If you’re looking for a dish that turns any dinner into an unforgettable, restaurant-worthy experience, Shrimp Tortellini with Garlic Sauce is your new best friend. This recipe brings together tender shrimp, pillowy cheese tortellini, and a lusciously creamy garlic sauce that wraps every bite in pure comfort. It’s the kind of meal that looks elegant, tastes divine, and tricks everyone into thinking you fussed for hours—even though it’s surprisingly simple to make. Prepare yourself for rave reviews from friends and family!

Shrimp Tortellini with Garlic Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Shrimp Tortellini with Garlic Sauce is how each ingredient brings something special—bold flavor, creamy texture, or vibrant color. Don’t be intimidated by the list; every item plays a starring role in creating this mouthwatering masterpiece.

All-purpose seasoning: Adds instant flavor to your shrimp; Lawry’s and Mrs. Dash are a perfectly balanced combo.
Large shrimp (2 lbs.): Go for peeled, deveined, and tail-off shrimp for easy eating and speedy prep.
Three cheese tortellini (20 oz.): Fresh, refrigerated tortellini cooks quickly and offers a cheese-packed bite.
Olive or grapeseed oil (1 tbsp.): Either oil works for sautéing and imparts a lovely sheen to the shrimp.
Dry white wine (1/3 cup): Adds depth to the sauce and lifts all the savory flavors.
Unsalted butter (8 tbsp.): Provides rich, creamy body and a silky finish to the garlic sauce.
Minced garlic (2 tbsp.): Delivers the signature aromatic punch; don’t hold back if you’re a garlic lover!
All-purpose flour (1 tbsp.): Ensures your sauce thickens up perfectly—no runny business here.
Seafood or chicken stock (6 oz.): Infuses subtle background flavor; use seafood stock for an extra ocean-kissed taste.
Cream cheese, softened (4 oz.): Melts into the sauce for supreme creaminess without any lumps.
Heavy cream (2 cups): Brings lush, decadent texture that coats every bite.
Dried basil (1 tsp.): A hint of herbaceousness to round out the flavors.
Fresh baby spinach (5 oz.): Wilts beautifully into the sauce, adding nutrition and a burst of color.
Crushed red pepper (1/4 tsp.): Gives the dish just the right amount of gentle heat.
Freshly grated Parmesan (1/2 cup): Melts in for a finishing touch of salty, nutty depth—always use fresh for best results.

How to Make Shrimp Tortellini with Garlic Sauce

Step 1: Season the Shrimp

Let’s start by giving those gorgeous shrimp a good sprinkle of all-purpose seasoning—think Lawry’s and a shake of Mrs. Dash for a savory, herby kick. Coat them generously so that every bite pops with flavor right from the start.

Step 2: Sear the Shrimp

In your biggest skillet, heat a glug of olive or grapeseed oil over medium-high heat. Sear the shrimp in batches (don’t crowd them!) for just 1–2 minutes per side, until they’re pink and opaque with a little caramelized edge. Remove them to a plate and repeat, adding a touch more oil and a pat of butter between batches for the juiciest texture.

Step 3: Build the Garlic Butter Base

Turn the heat down to medium-low. Deglaze the skillet with the white wine, scraping up any irresistible browned bits (that’s pure flavor gold). Add 6 tablespoons of butter and all the minced garlic, letting it gently sizzle and infuse for about 3 minutes until fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour, stirring until it disappears and the mixture turns slightly golden.

Step 4: Make the Silky Garlic Sauce

Slowly pour in the seafood or chicken stock, whisking to blend. Now it’s time for the softened cream cheese—let it melt right in, whisking or stirring constantly until the sauce looks utterly smooth. Pour in the heavy cream and toss in the dried basil. Drop the heat to low and let the sauce simmer, uncovered, for 5 to 7 minutes. Stir often, and watch as the mixture transforms into a dreamy, thick coating.

Step 5: Cook the Tortellini

While your sauce simmers, cook the cheese tortellini just until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain, but don’t rinse—you want all that starch to help the sauce cling to each piece.

Step 6: Finish the Sauce and Combine Everything

Add the fresh baby spinach directly into the simmering sauce. Stir until it wilts beautifully, then toss in the crushed red pepper and Parmesan cheese. Taste and add salt if you’d like. Now, add both the cooked tortellini and the seared shrimp. Stir everything gently together, so the Shrimp Tortellini with Garlic Sauce is exquisitely coated and ready to serve piping hot.

How to Serve Shrimp Tortellini with Garlic Sauce

Garnishes

Go for a generous shower of extra Parmesan, a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil or parsley, and maybe a light dusting of black pepper. A swirl of good olive oil just before serving makes the flavors extra luxe. If you want your Shrimp Tortellini with Garlic Sauce to look as amazing as it tastes, don’t skip the finishing touches!

Side Dishes

Shrimp Tortellini with Garlic Sauce is rich and filling, so simple sides work best. Think crusty bread for sopping up every last drop of sauce, a crisp garden salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette, or quickly sautéed green beans. These fresh accompaniments balance the creaminess of the main dish while adding color and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Shrimp Tortellini with Garlic Sauce in shallow pasta bowls for a dramatic effect, or layer it in a large family-style platter for a shareable feast. You can also scoop a little extra garlic sauce onto each plate before piling on the pasta—the ultimate restaurant trick. For special occasions, top each serving with a whole shrimp for an elegant finishing flourish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, let the Shrimp Tortellini with Garlic Sauce cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors meld overnight, making for an even more delicious lunch the next day. Just be sure to eat leftovers within 2–3 days for the best taste and texture.

Freezing

While the sauce is cream-based and can separate when frozen, you can freeze the shrimp and tortellini together—but for optimal results, freeze without the cream sauce and make a fresh batch of sauce when you’re ready to eat. If you do freeze, use within a month and thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Gently reheat Shrimp Tortellini with Garlic Sauce on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or stock to loosen it up as needed. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp during reheating, as they can become rubbery. Stir frequently, and your leftovers will taste almost as good as the original.

FAQs

What kind of white wine is best for the sauce?

A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay works beautifully in Shrimp Tortellini with Garlic Sauce. Avoid wines labeled “cooking wine”—you want something you’d enjoy sipping!

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely! Thaw your shrimp thoroughly and pat them dry before seasoning and searing. This prevents excess water and ensures they sear beautifully in Shrimp Tortellini with Garlic Sauce.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?

Mascarpone or even a little extra Parmesan can stand in for cream cheese if needed. The cream cheese adds silkiness, but the key is achieving a smooth, luscious sauce for your Shrimp Tortellini with Garlic Sauce.

Is it possible to make this dish lighter?

For a lighter version of Shrimp Tortellini with Garlic Sauce, you can swap in half-and-half for some of the heavy cream and use low-fat cream cheese. You can also increase the spinach for a healthier touch.

Can I use other types of tortellini?

Yes! Feel free to use spinach, mushroom, or even meat-filled tortellini. The cheese version is classic, but the garlic sauce in Shrimp Tortellini with Garlic Sauce pairs well with many tortellini fillings.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re cooking for two or feeding a crowd, Shrimp Tortellini with Garlic Sauce always delivers a little extra magic. There’s no better way to show loved ones how much you care than by sharing this irresistible, flavor-packed pasta. Treat yourself—you deserve it, and you’ll want to make this again and again.

Shrimp Tortellini with Garlic Sauce Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 8 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich flavors of Shrimp Tortellini with Garlic Sauce, a decadent dish that combines succulent shrimp, cheesy tortellini, and a creamy garlic sauce. This recipe is a perfect blend of seafood and pasta, sure to impress your taste buds.

Instructions

Season the Shrimp: Season the shrimp with the all-purpose seasoning.
Sear the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Sear shrimp in batches, about 1-2 minutes per side. Set aside.
Prepare the Garlic Sauce: Deglaze the skillet with wine. Add butter and garlic, cook until fragrant. Stir in flour. Add stock, cream cheese, heavy cream, and basil. Simmer for 5-7 minutes.
Cook the Pasta: Cook tortellini according to package instructions.
Finish the Sauce: Add spinach to the sauce until wilted. Stir in red pepper flakes and Parmesan. Adjust seasoning.
Combine and Serve: Add cooked tortellini and shrimp to the sauce. Stir together and serve warm.