Tortellini With Crab Gorgonzola
Creamy tortellini swirled with buttery crab and tangy Gorgonzola, finished with a splash of white wine and fresh parsley—an elegant, indulgent dish perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pick over the crab meat to remove any lingering shell fragments.
- Set aside 1/3 of the crab for garnish.
- Sauté the minced shallots in butter over low heat until softened.
- Add white wine and cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Crumble the Gorgonzola cheese into the sauce, stirring until melted.
- Fold in 2/3 of the crab meat, letting it warm through.
- Reduce the sauce over high heat for 1 minute.
- Add the precooked tortellini, cooking for another 2 minutes until heated through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Plate the tortellini, garnish with reserved crab meat, and sprinkle chopped parsley on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute half of the cream with vegetable broth. If you're unable to find Dungeness crab, any lump crab meat will work, though the flavor may vary slightly. When sautéing shallots, ensure they don't brown to maintain a gentle sweetness in the sauce. This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine, reminiscent of the flavors in Lemon Clam Spaghetti.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish garnished with the reserved crab meat and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs well with a light salad or garlic bread to complement the rich flavors. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a glass of Chardonnay or a side of roasted vegetables.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, gently warm the tortellini in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or white wine to loosen the sauce and prevent it from becoming too thick.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tortellini With Crab Gorgonzola contains roughly 529 calories, with 24g protein, 91g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (120% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (87% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (84% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 a different type of cheese instead of Gorgonzola?
Yes, you can substitute Gorgonzola with a milder blue cheese or even a creamy goat cheese for a different flavor profile. Keep in mind that the taste of the dish will change slightly, but it will still be delicious.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
While it's best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce and tortellini ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine them just before serving. Reheat gently to maintain the creamy texture.
What can I serve with Tortellini With Crab Gorgonzola?
This dish pairs beautifully with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a side of Italian bread. For a full seafood experience, consider also serving Clam Linguini for a delightful meal.
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).