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The Ultimate Creamy Homemade Tortellini Alfredo: Classic, Foolproof Method

Close-up of cheesy tortellini covered in creamy sauce, seasoned with black pepper, for a Tortellini Alfredo Recipe.
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Make a restaurant-style, thick and creamy Tortellini Alfredo Sauce at home with this simple recipe. Learn the technique to prevent your Alfredo sauce from separating.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound cheese tortellini
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Pinch of salt, or to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the tortellini according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. Set the drained tortellini aside.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown.
  3. Pour in the heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to low.
  4. Slowly whisk in the grated Parmesan and Pecorino Romano cheese, a handful at a time. Stir constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. This slow addition prevents clumping.
  5. If the sauce seems too thick, whisk in a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. The starch in the water helps emulsify the sauce.
  6. Season the sauce with black pepper and salt to taste.
  7. Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet and toss gently to coat completely in the Alfredo sauce.
  8. Serve immediately with extra grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Notes

  • Always use freshly grated cheese. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting and cause graininess.
  • For a richer sauce, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but be sure to simmer the sauce longer to allow it to reduce slightly before adding cheese.
  • To add protein, stir in cooked, sliced chicken breast or shrimp during the final step when tossing the tortellini.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://mayaplate.com/tortellini-alfredo-recipe/