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Side angle shot of tortellini carbonara pasta.

15 Minute Tortellini Carbonara Pasta

Tortellini carbonara pasta is the busy weeknight dinner solution you've been looking for! It takes just minutes to prepare, tastes delicious, and is loaded with nutrition for your body!
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 13 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
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Ingredients

  • 1 package ~3 cups tortellini pasta
  • 4 slices bacon
  • 1/2 onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic finely chopped (or use a garlic press)
  • 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt any kind, I like full fat
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese any style, I use grated
  • 1/4 cup water reserved from cooking pasta
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley

Instructions

  • First, bring water to a boil in a medium sized pot. Cook tortellini pasta according to package directions, reserve about 1/2 cup of the cooking water, and drain. Set aside. (While the pasta is boiling you can cook your bacon- see next step)
  • Cook your bacon in a large pan (~2-3 minute per side), remove from from the pan, blot with a paper towel, chop it up and set aside.
  • In the same pan you cooked the bacon add onion and garlic, sautéing for ~2 minutes until translucent.
  • While onions and garlic are cooking take a small bowl and combine 2 tbsp of the reserved pasta water, greek yogurt, parmesan cheese, egg and Italian seasoning. Whisk it together well.
  • Remove your pan from heat, add cooked pasta followed by yogurt/cheese mixture and gentle toss to coat evenly. (If you like a thinner sauce you can add more of the reserved water)
  • Serve your tortellini carbonara topped with the cooked bacon and chopped parsley! Enjoy!

Notes

  • Tortellini Pasta: I like to use fresh tortellini pasta for this carbonara because it cooks faster. You'll find this in the refrigerated section. You can totally use dried tortellini, it'll just add a couple minutes to the cooking time. I also like to use chicken tortellini for a protein punch and gentle nutrition!
  • Different Pasta: Follow all of the same instructions and just swap out the tortellini for your fave pasta type. You can use regular, whole wheat, or even lentil/bean/chickpea!
  • Bacon: I highly recommend using thick cut REAL bacon over turkey bacon. It'll add SO much more flavor!
  • Cooking Water: If you forget to reserve cooking water you can sub water or milk just fine. The reason you reserve the cooking water is because it helps the sauce stick to the pasta.
  • Storing Your Tortellini Carbonara Pasta: This stores really well in the fridge and heats up well. You can microwave it to re-heat or pop it in a sauce pan for a few minutes.
  • No Italian Seasoning? Simply add a sprinkle of basil or oregano. I'm a big fan of making recipes work even if you don't have ALL of the ingredients!
  • click To display nutrition info

    Nutrition Facts

    Nutrition Facts
    15 Minute Tortellini Carbonara Pasta
    Serving Size
     
    1 g
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    216
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    8
    g
    12
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    3
    g
    19
    %
    Polyunsaturated Fat
     
    4
    g
    Cholesterol
     
    64
    mg
    21
    %
    Sodium
     
    335
    mg
    15
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    23
    g
    8
    %
    Fiber
     
    2
    g
    8
    %
    Sugar
     
    2
    g
    2
    %
    Protein
     
    13
    g
    26
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.