Cheese Tortellini Skillet with Shrimp

Cheese Tortellini Skillet with Shrimp: A Cozy Family Favorite

As I stood in my kitchen, the fragrant aroma of garlic and fresh herbs wafted through the air, enveloping the space in a warm embrace. There’s something uniquely comforting about a one-pan meal that not only fills the belly but also warms the heart. Today, I’m thrilled to share my recipe for Cheese Tortellini Skillet with Shrimp — a delightful dish that brings all the joy of family dinners back to the table. Perfectly tender cheese tortellini mingles with plump shrimp, kissed by a light garlic sauce, and garnished with vibrant herbs, making it an indulgent treat that’s quickly become a cozy favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s more than one reason why this Cheese Tortellini Skillet with Shrimp is destined to become a staple in your home. Let me share why it resonates deeply with me:

• It’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal quick family meal on busy weeknights.
• This dish brings us all together, reminding us of the shared moments that happen around the dinner table.
• With its rich flavors and beautiful presentation, it feels festive enough for special occasions yet comforting enough for everyday dinners.
• The combination of shrimp and cheesy tortellini makes for a deliciously indulgent treat that is sure to please both kids and adults alike.
• Its simplicity allows for creativity, letting you incorporate seasonal vegetables or herbs for a personalized touch.

Ingredients with Notes

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful dish:

• 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen): Cheesy tortellini is the heart of this comforting dinner. Use fresh for a softer bite, or frozen for convenience.
• 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined): I recommend using large shrimp for a meaty texture. Opt for wild-caught shrimp for superior flavor.
• 2 tbsp olive oil: This will help sauté the shrimp and creates a glossy finish for your dish.
• 4 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic offers an aromatic depth that elevates the entire dish.
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved): Juicy cherry tomatoes add a bright freshness and burst of flavor.
• 1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth: This keeps the sauce light and flavorful without overpowering the dish.
• 1/4 cup heavy cream: If you want a more indulgent treat, this adds a creamy richness to the sauce, making it utterly delightful.
• 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped): For a burst of herbal brightness at the end.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for elevating the flavor of all your ingredients.

Prep and Cook Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

This Cheese Tortellini Skillet with Shrimp is not just quick; it’s the perfect solution for a satisfying meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the Tortellini: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add your cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions until they’re al dente, usually around 3-4 minutes for fresh and 7-10 minutes for frozen. Once done, drain and set aside. You’ll notice the tortellini becoming beautifully plump and ready to soak in flavor.

2. Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until they’re pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside. This is when your kitchen starts smelling incredible.

3. Build Flavor: In the same skillet, add a touch more olive oil if needed and toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant — careful not to let it burn! Then, add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they soften and release their juices.

4. Create the Sauce: Pour in the broth and bring it to a simmer. If you’re adding heavy cream, now’s the time! Stir it in and let the mixture simmer for an additional 5 minutes until it slightly thickens. You’ll notice the sauce becoming glossy, coating the back of a spoon beautifully.

5. Combine: Return the shrimp to the skillet and then add the cooked tortellini. Toss everything together gently, allowing the tortellini and shrimp to soak up all those delightful flavors for another minute or so.

6. Finish with Freshness: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the fresh basil. This is where the dish benefits from that herbal brightness. Serve it warm, and prepare to indulge!

Tips and Variations

• Healthier Swaps: For a lighter take, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also add spinach or kale for extra nutrition.
• Seasonal Twists: Incorporate asparagus in spring or roasted bell peppers in summer for added color and flavor.
• Flavor Upgrades: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving for brightness.

Serving Ideas

This delectable Cheese Tortellini Skillet with Shrimp works beautifully on its own or with a crisp side salad. Pair it with some crusty bread and a glass of white wine for a festive night in, or keep it simple with a side of steamed veggies. Picture this dish on a cozy weeknight or at a bustling family gathering — it’s versatile and always delivers warmth.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish does reheat beautifully — simply warm it gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to revive the creamy sauce. It also freezes well, so consider making an extra batch; just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Chef’s Pro Tips

1. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: They cook quickly and can become rubbery if overdone.
2. Use Fresh Basil at the End: This will keep its vibrant flavor and aroma, enhancing the dish.
3. Add a Splash of White Wine: For a delightful depth, deglaze the pan with a splash before adding broth.

FAQs

• Can I substitute the shrimp? Absolutely! Chicken or even sautéed mushrooms work well.
• Is there a gluten-free option? Yes, you can use gluten-free tortellini for a healthy option.
• How can I make this dish vegetarian? Simply omit the shrimp and use vegetable broth for a delicious cheesy tortellini dish.

Conclusion

As you sit down to enjoy your Cheese Tortellini Skillet with Shrimp, let it remind you of the simple joys of cooking and sharing a meal with loved ones. I encourage you to try this recipe, make it your own, and savor the happiness it brings to your table. After all, food is about connection, love, and creating memories. Here’s to many delightful meals ahead!

Contents

• 1 Cheese Tortellini Skillet with Shrimp
  • 1.1 Ingredients  
    • 1.1.1 Main Ingredients
  • 1.2 Instructions 
    • 1.2.1 Cooking the Tortellini
    • 1.2.2 Sautéing the Shrimp
    • 1.2.3 Building Flavor
    • 1.2.4 Creating the Sauce
    • 1.2.5 Combining Ingredients
    • 1.2.6 Finishing Touches
  • 1.3 Notes

Cheese Tortellini Skillet with Shrimp

A cozy one-pan meal featuring tender cheese tortellini and plump shrimp in a light garlic sauce, perfect for quick family dinners and special occasions.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen) Use fresh for a softer bite, or frozen for convenience.
• 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined) Opt for large, wild-caught shrimp for best flavor.
• 2 tbsp olive oil Used to sauté the shrimp and add gloss.
• 4 cloves garlic (minced) Fresh garlic adds aromatic depth.
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved) Adds freshness and bursts of flavor.
• 1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth Keeps the sauce light and flavorful.
• 1/4 cup heavy cream For creaminess, optional for a lighter version.
• 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped) For herbal brightness.
• Salt and pepper to taste Essential for flavor enhancement.

Instructions

 

Cooking the Tortellini

• Boil a large pot of salted water and add the cheese tortellini, cooking according to package instructions until al dente, about 3-4 minutes for fresh and 7-10 minutes for frozen.
• Drain the tortellini and set aside.

Sautéing the Shrimp

• In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
• Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Building Flavor

• In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes until softened.

Creating the Sauce

• Pour in the broth and bring to a simmer. If using heavy cream, stir it in now.
• Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.

Combining Ingredients

• Return the shrimp to the skillet and add the cooked tortellini.
• Toss gently to combine, allowing flavors to meld for about a minute.

Finishing Touches

• Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil.
• Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version. Add spinach or seasonal vegetables for freshness. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze, thawing overnight before reheating.

Keyword Cheese Tortellini, Comfort Food, Quick Meal, Shrimp Recipe, skillet dinner

Written by Salaheddine — founder of Tasty Sunrise, sharing easy and comforting homemade recipes for every occasion.

📩 admin@tastysunrise.com • Pinterest