Creamy Tortellini Carbonara with Pancetta, Parmesan, and Fresh Herbs

The ultimate creamy tortellini carbonara featuring tender cheese-filled tortellini, crispy pancetta, and a luxurious egg-based cream sauce enriched with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This authentic Italian comfort food masterpiece combines the silky richness of traditional carbonara technique with the hearty satisfaction of stuffed pasta, creating an unforgettable dining experience that elevates the classic carbonara to extraordinary heights perfect for dinner parties, romantic meals, or any time you crave the perfect balance of creamy indulgence and Italian tradition.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Send Recipe Jump To Recipe
Creamy Tortellini Carbonara with Pancetta, Parmesan, and Fresh Herbs - main view
Chef profile

RUY

Enjoy home-cooked meals made with love and shared from a family kitchen.

Authentic Italian Carbonara Mastery Secrets for Perfect Creamy Tortellini

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

Perfect Pasta Cooking Mastery:
Master the technique of cooking tortellini to ideal al dente texture while preserving shape.
Pancetta Crisping Excellence:
Learn the skill of rendering pancetta to perfect crispiness while extracting maximum flavor.
Carbonara Sauce Perfection:
Perfect the delicate method of creating silky carbonara sauce without scrambling eggs.
Temperature Control Technique:
Master the art of managing heat to achieve creamy consistency without curdling.
Final Assembly Strategy:
Learn optimal combining techniques for maximum creaminess and flavor integration.
Creamy Tortellini Carbonara with Pancetta, Parmesan, and Fresh Herbs - secondary view

The Art of Ultimate Creamy Tortellini Carbonara Perfection

Perfect Pasta Cooking Mastery
Master the technique of cooking tortellini to ideal al dente texture while preserving shape.
Pancetta Crisping Excellence
Learn the skill of rendering pancetta to perfect crispiness while extracting maximum flavor.
Carbonara Sauce Perfection
Perfect the delicate method of creating silky carbonara sauce without scrambling eggs.
Temperature Control Technique
Master the art of managing heat to achieve creamy consistency without curdling.
Final Assembly Strategy
Learn optimal combining techniques for maximum creaminess and flavor integration.
Authentic Italian Carbonara Mastery Secrets for Perfect Creamy Tortellini
Temperature Control: Remove pan from heat when adding eggs to prevent scrambling - residual heat cooks them perfectly.
Pasta Water: Save starchy pasta water to adjust sauce consistency - it helps bind everything together.
Cheese Quality: Use freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano and Pecorino Romano for best flavor and texture.
Timing Precision: Work quickly when combining hot pasta with egg mixture for silky smooth results.
Pancetta Technique: Cook pancetta until crispy but not burnt for perfect texture contrast.
Serving Speed: Carbonara waits for no one - serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Creamy Tortellini Carbonara with Pancetta, Parmesan, and Fresh Herbs - tertiary view

Creamy Tortellini Carbonara with Pancetta, Parmesan, and Fresh Herbs

The ultimate creamy tortellini carbonara featuring tender cheese-filled tortellini, crispy pancetta, and a luxurious egg-based cream sauce enriched with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This authentic Italian comfort food masterpiece combines the silky richness of traditional carbonara technique with the hearty satisfaction of stuffed pasta, creating an unforgettable dining experience that elevates the classic carbonara to extraordinary heights perfect for dinner parties, romantic meals, or any time you crave the perfect balance of creamy indulgence and Italian tradition.

Italian Cream Stuffed Cannoncini
0% Complete

Ingredients

Custard Cream
01
For the Perfect Pasta:
02
1 lb fresh cheese tortellini
03
2 tablespoons sea salt for pasta water
04
1 tablespoon olive oil
05
For the Crispy Pancetta:
06
6 oz pancetta, diced
07
1 tablespoon olive oil
08
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
09
For the Carbonara Sauce:
10
4 large egg yolks
11
2 whole eggs
12
1 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
13
1/2 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano
14
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
15
For the Cream Enhancement:
16
1/2 cup heavy cream
17
2 tablespoons butter
18
1 clove garlic, minced
19
For the Fresh Components:
20
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
21
2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
22
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
23
For the Flavor Enhancers:
24
1/4 cup dry white wine
25
1 teaspoon lemon zest
26
Pinch of nutmeg
27
For the Garnish:
28
Extra Parmigiano-Reggiano for serving
29
Freshly cracked black pepper
30
Fresh parsley sprigs
31
For the Perfect Finish:
32
Pasta water for consistency
33
Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
34
For Special Equipment:
35
Large pasta pot
36
Heavy-bottomed skillet
37
Whisk
38
Tongs
39
Cheese grater

Instructions

01
Bring large pot of water to boil and add generous amount of salt.
02
Cook tortellini according to package directions until al dente, reserve pasta water.
03
Meanwhile, heat olive oil in large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat.
04
Add diced pancetta and cook until crispy and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
05
Remove pancetta with slotted spoon, leaving rendered fat in pan.
06
Add minced garlic to pancetta fat and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
07
Pour in white wine to deglaze pan, scraping up any browned bits.
08
In mixing bowl, whisk together egg yolks, whole eggs, and both cheeses.
09
Add freshly ground black pepper and pinch of nutmeg to egg mixture.
10
Slowly whisk in heavy cream to create smooth carbonara base.
11
Drain tortellini and immediately add to skillet with pancetta fat.
12
Remove skillet from heat to prevent eggs from scrambling.
13
Quickly pour egg mixture over hot tortellini, tossing constantly with tongs.
14
Add butter and continue tossing until sauce becomes silky and creamy.
15
If sauce seems too thick, add pasta water gradually until desired consistency.
16
Return crispy pancetta to pan and toss to combine evenly.
17
Add fresh herbs and lemon zest, tossing gently to incorporate.
18
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
19
Divide among warmed serving bowls immediately while hot.
20
Garnish with extra cheese, fresh herbs, and cracked black pepper.
21
Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and serve immediately.
22
Accompany with crusty bread and simple green salad for complete meal.