Tortellini Alla Panna

A spoon stirring tortellini with cream sauce

Tortellini Alla Panna

With only a handful of ingredients and quick prep, Tortellini Alla Panna is an easy, comforting Italian recipe that's perfect for busy weeknight dinners. Tortellini and ham are tossed in a rich, cheesy cream sauce and topped with freshly grated parmesan for a family-friendly meal even picky eaters will love.

Prep Time5

Cook Time25

Total Time30

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: easy pasta recipes, tortellini cream sauce, tortellini pasta recipe

Servings: servings

Ingredients

19 ounces refrigerated tortellini
2 cups diced ham
1 & 1/2 cups heavy cream
2 cups freshly grated parmesan , divided
1/2 teaspoon garlic bouillon base (or fresh minced garlic)
4 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup reserved pasta water
salt and pepper , to taste
fresh chopped parsley , for garnish

Instructions

In a dutch oven or heavy bottomed pot, boil water and cook tortellini according to package instructions.
While pasta is cooking, melt butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat, then whisk in garlic bouillon base and cinnamon. The butter sauce will begin to thicken and bubble.
Add the chopped ham, heating it through and browning it slightly on all sides.
Drain the tortellini, reserving 1/2 a cup of pasta water.
Slowly add the pasta water and heavy cream to the saucepan. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally and de-glazing the bottom of the pan as you go. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
Once the sauce has thickened, remove from the heat and gradually add 1 & 1/2 cups of finely grated parmesan cheese to the saucepan and stir until melted and fully combined.
Add in the cooked tortellini and gently toss to coat.
Sprinkle on the remaining 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Serve right away and enjoy.

Notes

Try different varieties of tortellini. Tortellini comes filled with different ingredients, like cheese, meat, or even spinach. All of them work well in this recipe.

Add some veggies. Peas are commonly added to this dish, either in addition to or in place of the ham. Sliced mushrooms are also great, as are sundried tomatoes.

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