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–+ servings
Melany

Garlic Parmesan Tortellini Salad Recipe is a must-try!

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.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 19 oz bag cheese tortellini½ to ¾ cup frozen peas6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbledShredded parmesan (for garnish)2 tablespoons butter3 tablespoons flour1½ cups milk2–3 cloves garlic, mincedSalt and pepper, to taste½ cup grated or shredded parmesan cheese

Method
 

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Slowly whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Add in the minced garlic, salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
  5. Pour the garlic parmesan sauce over the cooked tortellini and peas. Add crumbled bacon and gently toss everything together until fully coated.
  6.  
  7. 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.

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