Name: Cheesy Skillet Shrimp & Tortellini
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined (Frozen shrimp can be used, thawed first.); 1 package refrigerated cheese tortellini (Spinach tortellini can also be used.); 1 tablespoon butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup white wine (optional) (Adds nice flavor.); 1.5 cups chicken broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream (Can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk.); 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated (Add mozzarella or fontina for extra gooeyness.); to taste salt; to taste pepper; 1 teaspoon Italian herbs; 1 pinch red pepper flakes (Optional for a kick.); to taste fresh herbs like parsley or basil (For garnish.)

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Hey there! I’m absolutely obsessed with this cheesy shrimp recipe that’s become my go-to when I need dinner on the table fast. This skillet pasta dish combines two of my favorite ingredients – plump shrimp and cheese-filled tortellini! After a long day at work, the last thing I want is to spend hours cooking, which is why this quick shrimp dinner is such a lifesaver. It reminds me of those cozy Italian restaurant meals but takes half the effort. If you love comfort food like my delicious pot roast with vegetables, you’ll definitely want to add this creamy tortellini skillet to your rotation.

Cheesy Skillet Shrimp & Tortellini: A Delicious 30 Minute Meal

Isn’t it amazing when you can whip up something restaurant-worthy in just half an hour? That’s exactly what this tortellini with shrimp recipe offers! I discovered this dish during a particularly hectic week when takeout was threatening to become my only food group.

The beauty of this skillet pasta dish is that it cooks up in one pan, which means less cleanup (always a win in my book). The cheese sauce gets all bubbly and golden around the edges of the pan as it cooks, creating these little crispy bits that are absolutely divine.

What makes this cheesy shrimp recipe special is how the flavors build on each other. You start by sautéing the shrimp until they’re just pink, then they finish cooking in the creamy sauce alongside the tortellini. This way, the pasta absorbs all those amazing seafood flavors.

I’ve made this creamy tortellini skillet for impromptu dinner parties, and people always think I spent way more time on it than I actually did. It’s my little secret weapon recipe! The combo of tender shrimp and cheese-filled pasta just hits different than your everyday pasta dish.

For busy weeknights, you really can’t beat a quick shrimp dinner that still feels special. I’ve even prepped some components ahead of time (like chopping garlic and herbs) to make the actual cooking process even faster.

Essential Ingredients for Cheesy Shrimp & Tortellini

Let’s talk about what you’ll need to make this skillet pasta dish happen! The good news is that most of these ingredients are probably already in your kitchen or easy to grab at any grocery store.

For the star players, you’ll want about a pound of medium shrimp (peeled and deveined) and a package of refrigerated cheese tortellini. I sometimes use frozen shrimp – just thaw them first! As for the tortellini, I usually go with cheese-filled, but spinach tortellini works great too.

The creamy sauce for this quick shrimp dinner starts with butter, garlic, and a splash of white wine (optional, but adds nice flavor). Then you’ll need chicken broth, heavy cream, and a good handful of parmesan cheese. If you’re a cheese lover like me who enjoys cheesy stuffed peppers, feel free to add some mozzarella or fontina for extra gooeyness.

For seasonings in this cheesy shrimp recipe, keep it simple with salt, pepper, Italian herbs, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a tiny kick. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil brighten everything up at the end.

Don’t worry about hunting down fancy ingredients for this creamy tortellini skillet. The beauty of this dish is that it uses simple, everyday items to create something that tastes like you spent hours on it. Most ingredients can be swapped based on what you have – that’s the beauty of a flexible recipe!

Step by Step Cooking Instructions for Perfect Results

Ready to make this tortellini with shrimp magic happen? It’s super straightforward, I promise!

First, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your shrimp with salt and pepper, then cook them for about 2 minutes per side until they’re just pink. Don’t overcook them! Remove the shrimp to a plate and set aside.

In the same skillet (hello, flavor!), add a tablespoon of butter and sauté some minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. If you’re using white wine, add about 1/4 cup now and let it simmer for a minute.

Pour in 1 1/2 cups of chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add your package of tortellini directly to the skillet and cook according to package directions, usually about 7-9 minutes. No need to boil them separately – that’s what makes this skillet pasta dish so easy!

When the tortellini is almost tender, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of grated parmesan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken. This is when your kitchen starts smelling amazing!

Return the shrimp to the skillet and gently fold everything together. Let it all heat through for another minute or two. The sauce for this cheesy shrimp recipe should coat the pasta beautifully – if it’s too thick, add a splash of broth; if too thin, let it simmer a bit longer.

Finish your creamy tortellini skillet with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and maybe a little more cheese (because why not?). From start to finish, this quick shrimp dinner takes about 25-30 minutes!

Tips for Customizing and Serving Your Dish

The beauty of this skillet pasta dish is how easily you can make it your own! Don’t feel locked into the exact recipe – cooking should be fun and flexible.

Want to add veggies to this cheesy shrimp recipe? Throw in some spinach during the last minute of cooking, or add sautéed mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus. I’ve even tossed in frozen peas for a pop of color and sweetness.

If shrimp isn’t your thing or you’re cooking for someone with allergies, this creamy tortellini skillet works great with chicken or just as a vegetarian dish. Simply skip the shrimp and maybe add some extra veggies instead.

For serving this quick shrimp dinner, I like to bring the whole skillet to the table for a casual family-style meal. It looks impressive and saves on dishes! A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette makes the perfect accompaniment.

Want to stretch this tortellini with shrimp dish to feed more people? Add an extra cup of broth and a bit more cream, then toss in another handful of tortellini. The sauce is forgiving and can easily be adjusted.

Leftovers (if you have any!) reheat surprisingly well. Just add a splash of cream or milk when warming it up to bring the sauce back to life. I’ve been known to eat the cold leftovers straight from the fridge too – no judgment!

Common Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! I do it all the time. Just make sure to thaw them completely first and pat them dry with paper towels before cooking. This prevents them from releasing too much water into your creamy tortellini skillet.

What if I don’t have heavy cream on hand?
You can substitute half-and-half or even whole milk, though your sauce won’t be quite as rich. Another trick is to use cream cheese (about 2 tablespoons) mixed with regular milk to create that creamy texture for your cheesy shrimp recipe.

How do I know when the tortellini is done?
The best way is to simply taste one! Refrigerated tortellini usually takes 7-9 minutes in the simmering broth. They should be tender but still slightly firm – what Italians call “al dente.” For this skillet pasta dish, it’s better to slightly undercook than overcook.

Can I make this ahead of time?
This quick shrimp dinner is best made fresh, but you can prep all the ingredients ahead of time. Have your shrimp peeled, garlic minced, and cheese grated. The actual cooking only takes about 25 minutes, and it’s really at its best right from the skillet.

What wine pairs well with this dish?
A crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements this tortellini with shrimp beautifully. The light, bright flavors balance the richness of the creamy sauce. And if you’re cooking with wine, it’s always nice to sip what you cook with!

Your New Favorite Weeknight Wonder

There you have it – my go-to dinner that never fails to impress! This cheesy skillet dish combines the comfort of pasta with the luxury of shrimp in a way that feels special but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. I love having recipes like this in my back pocket for those nights when I want something delicious without all the fuss.

Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this creamy shrimp and tortellini masterpiece delivers big flavor with minimal effort. The one-pan approach makes cleanup a breeze, and the leftovers (if there are any!) taste fantastic the next day. For more amazing pasta inspiration, check out this Cheesy Shrimp Tortellini Alfredo Skillet that uses similar techniques. Now go ahead and give this a try – your future hungry self will thank you!