Go Back
–+ servings
Shrimp Tortellini served with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce in a bowl
Print Recipe
No ratings yet

Shrimp Tortellini with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce

A creamy, flavor-packed dinner featuring juicy shrimp, cheese tortellini, and a silky lemon garlic cream sauce.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Main
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Easy
Servings: 4 servings

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large Skillet

Ingredients

Ingredients

  • 1 lb cheese tortellini
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 whole lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • to taste fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions until just tender. Drain well and set aside.
  • While the tortellini cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook for about 3 minutes on each side, until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Remove the cooked shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant—watch closely to avoid burning.
  • Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well to combine. Lower the heat and let the sauce come to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, dried basil, and dried thyme. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes smooth and creamy. If it’s too thick, add a splash more chicken broth to loosen it up.
  • Return the cooked tortellini and shrimp to the skillet. Toss everything together gently, ensuring the pasta and shrimp are fully coated in the lemon garlic cream sauce. Heat for 2-3 additional minutes, just until everything is hot.
  • Transfer to a serving platter or bowls. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving for a pop of color and burst of freshness.

Notes

For a well-rounded meal, pair with a crisp green salad and warm, crusty bread. A glass of chilled white wine complements the dish beautifully.