Shrimp Tortellini with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce Recipe

Imagine pillows of cheese tortellini, perfectly cooked shrimp, and a silky sauce that balances zesty lemon with mellow garlic, all twirled together in one irresistible bowl—welcome to Shrimp Tortellini with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce. This dish is a celebration of flavors and textures: fork-tender shrimp, tender pasta, and a comforting, creamy sauce brightened with fresh citrus. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a restaurant splurge but is secretly fast and easy to make at home. Whether you’re impressing guests or pampering yourself on a weeknight, this recipe is pure joy in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

If you love big flavor without a ton of fuss, you’ll adore how every ingredient in this recipe earns its place. Each adds something special—be it richness, brightness, a little bit of bite, or a fresh leafy finish. Let’s peek at what you’ll need for Shrimp Tortellini with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce

• Cheese tortellini: These plump pasta pockets soak up the sauce and provide the perfect base for all the delicious flavors.
• Large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star protein—quick-cooking, slightly sweet, and always elegant.
• Olive oil: A light sauté in olive oil ensures your shrimp are juicy and flavorful.
• Garlic, minced: Essential for that savory punch and a hint of nuttiness in the cream sauce.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts smoothly into the sauce, adding salty depth and a subtle nuttiness.
• Lemon (zested and juiced): The zest and juice add a pop of citrusy shine that cuts through the richness of the cream.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer and drawing out the natural flavors of shrimp and pasta.
• Garlic powder & onion powder: These dry spices subtly enhance the savoriness of the shrimp.
• Dried basil and dried thyme: A pinch of these herbs adds warmth and an herby backbone to the sauce.
• Heavy cream: The foundation of your luscious sauce—rich, smooth, and downright indulgent.
• Chicken broth: Keeps the cream sauce from feeling overly heavy while boosting flavor.
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): That final hit of color and freshness ties the whole dish together beautifully.

How to Make Shrimp Tortellini with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

Start by getting your biggest pot of salted water boiling like a geyser—this ensures your cheese tortellini cooks evenly and stays tender. Drop in the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions; usually, it only takes a handful of minutes. Once they’re perfectly al dente, drain and set them aside. Don’t stress about them getting cold; the warm sauce will wake them right up!

Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp

While the tortellini is bubbling away, add olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Tumble in the shrimp and season generously with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Let the shrimp sizzle for about 3 minutes per side—you’re looking for that pink, slightly curled perfection. Scoop them out of the skillet and let them rest; we’ll be inviting them back soon.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Without cleaning the skillet, turn the heat to low and toss in the minced garlic. Stir it just until fragrant—about 30 seconds—then pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. The pan will hiss and bubble as you stir everything together. Let the sauce gently simmer, allowing the flavors to blend and the richness to develop.

Step 4: Add Cheese, Lemon, and Herbs

It’s time for a flavor explosion! Add the Parmesan cheese, then grate in the lemon zest and squeeze in the fresh lemon juice. Sprinkle in dried basil and thyme, stirring until the sauce is creamy, smooth, and flecked with herbs. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash more broth until it’s gloriously silky.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Slide the cooked tortellini and sautéed shrimp back into the skillet. Gently toss everything so the pasta and shrimp are coated in that Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce. Let it all heat through for a couple of minutes; you want everything piping hot and irresistibly creamy.

Step 6: Finish With Fresh Parsley

Just before serving, scatter a handful of chopped fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness. This last touch makes the whole dish pop—your Shrimp Tortellini with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce is officially ready!

How to Serve Shrimp Tortellini with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce

Garnishes

Garnishing is more than just the cherry on top for Shrimp Tortellini with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce—it amplifies the flavors. A generous sprinkle of fresh parsley is a must, but you can also add extra grated Parmesan or even a twist of fresh lemon for brightness and zing. If you love a little heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes will do the trick!

Side Dishes

This pasta is a knockout main course, so keep accompaniments light and fresh. A simple green salad with a lemony vinaigrette is perfect for cutting through the richness. A sliced baguette or some toasted garlic bread is always welcome to mop up that luscious sauce. Steamed asparagus or broccoli bathed in olive oil pairs beautifully too.

Creative Ways to Present

For a restaurant-style feel, serve Shrimp Tortellini with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce in wide, shallow pasta bowls with a swirl of sauce on top. You could thread shrimp onto small skewers and rest them over the pasta for an elegant touch. Or, set everything out family-style in a big, beautiful serving dish, letting everyone help themselves. A finishing drizzle of good olive oil and a fresh grind of black pepper transforms it into pure art!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your Shrimp Tortellini with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce in airtight containers in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to three days. The sauce may thicken as it chills, but don’t worry—it comes back to life with a quick reheat.

Freezing

Cream sauces don’t always freeze beautifully, but you can freeze the dish if needed. Place cooled portions in freezer bags or containers, squeezing out as much air as possible. Thaw overnight in the fridge and be aware the sauce may separate a bit—but it’ll still be delicious after a good stir.

Reheating

To reheat, place Shrimp Tortellini with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce in a skillet over low to medium heat. Add a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if needed, and gently warm just until heated through—overheating can cause the shrimp to dry out and the sauce to break. In a pinch, the microwave works fine, just stir every 30 seconds for even heating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking. Frozen shrimp work beautifully in Shrimp Tortellini with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce and are wonderfully convenient for busy nights.

Which kind of tortellini is best for this sauce?

Cheese tortellini is classic and pairs perfectly with the creamy, lemony sauce. You can substitute with spinach and cheese or even chicken-filled tortellini if you like a little extra variety.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Simply choose gluten-free tortellini (available at many grocery stores) and double-check that your chicken broth is gluten-free. The sauce itself is naturally gluten-free, so this swap is a breeze.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

For a lighter version, half-and-half or even whole milk can work, though the sauce may be less silky. Coconut cream could be a fun dairy-free alternative, but it will slightly change the flavor profile of your Shrimp Tortellini with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce.

Can I make this ahead for entertaining?

This dish is best fresh, but you can prep components in advance: cook the shrimp and pasta, and whisk together the cream sauce ingredients (minus the cheese and herbs). Reheat and combine everything just before serving for a stress-free dinner party.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about sharing a meal as comforting and gorgeous as Shrimp Tortellini with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but special enough to impress your favorite people. I hope you make it soon—your kitchen (and your taste buds!) will thank you. Enjoy every creamy, lemony bite!

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