Shrimp Tortellini With Garlic Sauce Recipe

Easy Shrimp Tortellini With Garlic Sauce Recipe For Dinner Joy

Creamy garlic sauce drapes over plump shrimp tortellini, creating a luxurious dish that whispers comfort and elegance.

Tender pasta pockets burst with savory seafood, promising a delightful culinary experience.

Delicate shrimp nestled inside each tortellini brings depth and richness to every bite.

This simple yet sophisticated recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Fresh herbs and aromatic garlic elevate the sauce, infusing each twirl with irresistible flavor.

You’ll find this dish surprisingly easy to prepare, with restaurant-quality results that will impress even discerning palates.

Gather around the table and savor every delectable forkful of this mouthwatering shrimp tortellini masterpiece.

FAQs

  • What makes the tortellini and shrimp combination special?

The dish brings together tender, perfectly seasoned shrimp with soft cheese-filled tortellini, creating a rich and flavorful meal that balances seafood protein with creamy pasta.

  • Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning and searing to ensure they get a nice golden color and don’t release excess water in the pan.

  • How spicy is this dish with the crushed red pepper?

The crushed red pepper adds a mild heat that enhances the flavor without overwhelming the dish. You can adjust the amount to suit your spice preference, adding more or less depending on how much heat you enjoy.

  • Is this recipe considered a quick weeknight meal?

Absolutely! The entire recipe takes about 30-35 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a delicious and satisfying dinner that doesn’t require hours of preparation.

Shrimp Tortellini – What’s Special

Shrimp Tortellini - What’s Special
  • This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish with minimal kitchen skills required, making gourmet dining accessible to everyone.
  • Flexible seasoning options like Lawry's and Mrs. Dash allow home cooks to personalize the dish's taste profile, ensuring a unique dining experience every time.
  • The entire meal comes together in less than 30 minutes, perfect for busy families needing a delicious and satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • The combination of creamy sauce, tender shrimp, and cheese-filled tortellini appeals to both adults and kids, making it an ideal family meal or dinner party centerpiece.

Ingredients for Shrimp Tortellini

Protein:
  • Shrimp: Succulent seafood that provides the main protein for this delicious dish.
  • Tortellini: Pasta filled with cheese that adds texture and substance to the recipe.
Sauce and Dairy Components:
  • White Wine: Adds depth and complexity to the sauce flavor.
  • Butter, Cream Cheese, Heavy Cream: Create a rich and creamy sauce base that coats the pasta and shrimp.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Provides a salty and nutty finish to the dish.
Seasonings and Aromatics:
  • Lawry's Seasoning Salt, Mrs. Dash Garlic & Herb: Deliver robust flavor to the shrimp.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that infuses the sauce with a classic, pungent taste.
  • Dried Basil: Herb that adds an earthy and slightly sweet note to the sauce.
  • Seafood or Chicken Stock: Liquid that helps build the sauce's depth of flavor.
  • Flour: Thickening agent that helps create a smooth sauce consistency.
  • Spinach: Fresh green that wilts into the sauce, adding color and nutrition.
  • Crushed Red Pepper: Provides a subtle heat and spicy kick to the dish.

How to Cook Shrimp Tortellini

How to Cook Shrimp Tortellini

Step 1: Prepare Shrimp

Season the shrimp with Lawry’s seasoning salt and Mrs.

Dash garlic & herb blend.

The spices will infuse incredible flavor into every single bite of the dish.

Step 2: Sear Shrimp

Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook shrimp in batches for 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink and develop a golden exterior.

Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure proper searing.

Transfer cooked shrimp to a separate plate.

Step 3: Create Garlic Base

Lower the skillet heat and deglaze with white wine, scraping up the delicious browned bits.

Add:
  • Butter
  • Minced garlic

Let garlic cook until fragrant.

Sprinkle flour and cook for one minute to eliminate raw flour taste.

Step 4: Build Creamy Sauce

Whisk in seafood or chicken stock continuously until smooth.

Add cream cheese, stirring vigorously to prevent lumps from forming.

The mixture will gradually become silky and consistent.

Step 5: Develop Sauce Depth

Slowly incorporate heavy cream and dried basil.

Simmer on low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.

The sauce will thicken and become luxuriously rich.

Step 6: Cook Tortellini

Prepare tortellini according to package instructions.

Drain and set aside.

Step 7: Wilt Spinach

Stir fresh spinach into the sauce, allowing it to wilt completely.

This process takes only one to two minutes.

Step 8: Combine Ingredients

Gently fold cooked tortellini and seared shrimp into the sauce.

Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper.

Stir until cheese melts and blends seamlessly.

Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.

Cooking Tips for Shrimp Tortellini

Cooking Tips for Shrimp Tortellini
  • Use a robust seasoning blend like Lawry's and Mrs. Dash for maximum taste impact without overwhelming the dish.
  • Sear quickly over medium-high heat, cooking just until pink to maintain tender, juicy texture and avoid overcooking.
  • Whisk cream cheese thoroughly to eliminate lumps, ensuring a smooth and luxurious sauce consistency that coats the tortellini perfectly.
  • Adjust crushed red pepper carefully to control heat intensity, allowing each diner to enjoy the dish's complex flavors.
  • Add fresh spinach at the last moment, wilting briefly to maintain vibrant color and nutritional value while preventing sogginess.

Reheat and Store Shrimp Tortellini Right

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place the shrimp tortellini and sauce together, ensuring they're completely cooled before sealing.
  • Transfer to a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing will prevent texture changes in the tortellini and shrimp.
  • Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or cream to restore sauce consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
  • Reheat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Add a tablespoon of liquid to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.

Good Pairings for Shrimp Tortellini

  • Elevate Shrimp Tortellini with Perfect Pairings
  • Complement Wine Selection: Choose a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to match the garlic sauce's richness and shrimp's delicate flavor. These white wines cut through the creamy texture while enhancing the seafood's sweetness.
  • Fresh Bread Pairing: Serve warm, crusty French bread or garlic focaccia to soak up the luxurious sauce. The bread's crispy exterior and soft interior perfectly complement the tortellini's tender pasta and creamy sauce.
  • Bright Side Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, shaved Parmesan, and toasted pine nuts. The salad's peppery greens and tangy dressing provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy pasta dish.
  • Herbal Iced Tea Drink: Brew a cold lavender or mint iced tea as a non-alcoholic alternative. The herbal notes will cleanse the palate between bites and offer a cool, refreshing complement to the warm, creamy tortellini.

Unique Ways to Serve Shrimp Tortellini

  • Gluten-Free Friendly: Replace all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend. Use gluten-free tortellini and ensure all seasoning mixes are certified gluten-free.
  • Vegetarian Version: Swap shrimp with roasted cauliflower or plant-based shrimp alternative. Keep the creamy garlic sauce and tortellini intact for a satisfying meatless meal.
  • Low-Carb Option: Substitute tortellini with zucchini noodles or cauliflower gnocchi. Reduce cream cheese quantity and use more herbs for enhanced flavor profile. Add extra protein through grilled chicken or additional seafood.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Replace cream cheese with cashew cream or dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Choose plant-based butter and ensure all ingredients align with dairy-free requirements.
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Shrimp Tortellini With Garlic Sauce Recipe

Shrimp Tortellini With Garlic Sauce Recipe


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4.7 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Creamy shrimp tortellini dances with rich garlic sauce in this Italian-inspired comfort dish. Seafood lovers will savor each luxurious bite of pasta elegantly dressed in silky, herb-infused goodness.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2 pounds (907 grams) large shrimp (peeled, deveined, tail-off)
  • 20 ounces (567 grams) refrigerated three cheese tortellini

Seasonings and Herbs:

  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose seasoning (Lawry’s seasoning salt and Mrs. Dash garlic & herb)
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Sauce and Cooking Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/3 cup dry white wine
  • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 6 ounces (170 grams) seafood or chicken stock
  • 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese (softened)
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 5 ounces (142 grams) fresh baby spinach

Instructions

  1. Prepare the shrimp by generously coating with a blend of Lawry’s seasoning salt and Mrs. Dash garlic & herb for maximum flavor enhancement.
  2. Preheat skillet to medium-high heat with oil. Sear shrimp in batches for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and golden, avoiding pan overcrowding. Remove and set aside.
  3. Reduce heat and deglaze pan with white wine, scraping up browned bits. Add butter and garlic, cooking until aromatic. Incorporate flour and cook briefly to eliminate raw taste.
  4. Gradually whisk in seafood or chicken stock until smooth. Add cream cheese, continuing to whisk until the mixture becomes uniform and creamy.
  5. Pour in heavy cream and dried basil, simmering on low heat. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and allow sauce to thicken slightly.
  6. Cook tortellini according to package instructions at 375°F, then drain and reserve.
  7. Incorporate fresh spinach into the sauce, allowing it to wilt completely, which takes approximately 1-2 minutes.
  8. Reunite cooked tortellini and seared shrimp in the skillet. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper, stirring until cheese melts and integrates with the sauce. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Notes

  • Customize shrimp seasoning by experimenting with different herb blends or spice mixes to match your flavor preferences and dietary needs.
  • Avoid overcrowding the pan when searing shrimp to ensure each piece gets a perfect golden-brown exterior and maintains tender texture.
  • Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a substitute if you need a gluten-free sauce thickener, maintaining the creamy consistency without compromising taste.
  • Choose low-fat cream cheese and milk alternatives for a lighter version of the sauce, reducing calories while preserving the rich, luxurious flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 927
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 1382 mg
  • Fat: 62 g
  • Saturated Fat: 36 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 53 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 34 g
  • Cholesterol: 257 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Showcasing ingredients in plant-forward vegetarian dishes.
  • Creating adaptable weeklong menu templates centered on seasonal produce.

Education

Schoolcraft College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Associate Degree
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, menu planning, and food safety.

With an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Schoolcraft College and a natural knack for teaching, Olivia Bennett’s all about making home cooking feel possible, even on your busiest day.
Her thing? Recipes that are budget-friendly, season-forward, and full of Southern warmth. Whether it’s a roasted veggie bowl or a five-ingredient skillet bake, Olivia makes sure it’s simple, satisfying, and something you’ll want to make again tomorrow.
When she’s not shooting step-by-step videos or testing spice blends, she’s out foraging, flipping through old cookbooks, or throwing laid-back dinner parties with a BYO-mason-jar theme.

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