Creamy Shrimp Tortellini Recipe

Irresistible Cheesy Shrimp Tortellini Recipe for Dinner

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this creamy cheesy shrimp tortellini delight recipe strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and ease.

Plump, succulent shrimp nestled among tender cheese-filled tortellini create a mouthwatering combination that promises to wow at the dinner table.

Each forkful delivers a rich, luxurious blend of flavors that dance across your palate.

The sauce, velvety and robust, coats every morsel with incredible depth and warmth.

Fresh herbs and a hint of garlic add subtle complexity to this comforting dish.

Minimal ingredients and quick preparation mean you can have a restaurant-worthy meal on the table in under 30 minutes.

Dive into this irresistible pasta experience that transforms an ordinary evening into a delectable celebration.

Kitchen Tools for Tortellini That’s Packed with Shrimp

  • Large Skillet: Essential for cooking shrimp, sautéing vegetables, and creating the creamy sauce.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helps ensure accurate ingredient quantities.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for chopping tomatoes, basil, and garlic.
  • Sharp Knife: Required for dicing and mincing ingredients precisely.
  • Colander: Used for draining cooked tortellini.

Cooking Cheesy Tortellini Without Complication

  • Butter Sizzle

Grab a spacious skillet and let butter dance on medium heat until it transforms into a golden liquid.

  • Shrimp Symphony

Slide succulent shrimp into the bubbling butter, watching them turn from gray to vibrant pink in just a few magical moments.

  • Flavor Explosion

Tumble fresh roma tomatoes, fragrant basil, and zesty garlic into the skillet, creating an aromatic whirlwind that fills your kitchen with excitement.

  • Silky Sauce Magic

Dust a light layer of flour over the seafood and vegetables, then pour in rich cream while stirring. Sprinkle parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes a luxurious, smooth blanket.

  • Tortellini Embrace

Drop the warm, tender cheese tortellini into the creamy mixture, gently coating each pasta pillow with the luscious sauce until every bite promises pure deliciousness.

Ideas to Boost Your Shrimp Tortellini Flavor

  • Flavor Boosters: Swap dried basil for fresh chopped basil to enhance the herb's bright, aromatic notes and elevate the dish's overall taste profile.
  • Spice It Up: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne for those craving a subtle kick of heat in their creamy shrimp pasta.
  • Veggie Power-Up: Toss in some baby spinach or sautéed zucchini just before serving to increase the nutritional value and add extra color to the dish.
  • Cheese Lover's Dream: Experiment with different cheese varieties like romano, asiago, or a blend of Italian cheeses to create unique flavor dimensions in the Alfredo sauce.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the sauce and shrimp mixture ahead of time, then reheat gently when ready to serve, making this a perfect meal for busy weeknights or advance meal planning.

Serve This Pasta Dish with a Seafood Twist

  • Coastal Dinner Party Presentation: Arrange the tortellini on elegant white plates, garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of parmesan for a sophisticated restaurant-style look.
  • Wine Pairing Magic: Select a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the creamy shrimp sauce and enhance the delicate flavors of the dish.
  • Fresh Side Salad Companion: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the cheesy tortellini, adding a refreshing contrast to each bite.
  • Rustic Bread Dipping Delight: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread on the side to soak up the decadent Alfredo sauce, turning this main course into a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage Tips for Tortellini That Keeps Its Bite

  • Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store this delectable dish in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the container sealed to maintain maximum flavor and prevent moisture loss.
  • Quick Reheating Technique: Warm the tortellini gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream to restore the sauce's silky texture. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and prevent sticking.
  • Freezer-Friendly Option: Carefully transfer cooled tortellini to a freezer-safe container, ensuring minimal air exposure. Freeze for up to 2 weeks, remembering that cream-based sauces might slightly separate upon thawing.
  • Portion Control Hack: Divide the dish into individual serving sizes before refrigerating or freezing. This approach allows easy single-serving meals and reduces waste while maintaining optimal taste and quality.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 570 kcal

Servings: 5

Cheesy Shrimp Tortellini Ingredient Breakdown

For Protein and Seafood:
  • Shrimp: Fresh, sweet crustaceans that bring oceanic flavor and tender texture to the dish, choose medium-sized with firm, translucent bodies for best results.
  • Cheese Tortellini: Pillowy pasta pockets filled with creamy cheese, select fresh or high-quality frozen varieties for authentic Italian taste.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Butter: Rich, golden base that adds depth and smoothness, select unsalted for precise seasoning control.
  • Roma Tomato: Vibrant, meaty fruit that contributes bright acidity and fresh color, pick ripe specimens with deep red hue.
  • Fresh Basil: Aromatic herb that delivers classic Mediterranean zest, look for bright green leaves without wilting.
  • Garlic: Pungent ingredient that provides robust, earthy undertones, choose firm cloves without sprouting.
For Sauce Components:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Silky thickening agent that creates smooth sauce consistency, ensure it's fresh and lump-free.
  • Heavy Whipping Cream: Luxurious liquid that builds creamy, velvety texture, select high-fat content for richest results.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, nutty cheese that adds intense savory notes, grate freshly for maximum flavor impact.
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Creamy Shrimp Tortellini Recipe

Creamy Shrimp Tortellini Recipe


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4.7 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Cheesy shrimp tortellini delight brings comforting Italian-American flavors to weeknight dinners. Creamy parmesan sauce and succulent shrimp make this pasta irresistible for hungry home cooks who crave simple, satisfying meals.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 lb (454 g) cheese tortellini pasta, cooked and drained
  • ½ cup (120 ml) heavy whipping cream
  • 3 tbsps (45 ml) salted butter
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) shredded parmesan cheese
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 roma tomato, diced
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) all-purpose flour
  • 2 basil leaves, minced
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Sauté Preparation: Warm a large skillet over medium heat, melting butter until it creates a golden, smooth foundation for the dish.
  2. Shrimp Transformation: Add shrimp to the skillet, cooking until they turn pink and develop a delicate, tender texture, approximately 2-3 minutes.
  3. Flavor Layering: Introduce roma tomatoes, basil, and garlic into the skillet, stirring gently to blend the ingredients and release their vibrant aromatics.
  4. Sauce Foundation: Sprinkle flour over the shrimp and vegetable mixture, creating a light coating that will help thicken the upcoming sauce.
  5. Cream Integration: Pour heavy whipping cream into the skillet, whisking continuously while gradually incorporating parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and glossy.
  6. Final Fusion: Fold cooked cheese tortellini into the creamy mixture, ensuring each pasta piece is generously enveloped in the rich, decadent sauce, creating a harmonious seafood and pasta experience.

Notes

  • Shrimp Selection: Choose medium-sized, deveined shrimp for consistent cooking and optimal texture, ensuring they’re fresh or properly thawed before preparation.
  • Cheese Melting Technique: Shred parmesan cheese freshly to achieve smoother melting and prevent clumping, creating a more uniform and creamy sauce consistency.
  • Timing is Critical: Cook shrimp precisely 2-3 minutes to prevent overcooking, which can result in rubbery and tough protein that diminishes the dish’s delicate flavor profile.
  • Flour Coating Trick: Lightly dust flour to help thicken sauce naturally, but avoid excessive amounts that might create a heavy or pasty texture in the final dish.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 570
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 46 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Cholesterol: 200 mg
Jessica Martin

Jessica Martin

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography​, Seasonal and Local Ingredients​, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine​, Culinary Education​

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles

Oregon Culinary Institute

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.​

Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking. 

Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes. 

Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.

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