Easy Shrimp Tortellini Alfredo Skillet

I’m absolutely thrilled to share my Cheesy Shrimp Tortellini Alfredo Skillet recipe with you today!

This creamy, one-pan wonder combines pillowy cheese tortellini with perfectly cooked shrimp in a rich, velvety alfredo sauce.

You’ll be amazed at how quickly this restaurant-quality meal comes together for your weeknight dinner rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Tortellini Alfredo Skillet

This dish holds a special place in my heart because it transformed my own family into seafood believers!

The combination of tender shrimp and cheese-filled pasta pockets smothered in a silky parmesan sauce creates pure comfort food magic.

I love how everything cooks in just one skillet, making cleanup a breeze for busy nights when you crave something special without the fuss.

If you enjoyed this Cheesy Shrimp Tortellini Alfredo Skillet, I think you’ll also love my Irresistible Shrimp Skewers in Oven and Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta.

Ingredients You Need for Shrimp Tortellini Alfredo Skillet

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 package (9 oz) fresh cheese tortellini
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
• 1 medium tomato, diced
• 2 fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

I recommend using the freshest shrimp you can find—frozen works perfectly as long as it’s properly thawed.

For the cheese, grating your own Parmesan makes a world of difference in creating that smooth, creamy texture we’re after.

How to Make Shrimp Tortellini Alfredo Skillet

1. Prepare your ingredients: Begin by cooking the tortellini according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside. While the pasta cooks, pat your shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
2. Cook the shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until it begins to bubble gently. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes until they just begin to turn pink. Flip each shrimp and cook for another 1-2 minutes until they’re no longer translucent but still tender. Be careful not to overcook them!
3. Build the flavor base: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the shrimp and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. The aroma that fills your kitchen at this moment is absolutely divine!
4. Create the sauce: Sprinkle the flour over everything and stir continuously for about 1 minute to cook off the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring. This gradual addition helps prevent lumps in your sauce.
5. Add the cheese: Reduce heat to low and gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese until completely melted and the sauce is smooth and velvety.
6. Incorporate final ingredients: Gently fold in the diced tomato and chopped basil leaves. I find this adds a wonderful freshness that balances the richness of the sauce.
7. Combine and finish: Add your cooked tortellini to the skillet, gently tossing until every piece is coated in the luscious sauce. Allow everything to simmer together for 2-3 minutes, letting the flavors meld beautifully.
8. Serve: Remove from heat and let stand for 2 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese just before serving.

My Tips for the Best Shrimp Tortellini Alfredo Skillet

My years of making this dish have taught me a few secrets! First, don’t rinse your pasta after cooking—that starch helps the sauce cling to each tortellini.

When cooking shrimp, remember they continue cooking even after removed from heat, so take them off when they’re just barely done.

For the creamiest sauce, bring your heavy cream to room temperature before adding it to the hot skillet—this prevents curdling and creates that silky smooth texture we all crave.

I sometimes add a tiny pinch of nutmeg to my sauce, it’s my grandmother’s trick that adds a subtle depth most people can’t quite place but absolutely love!

Print

How do I store leftovers?

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (my family rarely leaves any!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce as it tends to thicken when chilled.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

While tortellini creates magic in this dish with its cheese-filled centers, you can substitute ravioli or even fettuccine in a pinch.

Each variation creates a slightly different experience—I personally love how the tortellini pockets catch little pools of the creamy sauce!

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half can work, though your sauce won’t be quite as rich.

For a dairy-free version, I’ve had good results with full-fat coconut milk—it adds a subtle sweetness that pairs surprisingly well with the shrimp.

---

My Serving Suggestions

I most often serve this Cheesy Shrimp Tortellini Alfredo Skillet with a bright, crisp Caesar salad to balance the richness of the main dish.

A piece of garlic bread for soaking up every last drop of that amazing sauce is non-negotiable in my house!

For special occasions, I start the meal with a simple tomato bruschetta and maybe a glass of chilled Pinot Grigio for the adults.