Tortellini Alla Panna

4.25 from 62 votes

Tortellini Alla Panna makes for a simple yet deliciously satisfying meal! Tasty tortellini tossed in creamy garlic sauce is perfect for any dinner table.

Prep Time5

Cook Time30

Total Time35

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Tortellini Alla Panna

Servings:

Calories: 1099kcal

Equipment

Dutch Oven
Saucepan
Whisk
Colander
Cheese Grater

Ingredients

19 oz tortellini frozen or fresh
2 cups ham cubed
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
2 cups parmesan grated and divided
1/2 tsp garlic bouillon base
4 tbsp butter
1/4 tsp cinnamon or nutmeg *optional-see notes*
1/2 cup reserved pasta water
salt to taste
pepper to taste
parsley chopped

Instructions

In a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, boil water and cook tortellini as instructed on the package.
While the pasta is cooking, melt butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat, then whisk in garlic bouillon base and cinnamon.
Add the ham when the butter sauce begins to thicken and bubble. Heat it through, browning it slightly on both sides.
When the tortellini is cooked, reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the tortellini.
Slowly add the pasta water and heavy cream to the saucepan. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally to de-glaze the pan. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Once the sauce has thickened, remove the pan from the heat and gradually add 1½ cups of finely grated parmesan cheese, stirring until fully melted and combined.
Next, add the tortellini to the sauce and toss it all together to coat.
Lastly, sprinkle with the remaining parmesan cheese and parsley, then serve and enjoy!

Notes

Grate the parmesan cheese and chop the parsley before you begin cooking for seamless cooking.
Adding salt to the pasta water provides more flavor to the overall dish.
If the tortellini is cooked before the sauce is done, add a small drizzle of olive oil, so it doesn’t stick together.

*I love the elevated flavor that cinnamon or nutmeg gives this dish but that slight sweetness is not something you typically enjoy in your savory dishes, feel free to leave it out. It's not for everyone.

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