Creamy Tortellini with Peas, Asparagus, and Bacon Recipe

This Creamy Tortellini with Peas, Asparagus, and Bacon recipe is pure comfort food that comes together fast. We’re talking rich, cheesy tortellini coated in a velvety cream sauce, with bursts of sweetness from peas, tender bites of asparagus, and salty, crispy bacon in every forkful. It’s an easy, one-pan dish that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to make — perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and satisfying without the hassle.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Satisfying: You can have this luscious tortellini dish on the table in under 30 minutes. No fuss, no complicated steps.
• Flavor-Packed: Creamy, savory, and just a little sweet — the flavor combo of bacon, peas, and asparagus is magic with cheese-filled tortellini.
• One-Pan Wonder: Everything comes together in one pan, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor blending.
• Perfect Seasonal Twist: With fresh asparagus and peas, it’s a great way to bring a touch of spring into your kitchen, any time of year.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what makes this dish shine:

• Tortellini: Use refrigerated or frozen cheese tortellini — it cooks quickly and adds a rich, cheesy bite to every mouthful.
• Bacon: Crisped-up bacon adds saltiness and crunch; it also flavors the entire dish with its smoky goodness.
• Peas: Use fresh or frozen peas. They add a pop of color and a subtle sweetness that balances the savory notes.
• Asparagus: Choose fresh asparagus and chop it into bite-sized pieces. It brings a mild earthiness and a tender-crisp texture.
• Heavy Cream: The base of the creamy sauce — thick, rich, and absolutely essential.
• Parmesan Cheese: Stirred into the sauce for nutty depth and extra creaminess.
• Garlic: Just a couple of cloves add aroma and depth to the sauce.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To season and balance the flavors.
• Olive Oil or Bacon Fat: Use the bacon drippings to sauté the veggies for even more flavor, or olive oil if preferred.

Variations

• Make It Vegetarian: Skip the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra umami.
• Add Protein: Grilled chicken or shrimp makes it even heartier.
• Go Spicy: Toss in red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a gentle kick.
• Try Different Greens: Sub in spinach, kale, or even snap peas if asparagus isn’t in season.
• Swap the Pasta: Not into tortellini? Use gnocchi or ravioli for a fun twist.

How to Make Creamy Tortellini with Peas, Asparagus, and Bacon

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Leave about a tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan (or replace it with olive oil).

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

Add chopped asparagus to the skillet and sauté for 3–4 minutes until it begins to soften. Add garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in the peas and cook just until heated through.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Cook the Tortellini

While the sauce simmers, cook tortellini according to package instructions in a separate pot. Drain and reserve a little pasta water in case the sauce needs thinning.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked tortellini and crispy bacon to the cream sauce. Stir gently to coat everything well. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 6: Serve

Let everything warm through for a couple of minutes, then serve hot, with extra parmesan on top if desired.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overcook the Tortellini: It should be just tender — remember it’ll continue to cook a little once added to the hot sauce.
• Reserve the Bacon Drippings: They add tremendous flavor to the veggies and sauce.
• Add the Cheese Slowly: Stir the parmesan into the cream in batches so it melts smoothly and doesn’t clump.
• Blanch the Asparagus First (Optional): If you want a brighter green color and crisper bite, blanch the asparagus briefly before sautéing.

How to Serve

This dish is rich and comforting, so keep your sides simple:

Garnish:

A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper, a dusting of extra parmesan, and maybe a few fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil.

Side Ideas:

Serve with a simple green salad tossed in vinaigrette or some warm crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

Wine Pairing:

A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc balances the richness beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it sits, but it’s still delicious.

Freezing

While you can freeze it, the cream sauce may separate when reheated. If you do freeze it, store in a tightly sealed container for up to a month and stir well after reheating.

Reheating

Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each one.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh?
Absolutely. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time according to the package. Make sure it’s cooked through before adding it to the sauce.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or even whole milk, though the sauce will be a bit lighter. For a thicker consistency, add a spoonful of cream cheese or a sprinkle of flour to help it thicken.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best fresh. If making ahead, keep the sauce and tortellini separate until just before serving, then combine and reheat together.

What’s the best way to prep asparagus?
Snap off the woody ends (they’ll break naturally at the right point) and chop the stalks into bite-sized pieces. If it’s early-season asparagus, no need to peel — just rinse and go.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tortellini with Peas, Asparagus, and Bacon is exactly what weeknight dinner dreams are made of — rich, cozy, and incredibly simple to whip up. It’s the kind of dish that feels a little fancy without needing much effort. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this one’s a total keeper. Give it a try and don’t be surprised if it becomes part of your regular rotation!

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