Tortellini Carbonara : Your New Family Favorite!

Name: Tortellini Carbonara
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: Fresh or frozen tortellini; Pancetta (or bacon/turkey bacon); 4 large eggs; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt; Pepper; Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Posted on January 3, 2026

Trending

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

This Tortellini Carbonara comes together in about 30 minutes and, get this, it’s all in one pot for a quick and easy weeknight meal that your family will love! Switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or use it as a ‘clean out the fridge’ meal to get rid of those leftovers and odds and ends lurking in your kitchen. Trust me, this recipe is a game changer!

Ingredient Breakdown

Tortellini
Pancetta
Large Eggs
Grated Parmesan Cheese
Salt and Pepper
Fresh Parsley for Garnish

Let’s Get Cooking!

Cook the tortellini: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in the tortellini and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually takes around 3-5 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it floats to the top! Drain and set aside.
Crisp the pancetta: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the pancetta and cook until crispy and golden brown, which should take about 5-7 minutes. You’ll get that satisfying aroma wafting through your kitchen, yum! Don’t forget to stir occasionally so it doesn’t burn.
Prepare the egg mixture: While your pancetta is cooking, whisk together the large eggs and grated Parmesan cheese in a bowl until well combined. It’s all about that creamy sauce!
Combine the pasta and pancetta: Once your pancetta is crispy, add the cooked tortellini to the skillet. Give it a good stir so that every bite gets a taste of that delicious flavor. If you want to get fancy, this is the time to scrape the yummy bits off the bottom of the skillet for extra flavor, don’t skip this step!
Make it creamy: Remove the skillet from heat and quickly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta, tossing it as you go to make sure the heat from the tortellini cooks the eggs just enough, creating that creamy sauce. Pro Tip: Make sure you work quickly here to avoid scrambled eggs!
Season: Toss in a couple pinches of salt and pepper to taste. Like I said earlier, seasoning is key! You want to make sure all those flavors pop.
Serve it up: Transfer the Tortellini Carbonara to bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and dig in while it’s warm! Honestly, it’s so comforting and good that you might want to make a second batch!

Why I Keep Coming Back to This Recipe

This is my go-to recipe when I’m in need of something quick and comforting to whip up after a long day. You can whip this up in a pinch, and the kids adore it! I’ve made this on nights when I have nothing planned, and just like that, dinner’s saved! As a busy mom, I appreciate how adaptable it is, you can use whatever you’ve got on hand, be it leftover veggies or different proteins. Seriously, I’m a real sucker for meals that are versatile and can be enjoyed in so many ways!

If you loved this Tortellini Carbonara, be sure to check out my One Pan Boursin Chicken Risotto, my Alice Springs Chicken, or my Chickpea Feta Avocado Salad!

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy : You’ll find that this Tortellini Carbonara truly comes together all in one pot in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you just want something wholesome and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

Crowd-Pleaser : The whole family will love this dish! The combination of creamy, cheesy sauce with the crispy pancetta is hard to resist. I mean, who wouldn’t? Plus, it looks impressive enough for dinner guests, too.

Customizable : Feel free to switch up your ingredients based on what’s in your fridge! Toss in some spinach near the end of cooking, or even some sautéed mushrooms to amp up the flavor. The sky’s the limit!

Make-Ahead Friendly : This dish is perfect for meal prep! You can cook the tortellini and pancetta ahead of time, then quickly combine everything right before dinnertime. Just remember that the sauce is best when fresh, so if you’re making it ahead, stir in a little splash of cream or milk to keep it from drying out.

Comfort Food : Loaded with tons of flavor and rich textures, this recipe is the epitome of comfort food. It’s satisfying enough to warm you up on a chilly evening and simple enough to make any night feel special!

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Suggestions: Pair your Tortellini Carbonara with a simple side salad or some garlic bread for extra indulgence. A light drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon can elevate it even more!

Storage: You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. However, remember that the creamy sauce may thicken upon cooling.

Reheating Instructions: To reheat, simply place it in a microwave-safe bowl, sprinkle with a tiny bit of water, and microwave in short intervals, stirring in between. You can also reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a touch of cream or milk to loosen up the sauce.

Freezer Friendly: While I don’t typically recommend freezing dishes with eggs, if you are absolutely left with no other option, you can freeze the bulk of the dish without the eggs. Just make sure to add a little extra cheese and cream while warming!

Food has a magical way of bringing us together, right? This Tortellini Carbonara is an easy way to do that during busy nights. You’ll whip it up so quickly while making new memories around the dinner table. Trust me, it’s going to become a staple in your home! Can’t wait for you to try it!

And that’s a wrap! Happy cooking, friends! For more Recipes Follow Us in our Pinterest.