Tortellini Al Forno with Creamed Corn and Crispy Bacon
Indulge in this creamy and delicious Tortellini Al Forno, where the comforting flavors of cheesy tortellini meet the sweetness of creamed corn and the savory crunch of crispy bacon. This delightful dish, influenced by the renowned 'Signatures' restaurant in Washington, DC, is perfect for those moments when you crave a rich pasta dish. With its blend of tender pasta, sautéed shiitake mushrooms, fresh shallots, and a gooey cheese topping, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. In just under 30 minutes, you can create a dish that’s worthy of a special occasion yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
cheese tortellini
12 ounces (cut into 1/2 inch pieces)
thick-cut bacon
4 slices (cut into 1/2 inch pieces)
shiitake mushrooms
1/2 cup (thinly sliced)
shallots
2 large (chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (chopped)
whipping cream
1 1/4 cups
frozen white corn kernels
1 cup (thawed)
Parmesan cheese
1 cup (grated, divided)
fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped)
cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups (coarsely grated)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the tortellini in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2
While the pasta is cooking, preheat your broiler and butter a 13 x 9-inch casserole dish.
3
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the chopped bacon until it becomes crispy. Once done, transfer the bacon onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
4
In the same skillet with the bacon drippings, add the sliced shiitake mushrooms and sauté until golden brown, about 6 minutes.
5
Next, add the chopped shallots and garlic to the skillet, cooking until they are soft and golden, around 5 minutes.
6
Incorporate the cooked tortellini, whipping cream, and thawed corn into the skillet. Toss everything together for about 3 minutes, ensuring the sauce thoroughly coats the tortellini.
7
Gently stir in 1/2 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese, the chopped parsley, and the crispy bacon.
8
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
9
Top with the coarsely grated cheddar cheese and the remaining Parmesan cheese.
10
Broil in the oven until the top is bubbly and golden brown, about 3 minutes. Keep a close watch to prevent burning.
11
Once done, remove from the oven, let cool slightly, then serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tortellini Al Forno with Creamed Corn and Crispy Bacon?
It is a rich and creamy pasta bake featuring cheese tortellini, sweet creamed corn, shiitake mushrooms, and crispy bacon, inspired by Signatures restaurant.
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
The entire recipe can be completed in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for quick weeknight dinners.
What type of pasta is required?
The recipe calls for 12 ounces of cheese tortellini.
How should the tortellini be cooked?
Cook the tortellini in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
What kind of bacon is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifies 4 slices of thick-cut bacon, cut into 1/2 inch pieces.
What type of mushrooms are used?
1/2 cup of thinly sliced shiitake mushrooms are used for their savory flavor.
Can I use frozen corn?
Yes, the recipe uses 1 cup of frozen white corn kernels that have been thawed.
What size baking dish do I need?
You will need a 13 x 9-inch casserole dish, which should be buttered before use.
How do I cook the bacon for this dish?
Cook the chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until crispy, then drain it on paper towels.
Do I need to keep the bacon drippings?
Yes, you should use the bacon drippings in the skillet to sauté the mushrooms, shallots, and garlic.
How long should I sauté the shiitake mushrooms?
Sauté the mushrooms in the bacon drippings for about 6 minutes or until they are golden brown.
When do I add the shallots and garlic?
Add the chopped shallots and garlic to the skillet after the mushrooms are browned, and cook for about 5 minutes.
What provides the creaminess in the sauce?
The sauce is created by combining 1 1/4 cups of whipping cream with the other skillet ingredients.
How much Parmesan cheese is needed in total?
The recipe uses 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, which is divided between the sauce and the topping.
What kind of cheese is used for the top crust?
The dish is topped with 1 1/2 cups of coarsely grated cheddar cheese and the remaining Parmesan.
How long does the dish need to broil?
Broil the dish for approximately 3 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
Should I use fresh or dried parsley?
The recipe recommends 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley.
Is this recipe suitable for a special occasion?
Yes, while simple enough for a weeknight, its rich flavors make it worthy of a special occasion.
What is the origin of this recipe's inspiration?
This dish is influenced by the renowned Signatures restaurant located in Washington, DC.
How many shallots are required?
The recipe calls for 2 large shallots, chopped.
How many cloves of garlic should I use?
You will need 2 chopped garlic cloves.
Do I need to preheat the oven?
Yes, you should preheat your broiler before assembling the final dish.
How long do I toss the pasta with the cream and corn?
Toss the cooked tortellini, cream, and corn in the skillet for about 3 minutes to coat the pasta thoroughly.
Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?
While the recipe specifies frozen white corn kernels, fresh corn can be used as a seasonal alternative.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
No, this recipe contains thick-cut bacon.
What is the texture of the final dish?
The dish is creamy and tender on the inside with a gooey, golden-brown cheese crust on top.
What should I watch for while broiling?
Keep a close watch to prevent the cheese topping from burning, as broilers act very quickly.
How should I serve this dish?
After removing it from the broiler, let it cool slightly and then serve it hot.
How much cheddar cheese is used?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of coarsely grated cheddar cheese.
Can I substitute other mushrooms for shiitakes?
Yes, while shiitakes are recommended for their flavor, other varieties like cremini or button mushrooms can be used.