If you are craving a pasta dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then this Bacon Cream Cheese Tortellini is exactly what you need. This recipe is nothing short of A Deliciously Indulgent treat that marries the creamy richness of cream cheese and heavy cream with crispy bacon and tender cheese-filled tortellini. Every bite bursts with silky sauce, savory bacon bits, and that perfect Italian seasoning, making this dish a comforting yet elegant meal that’s surprisingly easy to whip up. Trust me, once you try this, it will quickly become one of your absolute favorite ways to enjoy tortellini.

A Deliciously Indulgent Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Keeping things simple yet flavorful is the key to this dish. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the creamy cheese base to the crispy bacon crunch, all perfectly balanced with aromatic herbs. Here’s what you’ll need to create this lush pasta dinner:

Cheese tortellini (9 oz package): The star of the show, these cheese-filled pasta pillows cook quickly and soak up the rich sauce beautifully.

Bacon (6 slices, chopped): Adds irresistible crispy texture and smoky depth to every bite.
Cream cheese (1 cup, softened): Gives the sauce its signature creamy and tangy richness.

Heavy cream (1 cup): Smooths out the sauce to a luscious consistency that’s pure indulgence.
Parmesan cheese (1 cup, grated): Brings salty, nutty flavor that melds all ingredients together.

Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the dish with lovely aromatic warmth.
Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A blend of herbs elevates the sauce with classic Italian flair.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all flavors.

Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish): A burst of color and fresh herbal notes to finish the dish.

How to Make A Deliciously Indulgent

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini Perfectly

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil — this seasoning step is crucial to flavor the pasta itself. Add the cheese tortellini and cook until they float to the top and become tender, typically 3 to 5 minutes. Don’t forget to reserve about half a cup of the pasta water before draining, as this starchy liquid will help loosen and bind the sauce later for the perfect consistency.

Step 2: Crisp Up the Bacon

While the pasta cooks, toss the chopped bacon into a hot skillet over medium heat. Cook it until it’s beautifully crispy, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step adds not only fantastic texture but also releases flavorful bacon fat that will enhance the sauce. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside on paper towels, leaving approximately one tablespoon of bacon grease in the pan for the next step.

Step 3: Build the Cream Cheese Sauce

Using the same skillet with that bacon goodness, add the minced garlic and sauté it until fragrant, about one minute — this step ensures the garlic flavor shines through without becoming overpowering. Lower the heat to medium-low, then stir in the softened cream cheese until it melts into a smooth base. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream to create a rich, velvety sauce that’s so luxurious you’ll want to dive right in.

Step 4: Bring the Sauce Together

Now, it’s time to add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring steadily until it melts and melds seamlessly into the creamy sauce. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste — this layer of herbaceous and salty flavor makes the dish unmistakably indulgent. To adjust the sauce’s thickness, gently fold in the reserved pasta water a little at a time, aiming for a silky, clingy sauce that coats every tortellini perfectly.

Step 5: Combine Everything and Finish

Finally, fold the cooked tortellini into the cream sauce, followed by the crispy, flavorful bacon. Gently stir to combine, ensuring that every cheesy pasta pocket gets an even coating of sauce and bacon bits. Finish it off with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately, while the sauce is hot, creamy, and utterly comforting.

How to Serve A Deliciously Indulgent

Garnishes

To make this dish visually stunning and taste even better, a sprinkle of fresh parsley is your go-to garnish. It adds a lively green color and a subtle fresh note that balances the richness of the cream sauce. You can also add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat or even a tiny drizzle of high-quality olive oil for a bit of shine and fruity complexity.

Side Dishes

Because this Bacon Cream Cheese Tortellini is so creamy and satisfying, lighter sides work best. A crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness. Roasted or steamed seasonal vegetables, such as asparagus or green beans, can bring freshness and texture contrasts that keep the meal balanced. Garlic bread with a golden crust is also a fantastic accompaniment to soak up any remaining sauce on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy family dinner, serve this pasta straight from the skillet or a warmed casserole dish so everyone can help themselves. For dinner guests, twirl the tortellini elegantly onto each plate, then arrange bacon pieces artfully on top and garnish with parsley. You can even serve it in shallow bowls for that restaurant-perfect look. Adding freshly cracked black pepper just before serving amps up the visual appeal and aroma.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers of this A Deliciously Indulgent Bacon Cream Cheese Tortellini, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. Just remember that the sauce may thicken in the fridge, so be prepared to gently loosen it when reheating.

Freezing

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked tortellini with sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results. Keep in mind that the texture of the cream sauce might slightly change after freezing but should still taste delicious.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the tortellini gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to bring back that luscious creamy consistency. Avoid microwaving without stirring, as the sauce may split or become unevenly hot. Stirring as it warms will restore that perfect, silky mouthfeel that makes this dish so special.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While cheese tortellini is ideal for its creamy, cheesy pockets that soak up the sauce, you can also use ravioli, gnocchi, or even regular pasta shapes like penne or fusilli if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by leaving out the bacon and adding sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes instead. You might want to add a bit of smoked paprika or liquid smoke to replicate some of the smoky depth bacon brings.

Can I substitute the cream cheese with something lighter?

You can try using mascarpone or ricotta for a lighter texture, but keep in mind the sauce may be less thick and rich. Greek yogurt can be used after cooking as a stir-in, but avoid boiling it to prevent curdling.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

If the sauce thickens too much while cooking or after refrigeration, gradually stir in reserved pasta water, milk, or cream until it reaches your desired consistency. Heat gently to keep the sauce smooth.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for a party?

Yes, you can cook the tortellini and sauce separately and combine them just before serving. Reheat gently on the stove and add crispy bacon last to keep the texture perfect. This way, you can enjoy your guests without last-minute kitchen stress.

Final Thoughts

Making this A Deliciously Indulgent Bacon Cream Cheese Tortellini is like giving yourself permission to indulge in creamy, comforting flavors that feel truly special. It’s an easy recipe with surprisingly elevated results, perfect for cozy nights or impressing dinner guests. I hope you find as much joy in cooking and savoring this dish as I do, and it becomes one of your go-to indulgences whenever you want a rich, satisfying pasta experience.

A Deliciously Indulgent Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 29 reviews

Author: Lila

Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Lactose

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Description

Indulge in this rich and creamy Bacon Cream Cheese Tortellini recipe, featuring tender cheese tortellini tossed in a luscious sauce made from cream cheese, heavy cream, Parmesan, garlic, and crispy bacon. Perfect for a comforting dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini

Sauce & Flavorings

1 cup cream cheese, softened

1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

Protein

6 slices of bacon, chopped

Garnish

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Boil the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions, about 3-5 minutes, until they float to the surface and are tender. Drain in a colander, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy, approximately 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet.

Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet with the bacon grease, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
Make the Cream Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the softened cream cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is melted and smooth. Gradually pour in the heavy cream while stirring to combine the mixture evenly and heat through.
Add Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted into the sauce. Then add Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to your taste preference.

Combine Tortellini and Sauce: Gently fold the cooked tortellini into the creamy sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce needs thinning to reach your desired consistency.
Finish with Bacon: Stir the crispy bacon pieces into the tortellini and sauce, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dish.
Serve and Garnish: Spoon the creamy bacon tortellini onto plates or bowls. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!

Notes

Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce thickness if needed.
For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.
Use full-fat cream cheese and heavy cream for the creamiest sauce.

Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days; reheat gently to avoid sauce separation.
To make it vegetarian, omit the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes instead.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Boiling, Sautéing

Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 520

Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 720mg
Fat: 38g

Saturated Fat: 20g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0.5g

Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 1.5g
Protein: 18g

Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: bacon cream cheese tortellini, creamy tortellini recipe, easy pasta dinner, bacon pasta sauce, Italian pasta recipe