Step 1

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the tortellini and cook according to package instructions. Reserve about 1/4 cup of the starchy cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, stirring often, until it foams, smells nutty, and browns. This will take about 5 minutes. Scrape the browned butter into a small bowl and set aside.

Step 3

Add the chopped bacon to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes. Add the asparagus pieces and shallot; cook for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the bacon to be golden brown and crispy and the asparagus to be crisp, but tender. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Step 4

Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet. Pour in the browned butter and stir until the pasta is well coated. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and basil. Add more salt and pepper, if desired.

Step 5

Serve warm and garnish crushed red pepper flakes and extra Parmesan cheese.