Sweet & Smoky Tortelloni with Pancetta & Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Twirling forks around delectable tortelloni temptation, this rustic Italian dish marries rich flavors with unexpected ingredients.

Crispy pancetta dances alongside caramelized Brussels sprouts, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.

Each bite promises a delightful culinary adventure that bridges traditional comfort with modern elegance.

Tender pasta pockets burst with creamy cheese, while salty pancetta adds depth and complexity.

The Brussels sprouts bring a subtle earthiness that balances the richness of the dish.

Sautéed to golden perfection, these ingredients merge into a memorable meal that will impress even the most discerning palate.

Your dinner table awaits this sensational combination that transforms an ordinary evening into a gourmet experience.

Cooking Tortelloni Temptation

• Pasta Water Preparation

Boil a large pot of water with a generous sprinkle of salt, creating a flavorful bath for the tortelloni.

• Pancetta Crisp

Cook chopped pancetta in a skillet until it transforms into golden, crunchy bits that release irresistible aroma.

• Brussels Sprouts Caramelization

Sear Brussels sprouts in the same skillet, coaxing out deep golden edges and rich, nutty flavors.

• Aromatic Base

Quickly sizzle garlic and red pepper flakes in olive oil, infusing the kitchen with a tantalizing fragrance.

• Tortelloni Cooking

Gently boil tortelloni until they float and become tender, then carefully drain while saving a cup of starchy cooking liquid.

• Creamy Cheese Sauce

Whisk Parmesan into the skillet, gradually blending in pasta water to create a silky, luxurious sauce that clings perfectly to each pasta pocket.

• Final Fusion

Toss tortelloni, crispy pancetta, and caramelized Brussels sprouts together, coating everything in the luscious cheese sauce. Serve with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan for ultimate comfort.

Tips for Rich, Savory Flavor

• Replace pancetta with bacon, prosciutto, or diced ham for a different flavor profile while maintaining the salty, crispy texture.
• Experiment with other hard cheeses like pecorino romano or aged gouda to customize the sauce's richness and depth.
• Substitute Brussels sprouts with roasted broccoli, cauliflower, or kale for a fresh twist on the vegetable component.
• Omit pancetta and add roasted pine nuts or sun-dried tomatoes for a plant-based protein boost and extra umami flavor.
• Use turkey bacon or reduce the amount of cheese to cut down on calories while keeping the dish flavorful and satisfying.

Serving Tortelloni with Style

• Cozy Family Dinner Centerpiece: Transform this tortelloni dish into a warm, inviting main course that brings everyone together around the table, sharing stories and enjoying each delicious bite.
• Elegant Appetizer Twist: Serve smaller portions as a sophisticated starter at dinner parties, garnishing with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese to elevate the presentation.
• Winter Comfort Meal Companion: Pair with a crisp white wine or light red like Pinot Noir to complement the rich pancetta and nutty Brussels sprouts, creating a perfectly balanced dining experience.
• Wine and Cheese Night Special: Create a rustic charcuterie board featuring the tortelloni as a star component, surrounded by cured meats, additional cheeses, and crusty bread for a delightful sharing platter.

Storing Your Tortelloni Dish

• Smart Portioning: Split the dish into individual meal-sized containers for quick weekday lunches or dinners. Each portion stays fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Store unused tortelloni in airtight containers, separating pancetta and Brussels sprouts to maintain crisp textures. Freeze up to 2 weeks for future quick meals.
• Ingredient Prep Hack: Chop pancetta and Brussels sprouts in advance, storing separately in sealed containers. This reduces cooking time and keeps ingredients ready for spontaneous cooking.
• Reheating Magic: Warm leftovers in a skillet with a splash of pasta water to restore sauce consistency. Stir gently to prevent pasta from breaking and maintain original flavor profile.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 490 kcal

Servings: 5

Tortelloni with Pancetta: Ingredients You’ll Need

• Pancetta: Crispy Italian bacon that adds a smoky, rich depth to the dish, choose high-quality cured pork with good marbling for maximum flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Nutty, sharp cheese that creates a creamy sauce base, select a freshly grated block for the most authentic and robust taste.

• Brussels Sprouts: Slightly bitter green vegetable that provides a caramelized crunch, pick firm, bright green sprouts without blemishes for perfect golden-brown roasting.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that builds a robust flavor foundation, select fresh, firm cloves with no sprouting for the most intense taste.

• Tortelloni: Stuffed pasta that serves as the hearty main element, choose fresh or high-quality dried pasta with a delicious filling.
• Olive Oil: Smooth cooking fat that helps develop sauce and prevent sticking, opt for extra virgin variety for best flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Spicy component that adds a subtle heat kick, select fresh, vibrant red flakes for maximum zest.
• Salt: Essential seasoning that balances and enhances overall dish profile, use kosher or sea salt for clean, pure taste.

Tools for Brussels Sprout Tortelloni

• Large pot: Essential for boiling salted water and cooking tortelloni.
• Nonstick skillet: Key for cooking pancetta, Brussels sprouts, and creating the sauce.
• Slotted spoon: Perfect for transferring crispy pancetta without excess grease.
• Cheese grater: Needed to freshly grate Parmesan for authentic flavor.
• Whisk: Crucial for smoothly blending Parmesan and pasta water into a creamy sauce.
• Cutting board: Used for chopping garlic and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Helpful for slicing garlic and trimming Brussels sprouts.

Hearty Tortelloni with Pancetta and Brussels Sprouts

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Rich tortelloni temptation combines tender pasta pockets with crispy pancetta and caramelized brussels sprouts. Creamy parmesan and herbs elevate this Italian-inspired dish, offering you a delightful culinary journey through regional flavors.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 10-oz (283 g) Giovanni Rana Prosciutto and Cheese Tortelloni
• 4 oz (113 g) pancetta, cut into small cubes
• 8 oz (226 g) Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved (quartered if large)
• 4 garlic cloves, sliced
• 2 tbsps (30 mL) olive oil
• 2 oz (57 g) Parmesan cheese, finely grated, plus more for topping
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Water Preparation: Fill a large pot with water, generously salt, and bring to a vigorous boil.
2. Pancetta Transformation: In a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, crisp pancetta until golden and crunchy, then transfer to a separate plate using a slotted spoon.
3. Brussels Sprouts Caramelization: Using the same skillet, roast Brussels sprouts until they develop a deep, rich brown coloration, creating a robust flavor profile.
4. Aromatic Infusion: Drizzle olive oil into the skillet, introduce minced garlic and red pepper flakes, allowing their essence to bloom and release intense fragrance for 30 seconds.
5. Pasta and Liquid Integration: Immerse tortelloni in boiling water for 3 minutes, drain while reserving one cup of starchy cooking liquid, maintaining pasta’s delicate texture.
6. Sauce Creation: Whisk Parmesan into the skillet, gradually incorporating reserved pasta water to develop a silky, luxurious sauce with smooth consistency.
7. Final Composition: Combine tortelloni, roasted Brussels sprouts, and crispy pancetta in the skillet, ensuring each element becomes thoroughly coated with the creamy sauce.
8. Presentation: Serve immediately, garnishing with an additional sprinkle of Parmesan to elevate the dish’s visual and flavor complexity.

Notes

• Pasta Water Power: Reserve a cup of starchy cooking liquid to create a silky, emulsified sauce that helps ingredients bind perfectly.
• Pancetta Precision: Cook slowly over medium-high heat to render fat and achieve a crispy, golden-brown texture without burning.
• Brussels Sprout Brilliance: Caramelize at high heat to develop deep, nutty flavors and create a delightful golden-brown exterior.
• Sauce Smoothness: Whisk Parmesan gradually and incorporate pasta water incrementally to prevent clumping and ensure a creamy, luxurious consistency.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg