Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that combines the luxurious richness of creamy sauce, tender shrimp, and perfectly cooked cheese tortellini. This Italian-inspired dish is not just a meal; it's an experience that transforms your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary gastronomic adventure. Whether you're looking to impress your dinner guests or treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home, this Creamy Tortellini with Shrimp recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to dinner that promises maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 9 oz cheese tortellini
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water.
- Cook the cheese tortellini according to package instructions, typically 3-4 minutes until they float to the surface and are tender. Drain and set aside, reserving a small amount of pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure proper searing.
- Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Add shrimp to the hot skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir continuously to prevent scorching.
- Gradually add grated parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Return the cooked tortellini and shrimp to the skillet. Gently toss to coat everything in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped basil leaves. Optionally, sprinkle additional parmesan cheese on top.
Tips
- Shrimp Searing Secret: Pat your shrimp completely dry before cooking to achieve a beautiful golden-brown sear. Moisture prevents proper caramelization.
- Sauce Consistency Hack: If your sauce is too thick, use reserved pasta water to thin it out. The starchy water helps create a silky, smooth texture.
- Cheese Melting Technique: Add parmesan cheese gradually and stir continuously to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Timing is Key: Cook shrimp just until they turn pink to prevent overcooking and maintain their tender, juicy texture.
- Fresh Herb Boost: Chop fresh basil right before serving to maximize its aromatic flavor and bright green color.
- One-Pan Convenience: By using the same skillet for multiple steps, you'll capture all the delicious flavor layers and minimize cleanup.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 445kcal
Carbohydrates: 17g
Protein: 33g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Cholesterol: 210mg
