If you’re craving a dish that combines rich, velvety sauce with tender shrimp and cheesy pasta, look no further than this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Tortellini. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that feels indulgent but comes together in no time. The combination of garlic-infused olive oil, succulent shrimp, fresh spinach, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce tossed with pillowy cheese tortellini guarantees a crowd-pleaser for anyone who loves Italian-inspired comfort food.

Why This Recipe Is Reliable

This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Tortellini recipe is a dependable favorite because it balances simplicity and flavor without any gimmicks. Using store-bought cheese tortellini cuts down prep time while still delivering a satisfying, homemade taste. The shrimp cooks quickly and stays juicy thanks to the proper sear in olive oil. The creamy sauce is made with just a few staple ingredients, including garlic and Parmesan, which marry perfectly to coat every bite of pasta and shrimp. Plus, the fresh spinach adds a nutritious pop of color and earthiness. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a busy home chef, this recipe is straightforward and forgiving, ensuring delicious results every time.

What You’ll Gather

12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp (medium or large size)
3 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup fresh spinach
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Equipment & Tools

Large pot – to boil tortellini
Large skillet or sauté pan – for cooking shrimp and sauce
Colander – to drain pasta
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – for stirring
Measuring cups and spoons – to measure ingredients accurately
Knife and cutting board – for mincing garlic and chopping parsley

Stepwise Method: Creamy Garlic Shrimp Tortellini

Step 1: Cook the Cheese Tortellini

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 12 oz cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 3 to 5 minutes for fresh or frozen tortellini. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once tender, drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp

While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels, then season lightly with salt, pepper, and half a teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Add shrimp to the skillet in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Garlic Cream Sauce

Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the same skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the shrimp for extra flavor. Let the cream simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until it slightly thickens.

Step 4: Add Parmesan and Spinach

Sprinkle in 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese and the remaining Italian seasoning. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy and smooth. Toss in the fresh spinach and cook just until wilted, about 1 minute.

Step 5: Combine Tortellini and Shrimp

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet along with the drained tortellini. Gently toss everything together to coat evenly in the creamy garlic sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Season and Garnish

Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Low-Carb/Keto Alternatives

Swap cheese tortellini for zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles to reduce carbs.
Use cauliflower gnocchi as a low-carb pasta substitute.
Replace heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free, keto-friendly option.
Use grated Pecorino Romano cheese for a sharper, keto-compatible cheese variation.

Easy-to-Miss Gotchas

Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly and will turn rubbery if left too long. Remove them as soon as they’re pink and opaque.
Reserve pasta water: Adding a little pasta water helps loosen the sauce and binds it to the tortellini beautifully.
Watch the garlic: Garlic burns fast and turns bitter. Sauté just until fragrant for the best flavor.
Cheese timing: Add Parmesan off the heat or on low to avoid clumping or grainy sauce.

Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce as needed. Avoid microwaving directly as it can cause the shrimp to become chewy.

Freezing isn’t recommended for this dish because the cream sauce and spinach can separate and change texture upon thawing.

Troubleshooting Q&A

Why is my cream sauce grainy?

This usually happens if the cheese is added to boiling liquid or cooked too long. To fix, remove the pan from heat before stirring in the Parmesan slowly, and stir continuously until smooth.

How can I prevent shrimp from sticking to the pan?

Make sure the pan and oil are hot before adding shrimp. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook shrimp in batches if necessary for a proper sear.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can substitute with half-and-half mixed with a little butter, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy. Alternatively, full-fat coconut milk can work for a dairy-free version.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, but be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the sauce to avoid a watery consistency.

What to Make After This

Try the Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Penne for a zesty twist on shrimp pasta.
For a smoky, spicy flavor, the Chipotle Lime Shrimp Penne is a perfect next dish.
If you want to stay on creamy pasta but with a vegetarian flair, check out the Creamy Spinach Ricotta Manicotti.

Hungry for More?

This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Tortellini is just one way to enjoy shrimp and pasta, but there’s a whole world of creamy, garlicky dishes waiting for you to explore. Whether you want to experiment with different herbs, swap out the cheese, or add extra veggies, this recipe is a fantastic base to build upon. The best part? It’s all about the perfect balance of flavors and textures that will keep everyone coming back for seconds.

With its rich sauce, tender shrimp, and cheesy tortellini, this dish brings comfort and elegance to your table in under 30 minutes. Give it a try tonight, and savor every creamy, garlicky bite!

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