Can I Bake Shrimp and Tortellini in the Oven Instead?

Yes. To make an oven-baked version of Shrimp Tortellini with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce, assemble the cooked tortellini, shrimp, and sauce in a baking dish. Top with extra Parmesan and bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes until bubbly. This method is great for meal prep and creates a slightly different texture with crispy edges and a golden top. People also search for creamy shrimp tortellini bake recipes , and this variation is a favorite for busy weeknights.

How Do Restaurants Get Shrimp So Tender?

Many restaurants use a quick brine of water, baking soda, and salt to tenderize shrimp before cooking. While it’s optional for home cooks, patting shrimp dry and cooking them in a hot skillet with minimal handling achieves nearly the same result. People also search for restaurant secrets for cooking seafood perfectly , and this technique helps you replicate that tender, buttery texture at home.

What Makes This Dish Juicy and Not Dry?

The secret to juicy Shrimp Tortellini with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce lies in two things: cooking the shrimp separately and finishing the dish with a bit of reserved pasta water or chicken broth if needed. This keeps the sauce silky while preventing the pasta and shrimp from absorbing too much moisture. If you’re wondering, how do I keep creamy sauces from drying out during reheating , we recommend reheating gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream.

Why Are My Shrimp Tough or Rubbery?

Overcooking is the most common reason shrimp turn rubbery in Shrimp Tortellini with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce. Shrimp cook quickly—usually 2–3 minutes per side. Once they turn pink and form a loose C shape, remove them from heat immediately. People also search for how to make tender shrimp for pasta , and the answer lies in watching them closely and using medium heat.

Shrimp Tortellini with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce: The Best Comfort Food

Shrimp Tortellini With Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce: The Ultimate Comfort Food You’ll Crave

Author: Anna
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Lactose

Description

Creamy, quick, and packed with flavor, this Shrimp Tortellini with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce is a one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights or elegant dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb cheese tortellini
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 lemon, zested and juiced
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the cheese tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp and season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Cook for about 3 minutes on each side until the shrimp are pink. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to fully combine. Bring to a simmer on low heat.
Add Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, dried basil, and dried thyme. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth to reach desired consistency.
Add cooked tortellini and shrimp back into the skillet, tossing gently to coat in the creamy sauce.
Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until everything is heated through.
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook the shrimp to keep them tender.
Reserve a little pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 2 cups)
Calories: 580
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 950mg
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 44g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 210mg

Keywords: shrimp tortellini, lemon garlic cream sauce, creamy pasta, easy seafood dinner, one-pan meals

Find it online: https://homeasyrecipes.com/shrimp-tortellini-lemon-garlic-cream-sauce/