Description
This Garlic Parmesan Tortellini Salad is creamy, savory, and loaded with comfort in every bite. With cheesy tortellini, crispy bacon, green peas, and a rich homemade garlic parmesan sauce, it’s the perfect chilled or warm pasta salad for potlucks, BBQs, or indulgent weeknight sides.
Ingredients
1 (19 oz) bag cheese tortellini
½ to ¾ cup frozen peas
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Shredded parmesan (for garnish)
2 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
1½ cups milk
2–3 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
½ cup grated or shredded parmesan cheese
Instructions
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Cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. During the last 2–3 minutes of cooking, add in the frozen peas. Drain and transfer to a mixing bowl.
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In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
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Slowly whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens slightly.
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Add in the minced garlic, salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
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Pour the garlic parmesan sauce over the cooked tortellini and peas. Add crumbled bacon and gently toss everything together until fully coated.
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Garnish with extra shredded parmesan before serving. Serve warm or let chill for a refreshing pasta salad.
Notes
This dish is versatile—serve it warm for a cozy comfort meal or chill it for a refreshing picnic salad.
Swap bacon for pancetta or a vegetarian bacon substitute for a meatless version.
The sauce thickens as it cools, so you can loosen it with a splash of milk if needed before serving leftovers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American