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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the tortellini by boiling in salted water according to package instructions, ensuring a tender yet firm texture. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Season the cream sauce with a pinch of red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper, stirring to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Gently fold the cooked tortellini into the lemon garlic cream sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is well-coated.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, carefully mixing to warm through and integrate with the tortellini and sauce.
- 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