Description
This Shrimp Tortellini Alfredo recipe combines tender cheese tortellini with a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce and juicy cooked shrimp. Ready in just 30 minutes, this comforting pasta dish features a flavorful blend of butter, heavy cream, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder, creating a luscious sauce that perfectly coats the shrimp and pasta. Ideal for an easy yet elegant weeknight dinner that serves six.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 2 packages (9 ounces each) refrigerated cheese tortellini
Sauce
- ¼ cup salted butter
- 1 pint heavy cream
- 4 ounces Chive and Onion cream cheese
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Protein
- 1 package (12 ounces) small cooked shrimp (peeled, deveined, tails off)
Optional Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the refrigerated cheese tortellini and cook according to the package directions until tender. Drain the water and set the tortellini aside.
- Prepare the Alfredo Sauce: In a large non-stick skillet over medium heat, add the salted butter, heavy cream, and Chive and Onion cream cheese. Stir occasionally and let it simmer gently until the butter and cream cheese are fully melted and combined into a smooth sauce.
- Enhance the Sauce: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and garlic powder. Reduce the heat to low and allow the sauce to simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Thaw the Shrimp: While the sauce simmers, run cold water over the frozen cooked shrimp to thaw completely. Drain well once thawed.
- Add Shrimp to Sauce: Gently fold the thawed shrimp into the Alfredo sauce in the skillet. Stir carefully to incorporate the shrimp without breaking them up.
- Combine Tortellini and Sauce: Pour the cooked and drained tortellini into the skillet with the shrimp Alfredo sauce. Gently stir to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce and shrimp.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your creamy shrimp tortellini Alfredo!
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding freshly ground black pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer a little longer or add more Parmesan cheese.
- Use fresh shrimp if available for the best texture and taste.
- Chive and Onion cream cheese adds a subtle onion flavor enhancing the sauce, but plain cream cheese can be used as a substitute.
- Make sure not to overcook the tortellini to maintain the perfect bite.
