Garlic Shrimp Tortellini. Creamy 30-Minute Comfort Meal!

There’s something so comforting about recipes that come together quickly yet feel special enough to serve on a cozy evening or a family gathering. Growing up, some of my favorite meals were the ones that brought simple ingredients together in a way that tasted far more impressive than the effort required. A little garlic in a warm pan, a splash of creaminess, fresh herbs, and a protein like shrimp — these simple steps always made the kitchen feel alive with delicious scents and anticipation.

Over time, especially while traveling and learning from different kitchens, I discovered just how much joy there is in taking familiar ingredients and transforming them into something exciting. That has become a huge part of my cooking philosophy: making meals that feel comforting, beautiful, and easy to achieve — the heart of everything I share through Maison Recipes.

This Garlic Shrimp Tortellini is exactly that kind of recipe. Tender cheese tortellini, juicy shrimp, and a creamy garlic butter sauce come together to create a meal that tastes indulgent but is incredibly easy to make. It’s ready in minutes, looks impressive, and offers the kind of rich, cozy flavor that feels like a restaurant-quality dish right at home.

Why Make This Recipe

You’ll love this recipe because:

• It’s ready in 30 minutes or less — perfect for busy nights.
• Simple ingredients, big flavor — garlic, butter, creaminess, tender shrimp.
• A complete meal — protein, pasta, and sauce all in one bowl.
• Crowd-pleasing — kids and adults both love the creamy, garlicky flavors.
• Customizable — add veggies, spice, or switch up the protein.
• Restaurant-style at home — impressive enough for date night or guests.

If you’re craving comfort food with a seafood twist, this recipe is just right.

How to Make Garlic Shrimp Tortellini

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 1 (20 oz) package cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)

For the Garlic Shrimp:

• 1 lb (450 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

• 3 tbsp butter
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 1 cup milk or cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh parsley
• Extra Parmesan
• Red pepper flakes
• Lemon zest

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add tortellini and cook according to package directions.
3. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water. Set aside.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Shrimp

1. Pat shrimp dry and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add shrimp and cook 1–2 minutes per side, until pink and lightly golden.
4. Transfer cooked shrimp to a plate.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt butter.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté 1 minute or until fragrant.
3. Stir in broth and bring to a simmer.
4. Add milk or cream and Italian seasoning.
5. Add Parmesan and whisk until melted and creamy.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Add the cooked tortellini to the sauce.
2. Add shrimp back into the skillet.
3. Toss until pasta is coated and shrimp is warmed through.
4. Adjust thickness with reserved pasta water if needed.

Step 5: Serve

Plate warm with extra Parmesan, parsley, or red pepper flakes.

How to Serve Garlic Shrimp Tortellini

This dish pairs beautifully with:

• Garlic bread or crusty baguette
• A crisp green salad
• Roasted broccoli or asparagus
• A simple tomato-cucumber salad
• Steamed green beans

You can serve it as a complete stand-alone meal or as part of a cozy dinner spread.

How to Store Garlic Shrimp Tortellini

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 2–3 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or milk.
• Avoid freezing: Dairy-based sauces tend to separate when frozen.

Tips to Make the Best Garlic Shrimp Tortellini

• Don’t overcook the shrimp — they cook fast and stay tender when lightly seared.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan — melts smoother and enhances the sauce.
• Add pasta water as needed to thin and smooth the sauce.
• Cook garlic gently — it should be fragrant, not browned.
• Serve immediately for the creamiest texture.

Variations

• Add veggies: Spinach, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or peas.
• Spicy twist: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne.
• Protein swap: Try chicken, scallops, or tofu.
• Herb upgrade: Basil or parsley adds freshness.
• Extra creamy: Add 2 ounces of cream cheese for richness.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes! Thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning.

2. Can I make this with a different pasta?

Absolutely — penne, fettuccine, or ravioli work great too.

3. Is this recipe spicy?

Not by default — but you can add red pepper flakes for heat.

4. Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free butter, milk, and Parmesan alternatives, though the flavor will vary.

Conclusion

This Garlic Shrimp Tortellini is everything I love in a comforting pasta dish — creamy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to pull together. The tender tortellini, juicy shrimp, and garlic-infused sauce feel like they belong in a restaurant, yet they’re made simply at home in under 30 minutes.

I hope this recipe brings warmth, comfort, and delicious joy to your kitchen. Serve it on a cozy evening, share it with someone you love, or enjoy it as a quick but satisfying weeknight meal. Happy cooking!

Garlic Shrimp Tortellini

This Garlic Shrimp Tortellini is a creamy, garlicky, and indulgent pasta dish that comes together in under 30 minutes. Juicy shrimp and tender cheese tortellini are tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce, perfect for a cozy night in or an easy weeknight dinner.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings 4 servings

Calories 620 kcal

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Skillet
• Mixing Spoon
• Colander

Ingredients

  

For the Pasta

• 20 oz cheese tortellini fresh or refrigerated

For the Garlic Shrimp

• 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce

• 3 tbsp butter
• 5 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 1 cup milk or cream
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnish

• fresh parsley
• extra Parmesan
• red pepper flakes
• lemon zest

Instructions

 

• Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook tortellini according to package directions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water. Set aside.
• Pat shrimp dry and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in skillet over medium-high heat. Sear shrimp 1–2 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
• In same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté 1 minute. Add broth and bring to simmer. Stir in milk or cream, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan. Whisk until creamy. Season to taste.
• Add cooked tortellini and shrimp to sauce. Toss to coat. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
• Serve warm with parsley, Parmesan, red pepper flakes, or lemon zest if desired.

Notes

Use fresh Parmesan for best texture. Add spinach or cherry tomatoes for variety. Avoid overcooking shrimp. Reheat gently with broth or milk to prevent sauce separation.

Keyword Garlic Pasta, Shrimp, Tortellini