Shrimp Tortellini with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce

Hey there, fellow food lovers! If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with fresh, bright flavors but doesn’t require a ton of time in the kitchen, you’re in the right place. Today, I’m sharing my recipe for Shrimp Tortellini with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce. It’s one of those meals that feels fancy enough for a date night but is simple enough for a quick weeknight dinner. Think tender shrimp, pillowy cheese tortellini, and a zesty lemon garlic cream sauce that’ll have you licking your plate clean. Let’s dive in!

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Why You’ll Love It:

Flavors that Pop: This dish is all about balance—tangy lemon, rich Parmesan, and garlic all come together in the perfect harmony. Plus, the red pepper flakes add just a hint of heat.
Quick and Easy: We’re talking about a 30-minute meal here. It’s fast enough for a busy weeknight, but it’ll taste like you’ve been slaving away in the kitchen for hours.
Versatility: Not a fan of shrimp? Swap it for chicken, or even skip the protein for a comforting vegetarian option.
Impress Without Stress: Whether you’re hosting friends or treating yourself, this dish looks gorgeous on the plate and delivers big on flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients List:
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious dish:

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
Tip: Buy pre-peeled shrimp to save time. Fresh or frozen works great—just be sure to thaw the frozen shrimp before cooking!
9 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
Pro-tip: Use a garlic press to make mincing super fast.
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
Tip: Roll your lemon on the counter before juicing to get more juice out of it!
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, but adds a lovely kick)
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Lemon wedges (for serving)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
This recipe is a breeze. Follow these steps for a meal that’s packed with flavor, without the fuss.

1️⃣ Cook the Tortellini:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in your tortellini and cook according to the package instructions until they’re al dente (that means tender but still with a bit of bite). Drain and set aside. Fresh tortellini cooks faster than frozen, so keep an eye on them!

2️⃣ Cook the Shrimp:
Now let’s get those shrimp sizzling. In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Once it’s hot and bubbly, add your shrimp. Season them with a little salt and black pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when they turn a beautiful pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate for later.

3️⃣ Prepare the Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce:
Time to create the magic sauce! In the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter (because more butter is always a good idea). Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute—just long enough to release all that fragrant garlicky goodness.

Now, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until it begins to thicken. You’ll want to keep stirring so the sauce doesn’t stick to the bottom of the skillet. Once it’s slightly thickened, stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and everything is creamy and smooth.

4️⃣ Combine and Serve:
Here’s where it all comes together. Add the cooked shrimp and tortellini back into the skillet, gently tossing everything so it’s evenly coated with that luscious lemon garlic cream sauce. Let it cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to warm everything through.

Finish off by sprinkling fresh parsley on top and serve with extra lemon wedges on the side. A little extra lemon juice squeezed over your dish just before eating adds a delightful brightness!

Engagement Elements:
Personal Touch: This recipe has quickly become a staple in my kitchen because it feels like a special meal that doesn’t require a special occasion. I still remember the first time I made this dish—it was a Sunday, and I wanted something that felt indulgent but wouldn’t keep me in the kitchen for hours. The lemony sauce was a hit, and my family requested it again the next weekend!

Variations:

Make It Vegetarian: Skip the shrimp, double up on the tortellini, and maybe add some spinach for extra color and nutrients.
Spice It Up: If you love heat, don’t hold back on the red pepper flakes. You can even add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for extra spice!
Switch Up the Protein: Don’t have shrimp on hand? Grilled chicken works beautifully here, and so does salmon.
Serving Suggestions: This Shrimp Tortellini pairs perfectly with a simple green salad or some roasted veggies. And don’t forget the crusty bread you’ll want something to mop up that delicious sauce! A crisp white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, would also be a wonderful companion to this meal.

Closing:
So there you have it my Shrimp Tortellini with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce recipe! Whether you’re looking to impress someone special or just treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home, this dish delivers in every way. I’d love to hear how yours turns out, so don’t forget to drop a comment below and share your thoughts (and pictures!). And if you’re as obsessed with lemon and garlic as I am, this one might just become a new favorite in your dinner rotation.

Happy cooking, friends! 🍋🍤🧄