This creamy shrimp and spinach tortellini dish is a fun and tasty meal! The soft tortellini hugs the shrimp and spinach, all topped with a delicious creamy sauce.
Honestly, it’s like a big warm hug on a plate. I love how quick it is to whip up after a long day—just toss everything in and enjoy! Perfect for busy nights!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese Tortellini: Fresh cheese tortellini brings a delightful creaminess. If you can’t find this, you can use dried variants, just ensure to follow the cooking times on the package for the right texture.
Shrimp: Use large raw shrimp for the best texture. If you have frozen shrimp, that’s fine—just thaw them before cooking! If you’re looking for alternatives, cooked chicken or tofu works well too.
Heavy Cream: This makes the sauce rich and creamy. If you’re looking to lighten it up, consider using half-and-half or even coconut cream for a dairy-free substitute!
Parmesan Cheese: This adds a lovely salty flavor. If you’re out, other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a vegan option can work, just keep in mind the taste might change a bit!
How Do I Cook Spinach Without Losing Its Flavor?
Cooking spinach quickly is key to keep it vibrant and tasty! Here’s how you can do it:
- Once your garlic and bell pepper are sautéed, lower the heat to medium.
- Add fresh spinach and stir just until it wilts, which takes only about 1-2 minutes. You want it bright green, not mushy!
- This ensures you keep all that fresh flavor and nutrients intact.
Enjoy this easy cooking tip to keep the spinach fresh and flavorful in your dish!
Creamy Shrimp and Spinach Tortellini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 1 pound (450g) fresh cheese tortellini
- 1 pound (450g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small red bell pepper, finely diced
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes, optional (to taste)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy shrimp and spinach tortellini dish takes about 25-30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend around 10 minutes boiling the pasta and cooking the shrimp, followed by another 15-20 minutes preparing the sauce and bringing everything together. It’s a quick and delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Tortellini:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the fresh cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, usually for about 3-5 minutes until they are al dente. Once cooked, drain the tortellini and set aside for later.
2. Sauté the Shrimp:
While the tortellini is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the peeled and deveined shrimp. Season them lightly with salt and freshly ground pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 2 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, carefully remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and finely diced red bell pepper. Sauté them together for about 2 minutes, just until the garlic becomes fragrant and the bell pepper softens. After that, lower the heat to medium and add the fresh spinach. Stir the spinach until it wilts, which should only take about a minute.
4. Combine and Season:
Next, pour in the heavy cream and mix well. Allow the cream to heat through, but be careful not to let it boil. Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and dried Italian herbs, blending everything together until you have a smooth and creamy sauce. Taste and season with additional salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
5. Toss Everything Together:
Return the cooked shrimp and drained tortellini back to the skillet. Gently toss everything to coat the tortellini and shrimp evenly in the creamy sauce. Cook for another minute or two to ensure everything is heated through.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Your creamy shrimp and spinach tortellini is ready to be served! Dish it out into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the frozen shrimp before cooking. You can do this by leaving them in the fridge overnight or quickly thawing them in a sealed bag submerged in cold water for about 15-20 minutes.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the shrimp in advance. Store them separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce on the stove over low heat and add the cooked tortellini and shrimp just until warmed through.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly without overcooking the shrimp.
Can I Swap the Tortellini for Another Type of Pasta?
Definitely! While cheese tortellini adds great flavor and texture, you can use any pasta shape you like, such as penne or fettuccine. Just adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you choose.