Creamy Tortellini alla Panna Recipe: Classic Italian Pasta

Tortellini Alla Panna is a 30-minute masterpiece of cheesy comfort food. This easy Italian dish tastes like restaurant-quality pasta in minutes.

What Is Tortellini Alla Panna?
Dried, Frozen or Fresh Tortellini?
Recipe

Tortellini Alla Panna Creamy Pasta by Christian Guzman

What Is Tortellini Alla Panna?

Tortellini alla Panna literally means “tortellini with cream.” It’s a simple, satisfying pasta dish that comes together quickly. Perfect for lunch or dinner, it pairs well with a green salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.

Ingredients

Just a few quality ingredients create a rich, creamy sauce that tastes luxurious. Small choices—like fresh grated Parmesan and heavy cream—make a noticeable difference.

Tortellini. Dried tortellini is convenient and pantry-friendly. See notes below for fresh or frozen alternatives.
Diced ham. Pre-diced ham saves time. Leftover ham, ham steak, or other diced cooked pork work well.
Heavy cream. Heavy (whipping) cream yields a thick, silky sauce. Half-and-half can be used but produces a thinner result.

Butter. Salted or unsalted butter is fine; taste before adding salt since the ham and Parmesan add saltiness.
Parmesan cheese. Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoothly and gives the best flavor. Pre-shredded cheese can be used, but fresh is preferable for a velvety sauce.

Dried, Frozen or Fresh Tortellini?

All types of tortellini work. Dried, frozen, and fresh each have slightly different textures but they all taste great with a cream sauce. If using dried tortellini, a 12-ounce package is ideal; use about 15 ounces for fresh or frozen to match volume.

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Variations

This recipe is versatile. Swap the ham for prosciutto (if available), diced chicken, or cooked smoked pork. Add frozen peas, fresh baby spinach, chopped basil, or artichoke hearts for color and flavor. Experiment with what you have on hand to make it your own.

Tortellini Alla Panna on a plate on a table with oil and bread

More Recipes

If you enjoy pasta, check other easy pasta recipes on 24Bite or try one of these favorites listed on the site.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Mexican Green Spaghetti
Fried Prosciutto and Mushrooms Dinner
Zucchini Pasta Sauce
Paglia e Fieno Pasta Dinner

Fresh homemade bread, like a baguette, is a lovely accompaniment.

Recipe

Tortellini Alla Panna is a 30-minute masterpiece in cheesy comfort food. This easy Italian dish is restaurant quality in minutes.

Ingredients

12 ounces tortellini, dried
3 tablespoons butter
8 ounces ham, diced
½ cup heavy cream
1 cup Parmesan, fresh grated
1 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

Prepare tortellini according to package instructions. Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water. Set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add diced ham and sear lightly, about 3–4 minutes.
Stir in heavy cream and reserved pasta water. Bring to a gentle boil and reduce for 2–3 minutes.
Set aside 2 tablespoons of Parmesan for garnish. Gradually stir the remaining Parmesan into the sauce, about one-third at a time, until melted (about 2 minutes). Stir in pepper.
Remove from heat, add tortellini, and toss until coated. Sprinkle the reserved Parmesan on top when serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 677 kcal (approx.)

Author: Christian Guzman

Notes

For frozen or fresh tortellini, use about 15 ounces instead of 12 ounces dried.

Nutrition Facts

Tortellini Alla Panna

Amount Per Serving

Calories 677

Fat 42g (65% DV)

Saturated Fat 22g (138% DV)

Sodium 1518mg (66% DV)

Carbohydrates 39g (13% DV)

Fiber 3g (13% DV)

Sugar 3g (3% DV)

Protein 35g (70% DV)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Percent Daily Values are estimates. Nutrition and calorie counts can vary by ingredients and packaging; calculate using your product labels if you have dietary concerns.

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