Seafood Tortellini
Seafood tortellini combines tender pasta with shrimp, pancetta, and vibrant peppers in a creamy Parmesan sauce, perfect for an elegant yet comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 1 clove garlic, peeled ⓘ
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 cup heavy cream ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 9 ounces tortellini
- 1/3 cup red peppers in julienne strips ⓘ
- 1/3 cup yellow peppers in julienne strips ⓘ
- 7 ounces frozen peas, partially thawed ⓘ
- 1/4 pound pancetta or prosciutto, cut in small strips ⓘ
- 1 package frozen shrimp ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Put the garlic, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, chicken broth, and flour in a blender and blend until smooth.
- Set aside.
- Cook the tortellini in 1 1/2 to 2 quarts boiling water for 5 to 8 minutes or until just tender.
- Drain and return to the pan.
- Add the bell peppers and the blender mixture and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Add the peas, prosciutto, and shrimp and cook to heat through and further thicken the sauce.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper; stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons basil just before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider adding a splash of white wine to the blender mixture before blending. If you can't find tortellini, any type of pasta can work, but you'll need to adjust cooking times. For added flavor, use fresh herbs like basil or parsley. You can also substitute the shrimp with crab or scallops for a different seafood experience.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the seafood tortellini with a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese and a side of garlic bread for a complete meal. A light green salad with a vinaigrette pairs well to balance the richness of the dish. For a comforting option, try it alongside Chicken Fettuccine Supreme.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce's consistency. Avoid microwaving as it may make the pasta mushy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Seafood Tortellini contains roughly 415 calories, with 20g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (46% of the Daily Value), protein (40% of the Daily Value), and calcium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2330mg per serving (101% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh tortellini can be used instead of frozen. Just reduce the cooking time according to package instructions, usually around 3-5 minutes. This will help maintain the texture and flavor while ensuring it's cooked perfectly.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you're looking for a lighter alternative, you can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt. However, this will change the creaminess of the sauce, so be prepared for a different texture and flavor.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the pancetta or prosciutto and replace the shrimp with additional vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini. You can also add more peas or a variety of other vegetables to enhance the dish while keeping it vegetarian.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).