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Shrimp Tortellini with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce

Juicy garlic butter chicken bites served over rich, creamy Parmesan pasta—this easy yet elegant meal is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb 1 lb cheese tortellini The cheesy center is a flavor bomb!
  • 1 lb 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined Fresh or frozen (thawed) work great.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil Our flavor base.
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced Because garlic makes everything better, right?
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated For that savory, umami kick.
  • 1 lemon lemon, zested and juiced The sunshine that brightens the whole dish.
  • 1 teaspoon salt To enhance all those wonderful flavors.
  • 1 teaspoon pepper A little warmth.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder Double the garlic goodness!
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder Adds a subtle depth.
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil A classic Italian herb.
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme Earthy and aromatic.
  • 1 cup heavy cream For that luxurious, velvety sauce.
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth Helps create the perfect sauce consistency.
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) A pop of color and freshness to finish.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large Skillet

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Cook the Tortellini: First things first, get your tortellini cooking. Boil a big pot of salted water and cook the tortellini according to the package directions. Once they’re perfectly tender, drain them and set them aside.
  2. Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp: While the tortellini is doing its thing, let’s tackle the shrimp. Grab a large skillet and heat up your olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the shrimp and season them with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Cook them for about 3 minutes on each side, until they turn that beautiful pink color. Once they’re done, scoop them out of the skillet and set them aside with the tortellini.
  3. Step 3: Build the Sauce: Now, for the magic! In that same skillet (no need to wash it – more flavor!), add your minced garlic. Sauté it for just about 30 seconds until it smells amazing. Be careful not to burn it! Then, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir it all together and let it come to a gentle simmer over low heat.
  4. Step 4: Flavor Infusion: Time to make that sauce sing! Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, the zest and juice from your lemon, dried basil, and dried thyme. Keep stirring until the sauce is smooth and beautifully creamy. If it seems a little too thick for your liking, just add a splash more chicken broth until it’s just right. This is where you really get to play with the consistency to your preference, just like when we're making a lovely creamy garlic herb chicken dish.
  5. Step 5: Combine and Coat: Bring the cooked tortellini and the sautéed shrimp back into the skillet with that gorgeous sauce. Gently toss everything together, making sure every tortellini and shrimp is coated in that luscious lemon garlic cream.
  6. Step 6: Heat Through: Let it all simmer together for another 2-3 minutes. This is just enough time for everything to get nice and warm and for all those flavors to meld together beautifully.
  7. Step 7: Garnish and Serve: The final touch! Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. And voilà! You’ve got a restaurant-worthy meal ready to enjoy.

Notes

This recipe is fantastic as is, but feel free to get creative! Here are a few ideas: Add Veggies: Toss in some baby spinach at the end for a pop of green, or sauté some mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes with the garlic for extra depth. Spice it Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a lovely little kick. Different Pasta: If you don’t have tortellini, you can use other pasta shapes like fettuccine or penne. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly. Broccolini Bliss: Steamed or lightly sautéed broccolini is a wonderful addition that adds color and a nice bite.
A few little tricks to make this dish absolutely perfect: Don't Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly! Overcooked shrimp can become tough, so keep an eye on them. Taste and Adjust: Always taste your sauce before adding the pasta and shrimp. Need more lemon? A bit more salt? Now’s the time to tweak! Prep Ahead: You can mince your garlic and zest/juice your lemon ahead of time to make the cooking process even faster. Sauce Consistency: If you’re making this ahead for leftovers, the sauce might thicken. You can loosen it up with a splash of milk or broth when reheating.