easy it is to customize:
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Vegetarian option: Skip the bacon or replace it with sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes.
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Add vegetables: Stir in spinach, peas, or chopped roasted red peppers for added color and nutrients.
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Make it spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a little heat.
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Swap the protein: Instead of bacon, try diced pancetta, grilled chicken, or even shrimp for a seafood twist.
The base recipe is adaptable, which means you can make it your own while keeping the spirit of the dish intact.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
If you’re meal prepping or planning for leftovers, this dish holds up surprisingly well:
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Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
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Freeze portions before garnishing for up to 2 months, although the texture may change slightly due to the cream.