Description
A creamy and flavorful Bacon Ranch Tortellini recipe that combines crispy bacon with a rich ranch-infused cream sauce, perfectly coating tender cheese tortellini. This quick and easy pasta dish is ideal for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Bacon
- 6 strips bacon (cut into small pieces)
Pasta
- 2 (9 ounce) packages refrigerated cheese tortellini
Sauce
- 1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning
- 1/2 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese (1/2 block of Philly, softened)
Instructions
- Prepare Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is very soft by taking it out of the fridge at least one hour prior to making the recipe or microwaving it for 20-30 seconds to soften.
- Cook Tortellini: Boil a large pot of salted water and start cooking the cheese tortellini once the bacon is done, since tortellini cooks quickly, about 3-5 minutes or until tender.
- Cook Bacon: Meanwhile, cut the bacon into small pieces using kitchen shears for ease. Fry it in a skillet over medium-high heat until crispy, approximately 10 minutes.
- Drain Bacon Fat: Remove the bacon from the pan onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Carefully discard most of the bacon fat from the skillet, leaving about 1 tablespoon remaining.
- Make Sauce: Return the skillet to medium heat and whisk in the chicken broth and ranch seasoning until dissolved. Stir in the heavy cream and softened cream cheese, continuing to stir until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Combine & Serve: Remove the pan from the heat and toss the drained tortellini and cooked bacon in the ranch cream sauce. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the cream cheese is fully softened before starting.
- Using low sodium chicken broth helps control the saltiness, but adjust seasoning as preferred.
- You can substitute turkey bacon for a leaner option.
- Reserve some bacon grease for extra flavor in the sauce, but be cautious with the quantity to avoid greasiness.
- Cook tortellini according to package instructions, as cooking times may slightly vary.
