Tortellini alla Panna is a delicious, easy dinner that can be ready in just 30 minutes. It's a creamy pasta dish with peas and ham that can easily become a family favorite. Quick to make, it's perfect for busy nights.
Tortellini alla Panna is a creamy pasta that's really simple to cook, making it a great meal for any night of the week. The combination of soft tortellini, ham, peas, and a rich cream Parmesan sauce creates a dish that's both comforting and satisfying. It's an amazing recipe that's sure to become a family favorite.
What makes this dish so special is how quickly it comes together. In just a few steps, you'll have a creamy and delicious meal that the whole family will love. It's perfect for those times when you need a quick meal but still want something that tastes great.
If you like more delicious recipes with stuffed pasta, check out also these Ricotta and Fresh Herbs Tortelloni, or this Cheesy Baked Tortellini.
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🧾 Ingredients
Tortellini alla Panna is a classic Italian pasta dish that is creamy, rich, and delicious. The dish is made with a few simple main ingredients that come together to create a flavorful and satisfying meal. Here are the ingredients you will need to make creamy Tortellini alla Panna:
- Tortellini Pasta: Tortellini pasta is the main ingredient in this dish. You can use store-bought tortellini or homemade tortellini if you feel up for the challenge. Tortellini have a unique shape that is perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce. There are many different flavors you can try, like cheese tortellini, meat tortellini, or vegetable ones. You can use either frozen, dried, or fresh tortellini. Alternatively, you can also use this sauce with your favorite pasta shape.
- Cream: Cream is the key ingredient in the creamy sauce that coats the tortellini. Heavy cream is usually used, but you can also use milk or a combination of the two. The cream adds richness and depth of flavor to the dish.
- Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan cheese is used to flavor the sauce and add a salty, nutty taste to the dish. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is recommended for the best flavor. You can also use Pecorino Romano.
- Ham or Bacon: Ham or prosciutto is sautéed in butter and added to the sauce to add rich flavor and texture. You can use Italian prosciutto cotto or any other type of cooked ham or lean bacon like turkey bacon.
- Frozen Peas: The addition of peas to the dish will add color and texture. They are usually added at the end of cooking and cooked until they are heated through.
See the recipe card for full quantities.
🥣 Variations
Tortellini alla Panna is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your preferences. Here are some variations and substitutions that you can try:
- Meat: You can add lean bacon, ham, or chicken to the dish for some extra protein. Alternatively, you can use ground beef or Italian sausage to make a heartier sauce.
- Vegetables: You can add vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli to the dish to make it more nutritious. You can also use roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor.
- Cheese: While Parmesan cheese is the traditional choice for this dish, you can experiment with other types of cheese. For example, you can use Gouda or Fontina cheese for a creamier sauce, or Asiago or Romano cheese for a sharper flavor.
- Pasta: While tortellini is the classic choice for this dish, you can also use another type of pasta. For example, ravioli or tortelloni. Tagliatelle is a great alternative if you prefer longer, flatter noodles. You can also use penne or rigatoni for a more substantial dish.
📋 Instructions with Photos
This tortellini alla panna recipe is really simple to make and it will take just like it's from an Italian restaurant. These are an overview of the instructions with step-by-step photos, for the full instructions, check the recipe card below.
Step 1. In a large pan sautè the minced onions, peas, and ham in olive oil for a few minutes at medium-high heat.
Step 2. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to boil and toss the tortellini. Follow the package directions for cooking time.
Step 3. Turn down the heat and add the cream, let it simmer gently.
Step 4. Drain the cooked tortellini and add them to the alla panna sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of cream or pasta water. Season to taste and serve immediately.
❄️ Storage & Reheating
If you have any leftover Tortellini alla Panna, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to transfer the pasta into an airtight container and refrigerate it as soon as possible.
If you want to freeze the Tortellini alla Panna, you can do so by placing it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It is best to freeze the pasta when it is still fresh, as the quality may degrade over time. Frozen Tortellini alla Panna can last up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
When reheating the Tortellini alla Panna, you can do so on the stovetop or in the microwave. To reheat it on the stovetop, add a splash of milk or cream to the pasta and heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it is heated through. To reheat it in the microwave, place the pasta in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it is heated through.
💭 Recipe FAQs
If your cream sauce is too thin, it could be because you didn't use heavy cream or you didn't let it simmer long enough. Heavy cream is necessary for a thick and rich sauce. If you used a lighter cream, your sauce might be too thin. Additionally, you need to let the cream simmer for a few minutes to thicken up. If you're still having trouble, you can add a bit of cornstarch or flour to the sauce to help thicken it up.
Yes, this creamy tortellini recipe can be made gluten-free. You can use gluten-free tortellini or any other gluten-free pasta of your choice. Additionally, you can use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce if needed. Make sure to read the labels carefully and check for any potential sources of gluten in your ingredients.
Yes, you can make this tortellini recipe in advance. However, it's best to cook the tortellini and make the sauce separately. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. When you're ready to serve, reheat the sauce on the stovetop and cook the tortellini according to the package instructions. Once the tortellini is cooked, drain it and add it to the sauce. Serve immediately.
⭐ Top tip
If your sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by adding a slurry. Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and then add it to the sauce. Cook the sauce for a few minutes until it thickens.
By following these tips, you can make a delicious creamy parmesan sauce for your tortellini alla panna. Remember to use heavy cream, add cheese, use butter, season with salt and pepper, and thicken the sauce if needed. With these tips, you can create a delicious and comforting dish that will leave your taste buds satisfied.
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📖 RECIPE
Tortellini alla Panna
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Ingredients
- 2 cups Tortellini, fresh, dried, or frozen
- ⅔ cup Frozen Peas
- ⅔ cup cubed Ham
- ½ Yellow Onion
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt
- Black Pepper
- Olive Oil
Instructions
- In a large pan, drizzle some olive oil and sautè on medium-high heat the minced onion, frozen peas and ham for 2-3 minutes until the onions start to soften.
- Turn down the heat and add the heavy cream. Simmer for about 10 minutes. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.
- Meanwhile, toss the tortellini in a large pot of salted boiling water and cook according to the package instructions.
- Drain the cooked tortellini and add them to the pan with the sauce, sautè for a minute to let them absorb the sauce. If the cream is still liquid, turn the heat to high for a couple of minutes.
- Add the Parmesan cheese to the sauce and toss to combine. Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
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