Name: Tortellini Carbonara
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 9–12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 large eggs + 1 egg yolk; ¾ cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano; ½ cup pasta cooking water (reserved); 2 tsp olive oil or butter; Freshly ground black pepper; Optional: ½ cup frozen peas or sautéed mushrooms; Optional garnish: chopped parsley

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A rich and creamy twist on the Italian classic, this tortellini carbonara swaps traditional pasta for cheese-filled tortellini and coats it in a silky egg and cheese sauce. It’s a quick, elegant, and meat-free meal perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and ready in under 30 minutes
Creamy and flavorful without any meat
Uses simple, wholesome ingredients
Perfect balance of indulgence and comfort

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

9–12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 large eggs + 1 egg yolk
¾ cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano
½ cup pasta cooking water (reserved)
2 tsp olive oil or butter
Freshly ground black pepper
Optional: ½ cup frozen peas or sautéed mushrooms
Optional garnish: chopped parsley

Directions

Cook tortellini: Boil according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté garlic for about 30 seconds. Add peas or mushrooms if using and cook until tender.
Mix sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, yolk, grated cheese, and black pepper.
Combine: Remove skillet from heat. Add tortellini and toss with garlic mixture. Quickly pour in egg-cheese mixture and stir vigorously, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to create a creamy sauce.
Serve: Top with extra cheese, black pepper, and fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Add sautéed spinach or roasted vegetables for a colorful twist
Stir in sun-dried tomatoes or olives for extra flavor
Use different filled tortellini like spinach and ricotta
Sprinkle in red pepper flakes for heat
Add a splash of cream or extra egg yolk for richness

Storage/Reheating

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving at high heat to prevent the sauce from separating.

Tortellini Carbonara

FAQs

Is this an authentic carbonara?

This is a modern, meat-free twist using tortellini—flavorful, creamy, and inspired by the original.

Can I use frozen tortellini?

Yes—just cook according to package directions and proceed with the recipe.

Is this dish vegetarian?

Yes, as long as you use cheese that is labeled vegetarian-friendly.

Can I use cream in the sauce?

Traditional carbonara doesn’t use cream, but you can add a splash for extra richness.

What type of cheese is best?

Parmesan or Pecorino Romano work best for bold, salty flavor.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely—try spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra texture and color.

How do I keep the eggs from scrambling?

Remove the pan from heat before adding the egg mixture and stir quickly with pasta and water to form a silky sauce.

What herbs work well?

Parsley, basil, or chives make great fresh garnishes.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the sauce ingredients and boil pasta in advance.

What can I serve with it?

Serve with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Conclusion

This Tortellini Carbonara is a delicious, creamy pasta dish that’s simple to prepare and packed with comforting flavor—all without any meat. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this meatless twist on a classic is sure to satisfy.

Sophia