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To make creamy shrimp spinach tortellini, you need fresh, quality ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 12 oz cheese tortellini - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 cups fresh spinach - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients blend together to create a rich and tasty dish. The cheese tortellini gives you a nice bite. Shrimp adds protein and a touch of sweetness. The spinach brings in fresh green goodness. You can add optional ingredients to enhance the dish: - A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat - Lemon zest for a fresh twist - Sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor - A splash of white wine for depth These extras can make your meal even more special. Feel free to mix and match based on what you like! Each serving provides a balance of nutrients. Here’s a quick look: - Calories: Approximately 500 - Protein: 30g - Carbohydrates: 45g - Fats: 25g - Fiber: 2g This dish is rich and filling. It’s perfect for a hearty dinner while still being a treat! Enjoy making this flavorful meal with these fresh ingredients. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, boil water in a large pot. Add salt to the water. Cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. It usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Once the tortellini is tender, drain it well. Set it aside for now. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1 minute until it smells great. Next, add 1 pound of large shrimp. Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes. Watch closely as they turn pink and opaque. This means they are done! Once the shrimp is cooked, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. Bring it to a gentle simmer. Add ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese next. Stir until it melts and the sauce becomes creamy. Then, fold in 2 cups of fresh spinach. Cook it for about 2 minutes until the spinach wilts. Now, it's time to put it all together! Add the cooked tortellini to the creamy sauce. Toss gently to coat the tortellini well. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve the dish hot. For a nice touch, garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your meal! To make the sauce rich and smooth, start with heavy cream. Heat it gently. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese slowly. This helps the cheese melt well. Add Italian seasoning for flavor. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water. This keeps it creamy and helps coat the tortellini. Cooking shrimp is simple. Use medium heat and watch closely. Cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes. Overcooking makes shrimp tough. Always season before cooking. Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning bring out the shrimp's taste. This step makes each bite flavorful. How you serve matters. Use shallow bowls for a nice look. Spoon the creamy shrimp spinach tortellini into each bowl. Add a sprinkle of chopped parsley on top for color. Finish with extra Parmesan for elegance. This simple touch impresses guests and makes the dish pop. Pro Tips Fresh Shrimp is Best: Always opt for fresh shrimp when possible; they'll provide a sweeter and more vibrant flavor than frozen varieties. Perfectly Cooked Tortellini: To avoid mushy tortellini, cook them just until al dente, as they will continue to cook slightly once combined with the sauce. Customize Your Greens: Feel free to substitute or add other greens like kale or arugula for a different flavor profile and added nutrients. Balance the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can mix in some vegetable or chicken broth with the cream to achieve a delicious balance. {{image_2}} You can switch the cheese tortellini for other types of pasta. Bowtie or penne work great, too. For the shrimp, feel free to use chicken or tofu if you prefer. This keeps the dish tasty and fun. You can also use half-and-half in place of heavy cream for a lighter sauce. Just remember, it may change the creaminess a bit. If you want more veggies, add bell peppers or mushrooms. They sauté nicely with the garlic and shrimp. You can also toss in zucchini or cherry tomatoes for a fresh pop of flavor. These veggies add color and nutrients. Don’t be afraid to get creative! For a healthier sauce, try Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream. It gives a nice tang and is lower in fat. Another option is to use cashew cream for a dairy-free choice. Simply blend soaked cashews with water until smooth. This keeps the dish creamy while adding more nutrients. You can enjoy your creamy shrimp spinach tortellini guilt-free! To keep your creamy shrimp spinach tortellini fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down to room temperature first. This helps avoid condensation, which can make it soggy. Place the container in the fridge. It should stay good for up to three days. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. Reheating this dish is easy. You can use a skillet or the microwave. When using a skillet, add a splash of water or cream. Heat it on low until warm. This helps keep the sauce creamy. If using the microwave, place the tortellini in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This way, it warms evenly. You can freeze creamy shrimp spinach tortellini, but it may change the texture. To freeze, let the dish cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. It's best to eat it within two months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it gently to avoid overcooking. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them first. Place them in cold water for 15-20 minutes. Pat them dry before cooking. This way, they will cook evenly and taste great. I love pairing this dish with a simple salad. A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette works well. Garlic bread is another tasty option. It helps soak up the creamy sauce. You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk. Using less cheese also helps cut calories. Adding more spinach or other veggies boosts nutrition without adding many calories. Yes, you can prep the shrimp and sauce ahead of time. Cook and store them in the fridge for up to two days. Just add the tortellini and spinach when you’re ready to eat. This recipe for creamy shrimp spinach tortellini blends key ingredients for great flavor. You learned how to prepare each element, from the tortellini to the sauce. The tips shared help ensure your meal is perfect every time. Remember, you can mix and match ingredients for your taste. Store any leftovers properly to enjoy later. I hope you feel ready to create this tasty dish and impress yourself and others! With a few easy steps, you can make a meal that delights.

Creamy Shrimp Spinach Tortellini

A delicious and creamy pasta dish featuring shrimp and fresh spinach.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz cheese tortellini
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Cook the cheese tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Stir in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer.
  • Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and the sauce is creamy.
  • Fold in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
  • Incorporate the cooked tortellini into the sauce, tossing to coat well.
  • Adjust seasoning if necessary and serve hot.

Notes

Serve the dish in shallow bowls, garnished with chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a touch of elegance.
Keyword creamy, pasta, shrimp, spinach, tortellini