Description
This Shrimp Tortellini in Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce is a delightful and creamy pasta dish featuring tender shrimp and cheesy tortellini enveloped in a rich, zesty lemon garlic cream sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe combines fresh flavors and simple ingredients for a decadent, restaurant-quality meal made right at home.
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
Pasta
- 1 package (9 ounces) cheese tortellini
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini: Cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions, typically boiling for about 3-5 minutes until al dente. Once cooked, drain well and set aside to keep warm.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and place on a plate, setting aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute or until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add Lemon Flavor: Incorporate the lemon zest and lemon juice into the cream sauce. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Finish the Sauce: Stir in the butter until it melts completely and blends smoothly into the sauce, giving it richness and shine.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked shrimp and tortellini to the skillet. Gently toss everything together until the shrimp and tortellini are well coated with the lemon garlic cream sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for extra citrus brightness.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp if possible for the best texture and flavor.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice and zest according to your preference for acidity and brightness.
- Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it won’t be as rich.
- Parmesan cheese adds a nutty depth; freshly grated is preferred over pre-grated.
- This dish is best served immediately for the freshest taste and texture.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute cheese tortellini with gluten-free pasta or tortellini.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: shrimp tortellini, lemon garlic cream sauce, creamy pasta, easy shrimp pasta, Italian dinner, weeknight recipe
