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Homemade Creamy Cajun Shrimp Tortellini recipe photo

Creamy Cajun Shrimp Tortellini

This Creamy Cajun Shrimp Tortellini is a spicy, cheesy, and comforting meal ready in minutes—perfect for weeknights packed with bold flavor and creamy goodness.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Creamy, Easy, Pasta, Quick, Shrimp, Spicy, Weeknight
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 8 oz cheese tortellini
  • 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 bell pepper diced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • fresh parsley chopped for garnish

Instructions

Directions: Creamy Cajun Shrimp Tortellini

  • Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions, usually around 3-5 minutes until tender but still firm. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water for later.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, ensuring they are evenly coated. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  • Sprinkle the remaining Cajun seasoning over the vegetables and stir to combine. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet. Let it simmer for 2 minutes, then add the heavy cream. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  • Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet along with the drained tortellini. Toss everything gently to coat in the creamy Cajun sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
  • Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a bright, herbaceous finish. Serve immediately and enjoy the perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and savory flavors.

Equipment

  • Large Skillet or Sauté Pan
  • Medium pot
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Colander

Notes

  • Use medium to large shrimp to ensure they cook quickly and hold texture in the sauce.
  • Adjust the Cajun seasoning amount to control the spice level to your preference.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated up to 3 days; reheat gently adding broth or cream to loosen sauce.
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