Tortellini Al Forno
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
25 mins
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Total Time
35 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
531 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian
Tortellini Al Forno
Description
This recipe begins with slow-cooked bacon cut into pieces, rendered on low heat to develop crisp texture and flavorful fat. Tortellini, preferably cheese-stuffed and refrigerated, is cooked separately according to package directions. Garlic is gently sautéed in reserved bacon grease, providing a fragrant base for the sauce.
Flour is whisked into the fat and garlic to form a roux, then half and half is gradually added and seasoned with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to build a creamy sauce. The sauce is finished by melting in Parmesan, Asiago, and mozzarella cheeses until smooth and thickened.
The cooked tortellini, bacon, and optional finely shredded spinach are combined with the cheese sauce, resulting in a rich, creamy bake with a balance between salty bacon, melted cheeses, and tender pasta. This dish serves well as a comforting main course.
Ingredients
- 20 oz. tortellini I like “Giovanni Rana” brand, and I prefer cheese stuffed!, refrigerated
- 6 lices Bacon uncooked
- 2 teaspoons garlic minced
- 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 pint half and half (equivalent to 2 cups), you can sub whole milk.
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning dried
- ¼ cup parmesan shredded
- ¼ Asiago cheese shredded (can also use more Parmesan instead)
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- ¾ cup spinach finely shredded (optional)
Instructions
- Use kitchen shears to cut the bacon into 2-3 inch pieces so that they equally cover the pan and cook evenly.
- In a large skillet, (preferably cast iron), cook the bacon slowly on low heat. *Low and slow is best for bacon*.
- Once the bacon is nearly cooked and crisp on each side, cook the tortellini in a large pot according to package instructions. Set aside.
- Remove the cooked bacon from the pan, set aside to cool, and leave 2 Tablespoons of bacon grease in the pan. Keep the heat on low and add the garlic to the pan, cooking for about one minute.
- Increase the heat to medium. Gradually whisk in the flour, stirring constantly, until all flour is incorporated and the grease has thickened.
- Gradually add the half and half (keep stirring). Bring the mixture to a boil and add the salt/pepper and Italian seasoning. Reduce the heat back to low and stir for about 2 more minutes.
- Add the Parmesan, Asiago, and mozzarella cheeses. Stir until well incorporated and thick. Toss in the spinach and the Tortellini and use a rubber spatula to carefully incorporate it into the sauce.
- Once the spinach has wilted (about 1 minute), turn off the heat. Crumble the cooled bacon into smaller pieces and sprinkle over the Tortellini. Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 531 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 531kcal | 27% |
| Carbohydrates | 47g | 16% |
| Protein | 24g | 48% |
| Fat | 27g | 42% |
| Saturated Fat | 11g | 55% |
| Cholesterol | 85mg | 28% |
| Sodium | 725mg | 30% |
| Potassium | 176mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 710IU | 14% |
| Vitamin C | 2.1mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 361mg | 36% |
| Iron | 2.9mg | 16% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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