This tortellini al forno features a luscious cream sauce mixed in with the cheese-filled tortellini and topped with bacon. The added pepper Jack cheese adds a lightly spicy kick that takes the flavor up a notch.
If you prefer to not have a spicy kick, you can substitute Monterrey Jack cheese instead of the pepper Jack without any problem. I suggest you serve this delicious pasta with my Cheese Toast and side salad of your choice. My Mediterranean Cucumber Salad is a good choice as well.
You may also like my Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel or my Philly Cheesesteak Casserole.
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💖 Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick - Takes only about 30-40 minutes.
- Satisfying - Delicious and filling - your family will be happy and satisfied.
- Special but simple - Great for special meals, as it's dressed up and appears somewhat fancy. However, it's simple to make (win-win!).
🥘 Ingredients
📖 Ingredient Notes / Variations
- Tortellini: I used the refrigerated cheese-filled tortellini. The dry kind will likely take longer to cook, and I didn't test this recipe with it (so I don't recommend it).
- Cream: You can use heavy whipping cream, half and half, or whole milk, but I don't recommend lower fat milk. The more fat, the creamier this dish will turn out.
- Cheese: I used a bit of pepper Jack cheese, which added a light hint of spice. You could use Monterey Jack cheese instead. For the cream cheese, it's fine to use a lower fat version such as neufchatel.
- Lemon juice: You could substitute a dry white wine for the lemon juice if you wish. The flavor will be different but just as delicious.
- Broth: I used chicken broth, but you could use vegetable broth in its place. If you use beef broth, be aware that the color of the dish will likely be darker, but the flavor will be delicious.
(See recipe card below for ingredient quantities and full recipe instructions)
🔪 Step-By-Step Instructions
Making a Fabulous Tortellini al Forno:
Step 1: Heat Dutch oven to medium (about 5) on stove top. Cook bacon for about 10 minutes or until browned. Remove bacon to drain. Remove all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat.
Step 2: With Dutch oven still on medium heat, add basil and garlic. Stir and cook 1-2 minutes, taking care not to scorch.
Step 3: Add lemon juice and stir. Cook for 1 minute (which reduces the lemon juice liquid a bit).
Step 4: Add stock/broth and bring to a boil on high heat (watching closely). Add tortellini, reduce heat to low-medium (2-3), and cook 10 minutes (uncovered).
Step 5: Turn off heat and add cream, cheeses, and spinach. Stir and let sit uncovered about 5 minutes to thicken.
Step 6: Crumble bacon over top and serve right away.
(Scroll down for full recipe and print capabilities)
💭 Expert Cooking Tips
Making this tortellini al forno is quite simple, but here are a few tricks to help you make it a success!
- Don't overcook your tortellini. It's a bit fragile due to the pinching together process, so cook it gently. This is a quick dish, so be prepared to stand by and observe so it doesn't overcook.
- Bring the broth to a boil before adding the tortellini. You don't want the tortellini to boil too vigorously that it breaks apart during the cooking phase.
- The lemon juice is important for flavor. You won't end up with tart lemon flavor - just enhanced flavor - trust me on this! You can also use dry white wine in the same amount - a different flavor, but just as delicious.
🧐 Recipe FAQs
I like to serve this recipe with a side salad and bread. My Cheese Toast is a delicious choice, or you could get a loaf of crusty Italian bread.
The best sauce with tortellini is creamy and luscious. I love this creamy, cheesy sauce that's similar to an Alfredo sauce, but quite unique as well with a light hint of lemon and spicy zing from the pepper Jack cheese. The bacon topping takes it over the top!
🍜 More Pasta Recipes
If you tried this Tortellini al Forno or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting!
📋 Recipe
Tortellini Al Forno (with a kick)
Ingredients
- 6-8 slices bacon , lean, cut in 1-inch pieces
- 2 teaspoon dry basil
- 2 tablespoon garlic , minced (about 3 garlic cloves)
- 3 tablespoon lemon juice (juice from 1 large lemon)
- 2-½ cups chicken stock (or broth)
- 20 ounces tortellini , cheese filled (refrigerated)
- ½ cup cream
- ½ cup parmesan cheese , shredded or grated
- ½ cup pepper Jack cheese , shredded
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- ½ cup baby spinach (packed down)
Instructions
- Heat Dutch oven on medium heat (5).
- Cook bacon (about 10 minutes or until browned). Remove to drain on paper towels.
- Discard all but 2 tablespoons of bacon fat.
- With Dutch oven still on medium heat, add basil and garlic. Stir and cook 1-2 minutes, taking care to not scorch.
- Add lemon juice and stir. Cook for 1 minute (which reduces the lemon juice liquid a bit).
- Add stock/broth and bring to a boil on high heat (watching closely).
- Add tortellini, reduce heat to low (2-3), and cook 10 minutes (uncovered).
- Turn off heat and add cream, cheeses, and spinach. Stir and let sit uncovered about 5 minutes to thicken.
- Crumble bacon over top and serve right away.
Notes
- Don't overcook your tortellini. It's a bit fragile due to the pinching together process, so cook it gently. This is a quick dish, so be prepared to stand by and observe so it doesn't overcook.
- Bring the broth to a boil before adding the tortellini. You don't want the tortellini to boil too vigorously that it breaks apart during the cooking phase.
- The lemon juice is important for flavor. You won't end up with tart lemon flavor - just enhanced flavor - trust me on this! You can also use dry white wine in the same amount - a different flavor, but just as delicious.
b says
This has just become my favorite dish.
Loved it! Only had half and half so used that.
Made this for two and still had some leftover for a snack.
Sally says
Perfect! Thanks for letting me know!
David says
Mmm, delicious! I love tortellini, tasty idea to add some kick with the pepper jack cheese.
Sally says
Thanks David! We love it!
Tonje says
Yum! I love creamy pasta recipes, and this one is perfect!
Sally says
Thanks Tonje!
Farah says
Sounds absolutely delicious! I love pasta as a comfort food thanks for the recipe!
Sally says
Thanks Farah!
Kacey Perez says
I am a sucker for a good tortellini recipe! This seriously looks amazing!
Sally says
Thanks Kacey!
Mirlene says
This is the type of recipe my family would go crazy for. We love anything with a kick. Love the fact I can have dinner on the table in 30 minutes. Thanks for the Idea.
Sally says
Hope your family enjoys it, Mirlene! We couldn't get enough!