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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Cook Tortellini: Meanwhile, cook the refrigerated cheese tortellini according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- 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.
- 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
