This Spicy Tortellini Alfredo with Blackened Shrimp (Easy Recipe) combines creamy Alfredo sauce with the bold, smoky flavors of blackened shrimp, making it a perfect dish for weeknights. With a quick prep time, it's an ideal option for busy parents and home cooks who want to serve something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
Tortellini Alfredo is an Italian-American dish featuring cheese-filled tortellini pasta smothered in a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce. This version adds blackened shrimp, bringing together the creamy Alfredo sauce with the bold, spicy flavors of blackened seasoning.
Why We Love This Recipe:
- Bold Spicy Flavors: The combination of creamy Alfredo sauce and spicy blackened shrimp creates a perfect balance.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Family-Friendly: A dish that both kids and adults will love.
- Versatile: Can be adapted with various substitutions and variations.
If you like this pasta recipe, you may also love our Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta or Bucatini Cacio e Pepe.
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What Ingredients Will You Need?
- Shrimp: Use large, fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor. Coat them well with blackening seasoning to achieve that smoky, spicy taste.
- Blackening Seasoning: Adds a spicy, smoky flavor to the shrimp.
- Olive Oil: Helps to sear the shrimp perfectly.
- Cheese Tortellini: Fresh tortellini works best, but frozen can be used in a pinch.
- Butter: Adds richness to the Alfredo sauce.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic enhances the sauce’s flavor.
- Heavy Cream and Whole Milk: Creates a creamy base for the Alfredo sauce.
- Parmigiano Reggiano: For authentic, rich flavor.
- Cream Cheese: Helps thicken the sauce and adds a touch of tanginess.
- Baby Spinach: Adds a fresh, healthy touch.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To season the dish perfectly.
Note: Refer to the recipe card below for exact quantities.
Instructions
How to Make Spicy Tortellini Alfredo with Blackened Shrimp
STEP ONE: Prepare the Shrimp
Toss the shrimp with blackening seasoning until evenly coated. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side, until blackened and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
STEP TWO: Cook the Tortellini
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
STEP THREE: Prepare the Alfredo Sauce
In the same skillet used for the shrimp, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
Stir in the heavy cream and cream cheese. Cook over medium heat until the cream cheese is melted. Gradually add the grated Parmigiano Reggiano, stirring constantly until melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and black pepper.
STEP FOUR: Combine and Serve
Add cooked tortellini and fresh baby spinach to the Alfredo sauce. Toss to coat and wilt the spinach. Serve the coated tortellini with the blackened shrimp on top.
What Are Some Good Substitutions?
- Shrimp: Substitute with blackened chicken breast for a different protein.
- Heavy Cream: Use half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- Spinach: Kale or arugula can be used as an alternative green.
How Can You Change This Recipe Up?
- Diet: Use gluten-free tortellini and dairy-free milk and cheese for a gluten-free, dairy-free version.
- Flavor: Add sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for extra flavor.
- Spice: Adjust the amount of red pepper and blackening seasoning to control the spice level.
What Kitchen Equipment Is Best?
This post shows some of our kitchen essentials. Please visit our shop if you would like to see more of our favorites. These are Amazon affiliate links and we earn commission from qualifying purchases.
- Large skillet
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Colander
- Cheese grater
How Should You Store This?
Store tortellini alfredo leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Note: Refer to Top Tips below for more storage and reheating tips.
What Are Some Expert Tips?
Fresh shrimp and refrigerated or fresh tortellini provide the best results.
Add room-temperature cheese gradually to avoid clumping. Cream and milk should also be at room temperature for a smoother sauce.
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to maintain the sauce’s creaminess.
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Have Leftover Ingredients?
- Use leftover Parmigiano Reggiano on Carbone Spicy Rigatoni Vodka.
- Leftover heavy cream can be used in coffee or desserts.
- Extra tortellini can be added to soups.
Need Something To Pair This With?
- Serve with a side of garlic bread.
- Pair with a fresh green salad.
- Complement with a glass of chilled white wine.
In The Mood For a Similar Dish?
- Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
- Blackened Chicken Fettucini Alfredo
- Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
- Blackened Shrimp Caesar Salad
- Cast Iron Salmon: Blackened with Pineapple Habanero Sauce
Related
More pasta recipes you will love:
FAQ
Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. Just follow the package instructions for cooking, and then proceed with the recipe as directed.
You can substitute half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese for heavy cream.
To make the Alfredo sauce less thick, you can add a bit of pasta water, chicken broth, or milk to achieve your desired consistency. Stir in the liquid gradually until the sauce reaches the preferred thickness.
📖 Recipe
Spicy Tortellini Alfredo with Blackened Shrimp (Easy Recipe)
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Large Pot
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 2 tablespoons blackening seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound refrigerated cheese tortellini
Alfredo Sauce
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano
- 1 tablespoon cream cheese
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Toss the shrimp with blackening seasoning until evenly coated.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side, until blackened and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In the same skillet used for the shrimp, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Stir in the heavy cream and cream cheese. Cook over medium heat until the cream cheese is melted. Gradually add the grated Parmigiano Reggiano, stirring constantly until melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Add the cooked tortellini and fresh baby spinach to the Alfredo sauce. Toss to coat and wilt the spinach.
- Serve the coated tortellini with the blackened shrimp on top.
Notes
- Shrimp: Substitute with blackened chicken breast for a different protein.
- Heavy Cream: Use half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- Spinach: Kale or arugula can be used as an alternative green.
Nutrition
Spicy Tortellini Alfredo with Blackened Shrimp is a delicious, family-friendly dish that's perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.
Try this recipe and share your results with us! If you enjoyed this dish, explore our related posts for more inspiration.
Important Food Safety Tips
Ensure shrimp are cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F. Store leftovers within two hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth. Reheat leftovers to an internal temperature of 165°F before consuming.
- Create a clean work area.
- Wash hands after touching raw meat or seafood.
- Rinse fresh produce thoroughly.
- Do not use the same cutting board or utensils on cooked food or produce, that previously touched raw meat or seafood.
- Do not leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods.
- Never leave cooking food unattended.
- Use oils with a high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds.
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove.
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
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