Imagine a dish that combines the luxurious creaminess of pesto, succulent shrimp, and perfectly cooked tortellini in just 25 minutes. This Creamy Shrimp Pesto Tortellini Pasta isn't just a meal—it's a culinary escape that transforms your weeknight dinner into a gourmet experience. With restaurant-quality flavors and an incredibly simple preparation, this recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food that will impress both family and unexpected dinner guests.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz tortellini
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup pesto
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add tortellini to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
- Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low.
- Add pesto and heavy cream to the skillet, stirring to combine. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Add cooked tortellini and shrimp to the sauce, gently tossing to coat. If sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and optional chopped fresh basil.
Tips
- Always pat shrimp dry before cooking to ensure a perfect sear and prevent steaming.
- Don't overcrowd the skillet when cooking shrimp—cook in batches if necessary to achieve that beautiful golden color.
- Reserve pasta water before draining; it's liquid gold for adjusting sauce consistency.
- Use high-quality store-bought or homemade pesto for the most vibrant flavor.
- For extra richness, consider using a blend of Parmesan and Romano cheeses when garnishing.
- If you prefer, you can substitute tortellini with other pasta shapes like ravioli or gnocchi.
- For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 485kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
