Cheese Tortellini Shrimp Alfredo is a creamy, comforting dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. The tender shrimp and cheesy tortellini are enveloped in a rich Alfredo sauce, making this meal both satisfying and indulgent. It’s easy to prepare and brings together the best of Italian-American flavors. Serve it with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete and delicious dinner that everyone will love.
If you’re looking for a meal that’s both indulgent and easy to make, this Cheese Tortellini Shrimp Alfredo is a perfect choice. With tender shrimp, rich Alfredo sauce, and cheesy tortellini, this dish brings together the best of Italian-American comfort food. It’s creamy, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in.
INGREDIENTS
- Shrimp: 1 lb, peeled and deveined, providing a tender and flavorful protein.
- Cheese tortellini: 1 package (9 oz), adds a cheesy, hearty base to the dish.
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons, used to sauté the shrimp until perfectly cooked.
- Unsalted butter: 4 tablespoons, forms the rich base of the Alfredo sauce.
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced, adds a fragrant and savory depth to the sauce.
- Heavy cream: 1 cup, creates a rich and creamy sauce.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: 1 cup, for a cheesy and smooth Alfredo sauce.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, used to season the shrimp and the sauce.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped, for garnish, adds a fresh and vibrant touch to the finished dish.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1: Cook the Tortellini
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions. This usually takes about 7-9 minutes, depending on the brand. Once cooked, drain the tortellini and set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
- Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until the shrimp are pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Be careful not to overcook them, as shrimp can become tough if cooked too long. Once done, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
- Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly to combine with the garlic and butter. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and thickened. Make sure to keep the heat at medium to prevent the sauce from scorching.
- Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing them gently in the Alfredo sauce to coat. Next, add the cooked cheese tortellini to the skillet, stirring carefully to combine the pasta and shrimp with the creamy sauce. Ensure that everything is well-coated and heated through.
- Step 5: Serve the Dish
- Once everything is combined and heated, garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve the Cheese Tortellini Shrimp Alfredo immediately while it’s warm and creamy. Enjoy this delicious, comforting meal with your favorite side dish or a fresh salad.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve this Cheese Tortellini Shrimp Alfredo immediately for the best texture and flavor. Pair it with a simple side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables to complement the richness of the dish.
- If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much.
- For a bit of variety, you can add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes to the Alfredo sauce before combining it with the shrimp and tortellini. These additions will enhance the flavor and texture of the dish.
Helpful Notes
- To ensure your shrimp cooks evenly, make sure they are all similar in size. If using frozen shrimp, be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
- If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream, though the sauce may be slightly less thick.
- For a more indulgent dish, try adding a handful of shredded mozzarella cheese to the sauce for an extra creamy texture.
Tips from well-known chefs
- Chef Gordon Ramsay suggests using fresh Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated for a richer, more authentic flavor in your Alfredo sauce.
- Jamie Oliver recommends adding a squeeze of lemon juice to the shrimp after cooking to brighten the flavors and balance the richness of the Alfredo sauce.
- Nigella Lawson loves using a combination of fresh and dried pasta in dishes like this to add variety in texture.