Creamy Cheese Tortellini Shrimp Alfredo Recipe for Cozy Nights

Creamy, indulgent cheese tortellini shrimp alfredo dances on the palate with luxurious flavors that promise pure comfort.

Tender shrimp nestle between pillowy pasta pockets, creating a delightful blend of textures.

The rich, velvety sauce coats each tortellini with decadent cheesy goodness.

Fresh herbs and a hint of garlic elevate this classic Italian-inspired dish to restaurant-quality standards.

Parmesan cheese adds a subtle sharpness that perfectly complements the succulent shrimp.

Each forkful brings a symphony of maritime and pasta perfection.

Prepare to savor a meal that turns an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure they sear properly and don’t release excess water.

• What type of tortellini works best?

Cheese tortellini is recommended, but you can also use spinach or other cheese-filled varieties. Pre-packaged refrigerated or frozen tortellini both work well.

• How can I prevent the Alfredo sauce from breaking?

Keep the heat on medium-low and stir constantly when adding cheese. Remove the skillet from direct heat if the sauce starts to look grainy or separate.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, traditional tortellini contains wheat flour. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free tortellini and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

Why Cheese Tortellini Shrimp Alfredo Shines

• Impress your loved ones with a gourmet dish that tastes like it came straight from a fancy Italian restaurant, without the expensive bill.
• Perfect for home cooks of all levels, this recipe involves simple steps anyone can master, making it a stress-free cooking experience.
• Delivers a complete, protein-packed meal in under 30 minutes, ideal for busy families or individuals craving a delicious and filling dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Easily adaptable recipe where you can swap shrimp for chicken or add extra vegetables, making it a flexible option for different taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients for Creamy Tortellini Shrimp Alfredo

• Cheese Tortellini: Soft pasta pillows filled with creamy cheese that form the hearty base of this dish.
• Shrimp: Tender seafood that adds protein and a delicate ocean flavor to the recipe.

• Butter, Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Rich ingredients that create a smooth and luxurious Alfredo sauce with a classic cheesy depth.

• Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper, Garlic: Seasonings and aromatics that boost the overall taste profile and provide depth to the shrimp and sauce.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds a bright, green garnish and light herbal note to the finished dish.

Equipment to Make Shrimp Alfredo a Breeze

• Large pot: Essential for boiling tortellini with salted water.
• Large skillet: Perfect for cooking shrimp and preparing creamy Alfredo sauce.
• Colander: Needed to drain cooked tortellini.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring sauce and mixing ingredients.
• Measuring cups: Helps measure cream and other ingredients accurately.
• Chef's knife: Used for chopping parsley and mincing garlic.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for chopping ingredients.

Cooking Cheese Tortellini Shrimp Alfredo at Home

Step 1: Boil The Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt.

Bring the water to a rolling boil.

Carefully drop in the cheese tortellini and cook until they float and become tender.

Drain the pasta in a colander, shaking off excess water, and set aside.

Step 2: Sear The Seafood

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Drizzle in olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder (optional)

Cook the shrimp until they turn a beautiful pink color and curl slightly, about 2-3 minutes per side.

Transfer the cooked shrimp to a clean plate.

Step 3: Craft The Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter until it starts to bubble.

Toss in minced garlic and cook until it becomes fragrant and golden.

Pour in heavy cream, stirring continuously.

Slowly sprinkle in Parmesan cheese, whisking until the sauce becomes smooth and starts to thicken.

Step 4: Marry The Ingredients

Slide the seared shrimp back into the skillet with the creamy sauce.

Add the cooked tortellini and gently toss everything together, ensuring each piece gets coated in the luxurious sauce.

Step 5: Final Flourish

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top.

Add an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese if desired.

Serve immediately while the dish is piping hot and enjoy your restaurant-quality meal!

Tips for Silky Shrimp Alfredo Sauce

• Select large, deveined shrimp for the best texture and flavor, ensuring they are firm and have a clean, ocean-like smell.
• Stir Alfredo sauce continuously to prevent burning and achieve a smooth, creamy texture without lumps.
• Cook tortellini just until al dente to maintain a firm bite and prevent mushy texture in the final dish.
• Sauté minced garlic briefly to release flavor without burning, creating a subtle, aromatic base for the Alfredo sauce.
• Sprinkle fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese just before serving to add color, freshness, and an extra layer of flavor.

Variations for Cheese Tortellini Alfredo Lovers

• Vegetarian Tortellini Alfredo: Replace shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or roasted bell peppers for a hearty meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free tortellini and substitute cornstarch for thickening the sauce instead of traditional flour-based methods.
• Lighter Cream Sauce: Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half to reduce calories while maintaining a creamy texture.
• Spicy Seafood Remix: Add red pepper flakes and swap regular Parmesan for a smoked Parmesan to create a more intense flavor profile.

Serving Tortellini Shrimp Alfredo with Flair

• Italian Feast Night: Host a cozy dinner party with this creamy tortellini dish as the star, inviting friends to share warm conversation and delicious bites.
• Garden Fresh Companion: Serve alongside a crisp mixed green salad with cherry tomatoes and light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy sauce.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Select a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the seafood and cut through the sauce's richness, elevating the entire dining experience.
• Rustic Bread Delight: Add warm garlic bread or crusty Italian bread on the side for perfect sauce-dipping and a complete, satisfying meal.

Storing Shrimp Alfredo Enjoyment

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odors from spreading.
• Pack the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months, keeping in mind that the texture might slightly change upon thawing.
• Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and cover with a microwave-safe lid. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

Cheese Tortellini Shrimp Alfredo Recipe

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4.8 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Indulgent cheese tortellini shrimp alfredo brings Italian coastal flavors to home kitchens. Creamy parmesan sauce and plump shrimp create a luxurious meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 package (9 ounces/255 grams) cheese tortellini

Cooking Fats and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Sauce and Garnish:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Fill a large pot with water, generously salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Submerge cheese tortellini and cook until they float and become tender, approximately 3-4 minutes. Carefully drain in a colander and reserve.
2. Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature. Season shrimp with salt and black pepper, then sauté until they transform into a vibrant pink color and become translucent, roughly 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer cooked shrimp to a separate plate.
3. Without cleaning the skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt butter. Introduce minced garlic, allowing it to release its aromatic essence for approximately 60 seconds. Pour heavy cream into the pan, whisking continuously to prevent scorching.
4. Gradually incorporate Parmesan cheese into the cream mixture, stirring methodically until the sauce achieves a velvety, smooth consistency. The sauce should thicken and coat the back of a spoon.
5. Reintroduce sautéed shrimp into the creamy sauce, gently tossing to ensure even coating. Add reserved tortellini, delicately folding them into the sauce to prevent breaking.
6. Plate the dish immediately, garnishing with finely chopped fresh parsley and an optional sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese. Serve while piping hot for maximum flavor and texture.

Notes

• Choose high-quality, fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture, ensuring they are deveined and cleaned properly before cooking.
• Control the heat carefully when sautéing shrimp to prevent overcooking, which can make them tough and rubbery.
• Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, though the sauce might be slightly less creamy.
• Consider adding red pepper flakes or fresh herbs like basil or thyme to enhance the Alfredo sauce’s depth of flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg