Description
This delicious Shrimp and Tortellini recipe combines tender cheese tortellini with succulent sautéed shrimp, bright green peas, and a creamy lemon parmesan sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect quick and elegant meal bursting with fresh flavors and a zesty kick from lemon juice and zest.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 10 oz fresh cheese tortellini
- 1 pound raw and peeled medium shrimp
- 1 cup green peas
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 (2½ oz) shallots, diced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
Cooking Fats & Liquids
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1½ tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup chicken broth + 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ cup heavy cream
Herbs, Spices & Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or basil
- 1½ tablespoons lemon juice
- Zest from one lemon
- ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (or more to taste)
- ½ teaspoon coarse kosher salt (and more to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Tortellini: Boil fresh cheese tortellini as per package instructions. Reserve at least ¼ cup of pasta water before draining the tortellini thoroughly.
- Season and Cook Shrimp: Season raw peeled shrimp with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook until opaque, approximately 2 to 3 minutes. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Shallots and Garlic: In the same skillet, add diced shallots and minced garlic. Sauté over medium heat for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently until softened and fragrant.
- Deglaze and Reduce: Pour in chicken broth mixed with 1 teaspoon lemon juice and increase heat to medium-high. Let the liquid reduce slightly while scraping the pan bottom to loosen any browned bits.
- Add Cream and Herbs: Reduce heat to medium. Stir in heavy cream, dried thyme or basil, and the reserved pasta water. Add cooked tortellini and green peas, simmering gently for about 2 minutes.
- Combine Shrimp and Final Flavors: Return cooked shrimp to the skillet. Simmer until shrimp are heated through, about 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in remaining lemon juice, lemon zest, and grated Parmesan until the sauce becomes creamy and cohesive.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust salt, lemon juice, or cheese as needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water before draining tortellini; it helps create a silky sauce.
- Use fresh lemon zest and juice for bright, fresh flavor.
- Adjust herbs according to preference between thyme or basil.
- Cook shrimp just until opaque to avoid toughness.
- Parsley garnish adds color and subtle freshness but is optional.
