Tortellini Alla Panna Recipe
Make Tortellini Alla Panna Recipe in just 25m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Pasta
Sauce
Finish & Garnish
Method
Pasta
- 1
Bring water to a boil
Fill a large pot with about 4-5 liters (or 4-5 quarts) of water. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon salt once boiling.
- 2
Cook tortellini
Add the tortellini to the boiling water and stir gently to prevent sticking. Cook according to package instructions for al dente (usually 2–4 minutes for fresh tortellini). Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the tortellini using a colander and set aside briefly.
Sauce
- 3
Sweat garlic in butter
While the pasta cooks, heat a wide sauté pan over medium-low heat. Add the unsalted butter and melt gently. Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring, for 30–45 seconds until fragrant but not browned (browning will make garlic bitter).
- 4
Add cream and milk
Pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, stirring to combine. Raise heat slightly to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer (do not boil vigorously). Simmer for 3–4 minutes to slightly thicken, stirring occasionally.
- 5
Incorporate cheese
Reduce heat to low. Gradually add the grated Parmigiano-Reggiano in small handfuls, stirring constantly so the cheese melts smoothly into the cream. Continue until the sauce is silky and uniformly combined.
- 6
Season
Season the sauce with freshly ground black pepper and a small pinch (about 1/8 tsp) of freshly grated nutmeg if using. Taste and add salt sparingly, keeping in mind the cheese is salty.
- 7
Adjust consistency
If the sauce is too thick, add up to 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta cooking water, a few tablespoons at a time, stirring until you reach a glossy, coating consistency that will cling to the tortellini.
Combine & Finish
- 8
Finish together
Add the drained tortellini directly into the pan with the cream sauce. Toss gently and continuously over low heat for 1–2 minutes so the pasta warms through and the sauce evenly coats each piece. If necessary, add another tablespoon or two of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- 9