Easy Tortelloni with Pancetta and Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Tortelloni dancing with pancetta and brussels sprouts promises a culinary adventure that revolutionizes ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Rich pasta pockets nestle alongside crispy, salty meat and caramelized green vegetables in this robust Italian-inspired creation.

Hearty flavors meld together, creating a symphony of textures that delight the palate and warm the soul.

Each bite reveals a complex balance between creamy pasta filling and crunchy pancetta bits.

Seasonal brussels sprouts add unexpected depth and earthy undertones to the dish, elevating it beyond simple comfort food.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this recipe bridges traditional cooking techniques with modern flavor profiles.

Home cooks can easily master this elegant combination of ingredients that feels both familiar and exciting.

What Makes Tortelloni with Pancetta So Irresistible

• Crisp Pancetta Perfection: Enjoy the irresistible crunch of golden-brown pancetta that adds a savory, salty punch to every bite, transforming this dish from ordinary to extraordinary.
• Quick and Easy Gourmet: Whip up a restaurant-quality meal in just 30 minutes, making this recipe a lifesaver for busy home cooks craving something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Texture Symphony: Experience a delightful mix of textures- tender tortelloni, crispy pancetta, and caramelized Brussels sprouts create a mouthwatering contrast that keeps every forkful exciting.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: The creamy Parmesan sauce binds all ingredients together, delivering a rich, velvety coating that elevates the entire dish with its luxurious, comforting flavor.

Ingredients Behind This Tortelloni Temptation

• Tortelloni: Pillowy pasta pockets, rich and indulgent, best when fresh or high-quality store-bought.
• Pancetta: Salty Italian cured pork, adds deep savory flavor and crispy texture.

• Brussels Sprouts: Nutty and slightly bitter green vegetable, provides earthy crunch and nutritional balance.

• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp Italian cheese, brings creamy and tangy notes to the dish, authentic and flavorful.
• Olive Oil: Mediterranean staple for sautéing, provides smooth base and subtle fruity undertones.

• Garlic: Pungent and aromatic, essential for building complex flavor profile.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds gentle heat and subtle spiciness, can adjust to personal preference.

• Pasta Water: Starchy liquid crucial for creating silky sauce consistency, helps bind ingredients together.

How to Master Tortelloni with Brussels Sprouts

Step 1: Prepare the Water Bath

Grab a large pot and fill it with water. Sprinkle in a generous pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.

Step 2: Crisp Up the Pancetta

• Watch for edges curling
• Listen for sizzling sounds
• Look for rich brown color

Transfer the crispy bits to a separate bowl using a slotted spoon.

Step 3: Roast Brussels Sprouts

• Spread sprouts evenly
• Rotate for even browning
• Look for golden edges

Remove and set aside on a plate.

Step 4: Infuse Aromatic Flavors

• Minced garlic
• Red pepper flakes

Sauté until fragrant and the kitchen fills with a delightful aroma.

Step 5: Cook the Tortelloni

Plunge tortelloni into the boiling salted water. Cook for exactly 3 minutes. Drain, but save one cup of pasta water.

Step 6: Create a Creamy Sauce

• Add pasta water slowly
• Stir continuously
• Blend until smooth and silky

Step 7: Combine and Serve

• Cooked tortelloni
• Roasted Brussels sprouts
• Crispy pancetta

Coat everything with the luxurious sauce. Sprinkle extra Parmesan on top.

Serve immediately while hot and bubbling.

Tips for Pancetta Pasta Done Right

• Crisp Pancetta Perfection: Cook pancetta slowly to render fat and achieve a golden-brown, crunchy texture that adds incredible flavor and crunch to the dish.
• Brussels Sprout Browning Technique: Ensure high heat and minimal stirring when cooking Brussels sprouts to develop a beautiful caramelized exterior and nutty flavor.
• Cheese Sauce Magic: Gradually add Parmesan and pasta water while whisking to create a silky, smooth sauce that clings perfectly to the tortelloni.
• Pasta Water Wisdom: Always reserve pasta water before draining- its starchy consistency helps bind the sauce and adds depth to the overall flavor profile.
• Timing is Key: Cook ingredients in stages and keep them warm to maintain optimal temperature and texture when combining the final dish.

Storing Tortelloni Without Losing That Fresh Bite

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and freshness.
• Reheating Stovetop: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of pasta water to prevent drying. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and maintain sauce consistency.
• Microwave Tip: Reheat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each burst. Add a few drops of water to keep tortelloni moist and prevent rubbery texture.

Pair This Tortelloni Dish Like a Pro

• Savor with Sparkling White Wine: Pair this rich, savory tortelloni with a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the pancetta's saltiness and complement the Brussels sprouts' earthy flavor.
• Enhance with Fresh Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's richness and add a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta.
• Match with Crusty Bread: Serve warm, rustic sourdough or ciabatta to soak up the delicious Parmesan sauce and provide a satisfying textural element to the meal.
• Finish with Crisp Prosecco: Select a chilled Prosecco to cleanse the palate and bring a celebratory touch to this indulgent pasta experience.

Creative Tortelloni Flavors to Try Tonight

• Brussels Sprout Alternative: Replace Brussels sprouts with roasted butternut squash for a sweet and nutty flavor profile that complements the pancetta perfectly.
• Vegetarian Swap: Substitute pancetta with crispy shiitake mushrooms to create a meat-free version that maintains the rich, umami character of the original recipe.
• Herb-Infused Edition: Add fresh thyme and sage during the garlic sauté to introduce aromatic herbaceous notes that elevate the overall dish complexity.
• Spicy Mediterranean Version: Include sun-dried tomatoes and swap red pepper flakes for harissa paste to create a zesty Mediterranean-inspired variation with deeper heat and tanginess.

Tortelloni Temptation with Pancetta and Brussels Sprouts Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Luxurious tortelloni temptation brings Italian pasta magic to your dinner table. Crispy pancetta and caramelized brussels sprouts create a rich, savory symphony that guarantees dinnertime delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein and Pasta:

• 4 ounces (113 grams) pancetta, cut into small cubes
• 1 10-ounce (283 grams) bag Giovanni Rana Prosciutto and Cheese Tortelloni

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved (quartered if large)
• 4 garlic cloves, sliced
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Oils and Cheese:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 2 ounces (57 grams) Parmesan cheese, finely grated, plus more for topping

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Instructions

1. Prepare a generously salted water bath in a spacious pot, positioning it to reach a rolling boil.
2. Activate a nonstick skillet over medium-high flame, introducing crispy pancetta and rendering its rich, golden edges until perfectly crunchy, approximately 10-12 minutes. Relocate the pancetta to a separate receptacle using a perforated utensil.
3. Utilize the identical skillet to transform Brussels sprouts, caramelizing them until achieving a deep, appetizing golden-brown complexion, roughly 8-10 minutes. Carefully extract and temporarily reserve.
4. Infuse the skillet with olive oil, then introduce minced garlic and fiery red pepper flakes, allowing aromatics to bloom and release their intense fragrance within approximately 30 seconds.
5. Submerge tortelloni into the vigorously boiling water, allowing them to dance and cook for precisely 3 minutes before carefully draining, preserving one cup of starchy cooking liquid.
6. Gradually incorporate Parmesan into the skillet’s landscape, whisking methodically and introducing reserved pasta water to craft a luxuriously smooth sauce, continuing until achieving perfect consistency.
7. Orchestrate a harmonious combination by folding tortelloni, roasted Brussels sprouts, and crisp pancetta together within the skillet, ensuring every morsel becomes lavishly coated with the creamy sauce.
8. Present the dish immediately, garnishing with an additional sprinkle of Parmesan for an extra layer of indulgence.

Notes

• Crisp pancetta adds a salty, smoky depth that elevates the entire dish’s flavor profile.
• Brussels sprouts caramelize beautifully, transforming their typically bitter taste into a sweet, nutty complement.
• Reserved pasta water is crucial for creating a silky, cohesive sauce that perfectly coats every tortelloni.
• Quick cooking ensures each ingredient retains its unique texture and prevents overwhelming the delicate pasta.
• Grated Parmesan cheese melts seamlessly, creating a luxurious sauce that binds all ingredients together.
• Red pepper flakes provide a subtle heat that cuts through the richness of pancetta and cheese.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 950mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 47g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 35mg