Dinner

Shrimp Tortellini with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce Recipe

ByRita Bennet November 3, 2025November 3, 2025

Introduction

Savor the delightful combination of tender shrimp and cheesy tortellini in a luscious lemon garlic cream sauce. This easy and elegant dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. Ready in under 30 minutes, it offers rich flavors with a refreshing citrus twist.

The image shows a white bowl filled with creamy pasta and shrimp. The pasta appears soft and yellowish, each piece shaped like folded mini pillows, evenly covered in a smooth white creamy sauce. On top, six pink shrimp sit, curled and slightly translucent, sprinkled with small green herb pieces and a little black pepper. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, and a dark cloth is seen to the right side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb cheese tortellini
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 lemon, zested and juiced
1 tsp dried basil

1 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.

Step 4: Add the grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, dried basil, and dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 5: Add the cooked tortellini and shrimp back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until well coated. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Transfer the shrimp tortellini to serving plates. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For a lighter sauce, substitute half of the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but keep an eye on the consistency as it may be thinner.
If fresh herbs are available, replace dried basil and thyme with 1 tbsp each of fresh chopped herbs for a brighter flavor.
Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic for a subtle spicy kick.

To make it vegetarian, omit the shrimp and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach instead.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.