Name: Creamy Tortellini Carbonara Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb cheese-stuffed tortellini (fresh or frozen); 4 large egg yolks; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1 clove garlic, minced (optional); Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Salt, to taste; 1/2 to 1 cup reserved pasta water; Optional: 1/2 cup peas, sautéed mushrooms, or spinach; Optional: Chopped parsley for garnish

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Short description

I created a luscious, egg-based creamy sauce that perfectly coats cheese-filled tortellini—totally meat-free! This vegetarian twist highlights rich egg yolks and Parmesan, with optional veggies and garlic for extra depth.

Creamy Tortellini Carbonara Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how effortlessly creamy this dish is, made with minimal ingredients and ready in about 15 minutes. It delivers classic carbonara flavor using fresh eggs, cheese, and pasta water—no cream needed. It’s comforting, quick, and satisfying.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cheese-stuffed tortellini (fresh or frozen)
Large egg yolks
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Garlic (optional, adds warmth and flavor)
Freshly ground black pepper
Salt (to taste)
Reserved pasta water (for silky consistency)
Optional: peas, mushrooms, spinach, parsley for garnish

directions

Cook tortellini – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add tortellini and cook just shy of al dente—about 1 minute less than the package suggests. Reserve about ½ to 1 cup of the pasta water before draining.
Prep egg‑cheese mix – While the pasta cooks, whisk together egg yolks, grated Parmesan, a pinch of salt, and plenty of black pepper until smooth.
Sauté garlic – In a skillet over medium-low heat, warm a tablespoon of olive oil or butter. Add garlic if using and sauté just until fragrant (about 30 seconds), then remove the pan from the heat.
Combine pasta and sauce – Add the drained tortellini to the skillet. Off heat, pour in the egg–cheese mixture and about 2 tablespoons of reserved pasta water. Stir vigorously until the sauce becomes creamy, adding more pasta water as needed to reach the right consistency.
Finish and serve – Season with extra black pepper. Stir in optional veggies like peas, mushrooms, or spinach. Garnish with additional Parmesan or parsley. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes

Variations

Vegetable boost: Toss in sautéed mushrooms, peas, or fresh spinach to add color and nutrition.
Cheese swap: Use Pecorino Romano or mix it with Parmesan for a sharper taste.
Protein add‑in: Stir in cooked chicken or shrimp if I want extra protein while keeping it meat-light.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water to revive the silky texture.

FAQs

Can I use whole eggs instead of yolks?

I could, but it makes the sauce thinner and less rich—egg yolks give the most luxurious, creamy consistency.

Is garlic necessary in this recipe?

No—classic carbonara usually doesn’t include garlic. I add it for warmth and flavor, but you can skip it if you prefer a more traditional profile.

How can I prevent the sauce from scrambling?

Always remove the pan from direct heat before adding the egg mixture and stir rapidly. The residual heat gently cooks the sauce without turning it into scrambled eggs.

What if I don’t have cheese-stuffed tortellini?

I use frozen or dry cheese tortellini just fine—just cook according to the package instructions until al dente and follow the same sauce steps.

Can I freeze leftovers?

I don’t recommend freezing this dish, as the texture changes noticeably. For best results, enjoy refrigerated leftovers within a few days.

Conclusion

I’m delighted with how this creamy tortellini carbonara came together—quick, indulgent, and full of flavor, yet completely meat-free and cream-free. It’s perfect for busy evenings when I crave something comforting and simple. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!