If you’re looking for a flavorful dish fast, this Shrimp Tortellini is the answer! Bursting with texture and flavor from cheese tortellini, pan-fried Cajun shrimp, garlic, lemon, and Parmesan, this delicious seafood dinner comes together in 15 minutes.
I absolutely love a shrimp pasta recipe (see also: Creamy Shrimp Scampi!), and this easy dinner is no exception. This recipe generously feeds two hungry tummies or can easily be doubled to serve more.
As a busy mom with a passion for big flavor, I’m always striving for easy, efficient, and elevated. This recipe checks off all three requirements, using impactful ingredients and simple cooking techniques to bring bold flavor with minimal effort.
Cheese Tortellini with Shrimp Ingredients
I used a simple, five-cheese tortellini in the dish pictured and it worked great, but you can use any tortellini you like. I’ve also tested this with spinach and ricotta tortellini and it was really good!
You can use fresh or frozen shrimp, just make sure you defrost it first. I used fresh peeled and deveined large, white Georgia shrimp in the shrimp tortellini pictured.
As for the Cajun seasoning, you can find a pre-made blend at your local grocery store or easily make your own homemade Cajun seasoning.
Note that seasoning blends (especially Cajun seasoning) varies greatly from brand to brand in terms of their salt and spice level. For example, Slap Ya Mama has a lot more salt and heat than McCormick.
Shrimp Tortellini Tips and Tricks
How I Prepare My Shrimp for Pan-Frying
If need be, peel your shrimp. Then, pat it dry on both sides with paper towel to absorb any excess moisture.
Generously season both sides of the shrimp with Cajun seasoning. While working with raw shrimp make sure you are careful to wash your hands or the utensils you are using as you go.
How I Make Shrimp with Tortellini
Cook your tortellini according to the instructions on the packaging. Typically, you just need to boil them for about 3-5 minutes.
Meanwhile, peel and mince your garlic and cook it in the butter over medium heat until fragrant. Then, place the shrimp with Cajun seasoning on top in a single layer.
After 1-2 minutes, flip the shrimp and cook it on the second side. Still over medium heat, add the lemon juice and cooked tortellini and toss to coat. Then, add the Parmesan and toss one more time.
How I Serve My Seafood Tortellini
I love serving up my tortellini with the shrimp on top and a little extra grated Parmesan. Sometimes I’ll add a little bit of basil for color and a hint of that freshness.
For a good veggie side, I’d recommend this Caprese Asparagus. And as a starter, this Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar Bread Dip pairs really well!
How I Store & Reheat Leftover Tortellini Shrimp
This shrimp pasta dish will last for 4-5 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It’s best to reheat it in the oven.
Add both the shrimp and the tortellini to a baking dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes in the preheated 350°F oven until both are heated through. If it seems too dry, add some extra lemon juice or a little bit of vegetable broth.
Alternatively, you can reheat it in a pot over medium heat with a little extra olive oil, or in a pinch, even in the microwave (but please expect a significant downgrade in the texture, especially of the shrimp).
15-Minute Shrimp Tortellini with Garlic
SAVE RECIPE TO COLLECTION PIN PRINT RATEEquipment
- Rotary Cheese Grater optional
Ingredients
- 1 (9-ounce) package cheese tortellini
- ½ pound large raw white shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (1 lemon = ~4 tbsp juice)
- 1 ounce grated Parmesan cheese (1 oz = ~ 2 tbsp grated Parm)
Instructions
- Cook the tortellini al dente according to the directions on the packaging.1 (9-ounce) package cheese tortellini
- Meanwhile, peel the shrimp if necessary. Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel to reduce excess moisture. Season both sides of the shrimp generously with Cajun seasoning.½ pound large raw white shrimp, 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- Peel and mince the garlic. In a frying pan over medium heat, melt the butter and cook the minced garlic until soft and fragrant.2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 4 cloves garlic
- Carefully lower the seasoned shrimp into the frying pan and cook for 1-2 minutes on both sides.
- Still over medium heat, add the lemon juice and cooked tortellini and toss to coat. Add the grated Parmesan and toss once more to distribute over the tortellini and shrimp. Serve hot and enjoy!2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 ounce grated Parmesan cheese
Pro Tips
- Spice blends, especially Cajun seasoning, can vary in spice and salt levels depending on the brand you use. Adjust the amount of seasoning you use accordingly.
- Add some color and freshness to this dish by garnishing with fresh parsley or fresh basil.
- I kept the tails on the shrimp for the photos, but you can peel them fully if you prefer.
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