A cozy, 5-star skillet pasta for busy weeknights

This Creamy Shrimp and Spinach Tortellini is one of those top meals that feels like a restaurant dinner but is secretly so easy. Tender cheese tortellini is tossed with juicy shrimp, fresh spinach, and a silky garlic cream sauce perfect when you want easy 5 star dinner recipes without the fuss. It works beautifully as a nice dinner recipe for two, an easy dinner for a small group, or a crowd-pleasing option for weekday dinners families will love. You can serve it for dinner recipes for family summer with a light salad, or add it to your rotation of fun easy supper ideas and recipes for dinner tortellini that are ready in under 30 minutes.

table of contents

Table of Contents

Time Breakdown

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients List

For the Pasta & Shrimp

• 9–12 oz (250–340 g) cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
• 1 lb (450 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Creamy Spinach Sauce

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
• ½ cup (120 ml) chicken or vegetable broth
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach, loosely packed
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)

To Finish

• Extra Parmesan, for serving
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional)

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

• Large pot (for boiling tortellini)
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Colander or strainer
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

1. Cook the tortellini
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add cheese tortellini and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Season the shrimp
   Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and black pepper. This helps them sear nicely and stay juicy. 🦐
3. Sear the shrimp
   Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook 1–2 minutes per side, just until pink and opaque. Transfer to a plate and set aside (they’ll finish in the sauce).
4. Start the creamy sauce
   In the same skillet (don’t wipe it—it has flavor!), reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly so it doesn’t burn.
5. Build the sauce base
   Pour in the broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Add Parmesan & spinach
   Stir in grated Parmesan until melted and smooth. Add the baby spinach and cook, stirring, until wilted and evenly distributed through the sauce.
7. Combine everything
   Add the cooked tortellini and shrimp back into the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything in the creamy sauce. If it looks too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until it’s silky and glossy.
8. Taste & serve
   Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley or basil. Perfect as a nice dinner recipe for two or an easy dinner for small group. ✨

Pro Tips (Meal Prep & Serving)

• Make it for 2 days: This dish reheats nicely, making it great for 2 day dinner ideas. Add a splash of cream or milk when reheating.
• Make it lighter: Use half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of heavy cream, and go lighter on the cheese.
• Add more veggies: Broccoli florets, peas, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms are great additions for dinner recipes for family summer.
• Turn it into “date night” food: Serve with a simple side salad, garlic bread, and sparkling water for easy 5 star dinner recipes vibes.

Nutrition Table (Estimated)

For 1 serving (about ¼ of the recipe):

Serving Size	Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat	Fiber	Sugar
1 plate	520	28g	45g	24g	3g	5g

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using generic ingredient data and may vary based on tortellini brand, cream type, and portion sizes. Always adjust based on your actual ingredients and dietary needs.

Conclusion

This Creamy Shrimp and Spinach Tortellini is the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. It looks and tastes like a fancy restaurant pasta, but it’s easy enough to make on a busy weeknight. Whether you’re planning fun easy supper ideas, a nice dinner recipe for two, or a cozy easy dinner for small group, this creamy tortellini checks all the boxes—fast, flexible, and incredibly satisfying. Save it to your recipes for dinner tortellini collection and expect it to become a repeat favorite.