Description
Indulge in our rich and creamy Cheese Tortellini Shrimp Alfredo Recipe, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. Easy to make and bursting with flavor!
Ingredients
Ingredients List (with Measurements)
For the Shrimp Alfredo:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 package (20 oz) cheese tortellini
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Tortellini
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, reducing the cooking time by 1 minute. Drain the tortellini and set aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic
In a large skillet or sauté pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant and slightly golden.
3. Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the skillet with the garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
4. Prepare the Alfredo Sauce
In the same skillet, add the heavy cream and whole milk. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
5. Combine and Toss
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Add the cooked tortellini and toss everything together until the pasta and shrimp are evenly coated in the sauce.
6. Garnish and Serve
Transfer the Cheese Tortellini Shrimp Alfredo to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
Tips and Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh shrimp and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Fresh ingredients make a significant difference in the overall taste and texture of the dish.
- Add Vegetables: To add more color and nutrition, consider incorporating vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or peas. Simply sauté or steam them before mixing them into the Alfredo sauce.
- Spice It Up: If you prefer a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the Alfredo sauce. This will give the dish a subtle kick that complements the creamy sauce.
- Make It Lighter: For a lighter version, use half-and-half or a lower-fat milk instead of heavy cream. Keep in mind that this may result in a thinner sauce, so adjust the amount of cheese accordingly to maintain a creamy consistency.
- Gluten-Free Option: To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free tortellini or substitute with gluten-free pasta. Ensure that the other ingredients, like the Parmesan cheese and spices, are also gluten-free.