Zesty Shrimp Tortellini with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce Recipe

Crafting a delectable shrimp tortellini with lemon garlic cream sauce brings pure culinary magic to your dinner table.

Pasta lovers will adore this elegant yet simple Italian-inspired dish.

Succulent shrimp nestled in delicate tortellini create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Fresh ingredients transform an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Creamy sauce infused with zesty lemon and aromatic garlic delivers a sophisticated punch.

Each bite promises a delightful journey through rich, balanced tastes.

Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe that will impress even the most discerning palates.

Why Shrimp Tortellini with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce Is Irresistible

• Craft a Gourmet Meal: Transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish that impresses family and friends with minimal cooking skills.
• Speed Through Dinner Prep: Create a delicious meal in less than 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavor Explosion in Every Bite: Combine the richness of creamy sauce, zesty lemon, spicy red pepper flakes, and succulent shrimp for a tantalizing taste experience that satisfies multiple flavor cravings.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Suitable for romantic dinners, quick family meals, or casual gatherings, this recipe adapts to various dining occasions with its elegant yet approachable profile.

Ingredients for Shrimp Tortellini with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce

• Tortellini: A pasta type filled with cheese or meat that serves as the base of this delicious dish.
• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that adds protein and a delicate flavor to the pasta.

• Butter, Heavy Cream, Lemon Juice: These ingredients create a rich and tangy cream sauce that coats the pasta.
• Garlic: Adds a deep, aromatic flavor to the sauce and enhances the overall taste of the dish.

• Red Pepper Flakes, Salt, Pepper: Provide balanced and customizable heat and seasoning to the dish.
• Fresh Parsley: A bright green herb that adds a fresh finish and visual appeal to the final presentation.

How to Prepare Shrimp Tortellini with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook the tortellini in a pot of salted water following the package instructions. Once tender, drain the pasta completely and set aside.

Step 2: Sizzle Seafood and Aromatics

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add butter and let it melt smoothly. Toss in minced garlic and cook until it becomes wonderfully fragrant.

• Butter
• Garlic

Introduce the shrimp to the skillet and cook until they transform into a beautiful pink color and become opaque, which takes about 3-4 minutes. Carefully remove the shrimp and keep them warm.

Step 3: Create Luxurious Sauce

In the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream and fresh lemon juice. Whisk the mixture gently, allowing it to simmer and thicken into a silky consistency.

• Heavy cream
• Lemon juice

Sprinkle in red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to elevate the sauce’s flavor profile.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Gently fold the cooked tortellini into the creamy sauce, ensuring each pasta pocket is beautifully coated. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss everything together.

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve the dish immediately while it’s warm and inviting.

Pro Tips for Shrimp Tortellini with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce

• Opt for fresh, high-quality shrimp to elevate the dish's flavor and texture.
• Avoid overcooking shrimp to prevent rubbery and tough results; remove from heat as soon as they turn pink.
• Use pre-filled cheese tortellini for a quick and convenient meal, or try whole wheat tortellini for added nutrition.
• Balance the cream sauce by adjusting lemon juice and red pepper flakes to suit your taste preferences.
• Prepare ingredients in advance and keep them ready to ensure a smooth and fast cooking process.

Tasty Variations for Shrimp Tortellini with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce

• Spicy Seafood Fusion: Replace shrimp with crab meat and add diced jalapeños for extra heat, creating a zesty seafood experience.
• Mediterranean Herb Splash: Incorporate chopped fresh basil, oregano, and sun-dried tomatoes into the cream sauce for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Veggie Charm: Swap shrimp with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus, maintaining the creamy lemon sauce's richness.
• Smoky Bacon Enhancement: Crisp up bacon bits and sprinkle them over the dish, adding a savory and smoky layer to the creamy tortellini.

Pairing Ideas for Shrimp Tortellini with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce

• Elevate Seafood Richness: Pair this shrimp tortellini with a crisp Pinot Grigio, its light citrus notes complementing the lemon cream sauce perfectly.
• Create Balanced Texture: Serve alongside a fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, cutting through the dish's creamy richness with peppery greens.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Add crusty Italian bread to soak up the luxurious sauce, providing a delightful textural contrast and extra flavor absorption.
• Boost Wine Experience: Consider a chilled Sauvignon Blanc with bright acidity that matches the dish's zesty lemon and garlic profile, cleansing the palate between bites.

Storage Tips for Shrimp Tortellini with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, ensuring the shrimp and tortellini are completely cooled before sealing.
• Reheat gently on 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and prevent sauce separation.
• Warm slowly in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore sauce consistency and prevent drying out.
• Skip freezing this dish, as cream-based sauces and pasta tend to break down and lose texture when thawed.

FAQs on Shrimp Tortellini with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure they sear properly and don’t release excess water.

• What if I can't find tortellini in my local store?

You can substitute with other filled pasta like ravioli or use regular pasta shapes like penne or fettuccine.

• Is this dish spicy because of red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat that can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the amount, so you control the spice level.

• How do I know when the shrimp are fully cooked?

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and curl into a loose “C” shape, which typically takes 3-4 minutes over medium-high heat.

Shrimp Tortellini with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce Recipe

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4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory shrimp tortellini dances in a silky lemon garlic cream sauce, bringing Mediterranean coastal flavors to your dinner table. Fresh ingredients and simple techniques ensure a restaurant-quality meal that welcomes you to indulge in pure culinary comfort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined

Pasta:

• 1 package (12 ounces / 340 grams) cheese tortellini

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare the tortellini by boiling in salted water according to package instructions, ensuring a tender yet firm texture. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat, melting butter until it becomes golden and fragrant. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until aromatic.
3. Introduce shrimp to the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn opaque and develop a light pink color. Transfer cooked shrimp to a separate plate.
4. Reduce skillet heat and pour in heavy cream with fresh lemon juice, whisking continuously to create a smooth, velvety sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer and thicken for 2-3 minutes.
5. Season the cream sauce with a pinch of red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper, stirring to distribute the seasonings evenly.
6. Gently fold the cooked tortellini into the lemon garlic cream sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is well-coated.
7. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, carefully mixing to warm through and integrate with the tortellini and sauce.
8. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a burst of color and fresh herbaceous flavor. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Notes

• Ensure tortellini is cooked al dente to prevent mushiness and maintain a perfect texture.
• Pat shrimp dry before cooking to achieve a beautiful golden sear and prevent steaming.
• Use fresh lemon juice for a brighter, more vibrant flavor compared to bottled alternatives.
• Adjust red pepper flakes based on heat preference, allowing customization for different spice tolerances.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 620 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 43 g
• Saturated Fat: 25 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 210 mg