Shrimp Tortellini with Garlic Cream Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This Shrimp Tortellini with Garlic Sauce is a rich and flavorful Italian-inspired dish that combines tender shrimp with creamy garlic sauce and cheesy tortellini. It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 20 oz refrigerated three cheese tortellini
• 8 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup dry white wine
• 6 oz seafood or chicken stock
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 5 oz fresh baby spinach
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• All-purpose seasoning, to taste
• Minced garlic (amount not specified, approximately 2-3 cloves)
• Crushed red pepper (optional, to taste)
• Oil for searing shrimp
• Flour (amount not specified, approximately 1-2 tbsp)
• Cream cheese (amount not specified, estimated around 4 oz)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the shrimp with all-purpose seasoning. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of oil. Sear the shrimp until pink and cooked through, about 1-2 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
2. Step 2: Reduce the skillet heat to medium-low. Deglaze the pan by pouring in the dry white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add the butter and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Stir in flour to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the seafood or chicken stock, cream cheese, and heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.
4. Step 4: Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions. Drain thoroughly.
5. Step 5: Add fresh baby spinach to the garlic cream sauce; cook until wilted. Stir in crushed red pepper if using, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
6. Step 6: Gently combine the cooked tortellini and seared shrimp with the sauce. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh garlic rather than pre-minced for a stronger, fresher flavor.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving to brighten the dish.
• For a spicier kick, increase the amount of crushed red pepper or add a pinch of chili flakes.
• Swap baby spinach for kale or arugula for a different leafy green texture and taste.
• Choose a good-quality dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for best flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream sauce from separating. Avoid microwaving at high heat for best texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp can be used. Just be sure to fully thaw and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the skillet.

What can I substitute for cream cheese in the sauce?

If you don’t have cream cheese, you can use an equal amount of mascarpone or omit it and add a bit more heavy cream to maintain the sauce’s creaminess.

Shrimp Tortellini with Garlic Cream Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 72 reviews

• Author: Zoe
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

A creamy and flavorful Italian-inspired dish combining tender shrimp, cheese-filled tortellini, and a rich garlic-infused sauce with fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a comforting yet elegant meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Shrimp

• 2 lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• All-purpose seasoning, to taste
• Oil, for searing

Pasta

• 20 oz refrigerated three cheese tortellini

Sauce

• 8 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup dry white wine
• 6 oz seafood or chicken stock
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 4 oz cream cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh baby spinach, 5 oz
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Crushed red pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Season and Sear Shrimp: Season the shrimp evenly with all-purpose seasoning. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the shrimp for about 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
2. Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce the skillet heat to medium-low. Add minced garlic and butter, stirring until the butter melts and the garlic becomes fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3. Deglaze and Build Sauce: Pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in flour to create a roux, then gradually whisk in the seafood or chicken stock, cream cheese, and heavy cream. Simmer this sauce gently for 5-7 minutes until it thickens and is creamy.
4. Cook Tortellini: Meanwhile, cook the refrigerated cheese tortellini according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
5. Add Spinach and Seasonings: Stir fresh baby spinach into the sauce, allowing it to wilt completely. Then add crushed red pepper to taste along with the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until well combined.
6. Combine and Serve: Gently fold the cooked tortellini and seared shrimp into the creamy garlic sauce, ensuring everything is evenly coated and heated through. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

• Use large shrimp for best texture and flavor.
• White wine can be substituted with more stock or a splash of lemon juice if preferred.
• If cream cheese is unavailable, use all heavy cream but cook slightly longer to thicken.
• Adjust crushed red pepper according to your spice preference.
• Freshly grated Parmesan adds the best flavor compared to pre-grated varieties.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: Shrimp tortellini, garlic sauce, creamy pasta, Italian recipe, seafood pasta, easy dinner