Shrimp Tortellini with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce Recipe
A rich and comforting Shrimp Tortellini with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce recipe that combines tender cheese tortellini with juicy shrimp in a zesty, creamy garlic sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal, this dish offers a harmonious blend of flavors with fresh lemon, herbs, and Parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 lb cheese tortellini
Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce
- 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
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 3-5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: 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 turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce: Using the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well to combine. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, dried basil, and dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked tortellini and shrimp to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently until the pasta and shrimp are fully coated in the luscious lemon garlic cream sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Spoon the shrimp tortellini onto serving plates. Garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best bright flavor in the sauce.
- Ensure shrimp are cooked just until opaque to avoid toughness.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
- This recipe is best served immediately for optimal texture and flavor.
- Gluten-free tortellini can be used to make this dish gluten-free.
Keywords: Shrimp Tortellini, Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce, Italian pasta, creamy shrimp pasta, weeknight dinner, easy pasta recipe
