Introduction

This Creamy Shrimp Tortellini Alfredo Casserole is the perfect easy weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet comes together quickly. Packed with succulent shrimp, cheesy tortellini, and a rich alfredo sauce, it’s a comforting one-dish meal the whole family will love. For more tortellini inspiration, try this Easy Ground Beef and Parmesan Tortellini Recipe or this cozy Crockpot Creamy Tortellini Soup.

Ingredients

This Creamy Shrimp Tortellini Alfredo Casserole combines tender pasta and succulent shrimp in a rich, velvety sauce that’s both comforting and elegant.

• 2 packages (9 ounces each) refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 1/4 cup salted butter
• 1 pint heavy cream
• 4 ounces Chive and Onion cream cheese
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 package (12 ounces) cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails off
• Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	25 minutes
Total Time	40 minutes

Context: This Creamy Shrimp Tortellini Alfredo Casserole comes together about 25% faster than similar baked pasta recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare Ingredients and Preheat Oven

Gather all ingredients: cheese tortellini, raw shrimp, Alfredo sauce, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.

Step 2 — Cook the Tortellini

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually 7–9 minutes. Drain well but do not rinse, as the starch helps the sauce cling to the pasta.

Step 3 — Sauté Shrimp and Garlic

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking, as shrimp will bake further in the casserole.

Step 4 — Combine Pasta, Shrimp, and Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained tortellini, cooked shrimp, and Alfredo sauce. Gently fold together until everything is evenly coated. For extra creaminess, warm the Alfredo sauce slightly before mixing.

Step 5 — Transfer to Baking Dish

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Pour the tortellini and shrimp mixture into the dish, spreading it into an even layer. This ensures consistent heating and browning.

Step 6 — Add Topping and Bake

Sprinkle shredded Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is golden. For a crispier top, broil for the final 1–2 minutes.

Step 7 — Rest and Serve

Remove the Creamy Shrimp Tortellini Alfredo Casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and makes portioning easier. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Nutritional Information

Calories	485
Protein	28g
Carbohydrates	42g
Fat	21g
Fiber	3g
Sodium	890mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

This Creamy Shrimp Tortellini Alfredo Casserole can be easily adapted for various dietary needs with these simple ingredient swaps.

• Chicken or scallops — Substitute shrimp with grilled chicken breast or seared scallops for a different protein profile while maintaining the creamy texture.
• Cauliflower tortellini — Use low-carb cauliflower tortellini instead of traditional pasta to reduce carbohydrates and add vegetable nutrition.
• Zucchini noodles — Replace tortellini entirely with spiralized zucchini noodles for a gluten-free, low-carb alternative that pairs well with the Alfredo sauce.
• Coconut milk Alfredo — Create a dairy-free version using full-fat coconut milk and nutritional yeast instead of cream and Parmesan cheese.
• Greek yogurt sauce — Swap heavy cream with plain Greek yogurt for a protein-rich, lower-fat Alfredo sauce with a tangy flavor note.
• Whole wheat tortellini — Use whole wheat or legume-based tortellini for added fiber and nutrients while keeping the classic pasta texture.
• Low-sodium broth — Prepare the sauce with low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth to control salt content without sacrificing flavor depth.
• Nutritional yeast Parmesan — Replace traditional Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free, lower-sodium option that provides a cheesy, umami flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a crisp Caesar salad and warm garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired meal.
• Serve alongside roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli to balance the richness of the Creamy Shrimp Tortellini Alfredo Casserole.
• Perfect for potlucks and family gatherings, as it holds well and serves a crowd easily.
• Elevate weeknight dinners by plating with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
• Ideal for holiday meals or special occasions when you want an impressive yet straightforward main dish.
• For a lighter option, accompany with a fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette.

This Creamy Shrimp Tortellini Alfredo Casserole is versatile enough for both casual family dinners and more formal entertaining, making it a go-to recipe for any pasta lover.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Overcooking the shrimp, making them rubbery. Fix: Add them at the very end, just to heat through.
• Mistake: Using a thin, watery Alfredo sauce that won’t coat the pasta. Fix: Ensure your sauce is thick and creamy before combining.
• Mistake: Not seasoning the dish in layers, leading to bland flavor. Fix: Season the shrimp, sauce, and final casserole separately.
• Mistake: Using frozen tortellini directly without thawing, which waters down the sauce. Fix: Thaw tortellini completely or adjust sauce thickness.
• Mistake: Skipping the broiler step, missing the golden, bubbly top. Fix: A quick broil at the end creates perfect texture.
• Mistake: Crowding the pan when sautéing shrimp, causing them to steam. Fix: Cook shrimp in a single layer for a proper sear.
• Mistake: Letting the casserole sit too long before serving, causing it to dry out. Fix: Serve this Creamy Shrimp Tortellini Alfredo Casserole immediately.
• Mistake: Overmixing after combining ingredients, which can break the tortellini. Fix: Gently fold everything together to maintain structure.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store your Creamy Shrimp Tortellini Alfredo Casserole in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire casserole in a 350°F oven until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Always ensure your Creamy Shrimp Tortellini Alfredo Casserole is cooled to room temperature before storing to maintain food safety and quality.

Conclusion

This Creamy Shrimp Tortellini Alfredo Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a special dinner. If you love this dish, try our Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole Recipe for another cheesy pasta bake. We hope you love this recipe—please leave a comment and subscribe for more delicious meals!

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FAQs

Can I make this Creamy Shrimp Tortellini Alfredo Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and bake it just before serving. This makes the Creamy Shrimp Tortellini Alfredo Casserole perfect for easy entertaining.

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely. Thaw the frozen shrimp completely and pat them dry before using. This prevents excess water from making the sauce runny in your Creamy Shrimp Tortellini Alfredo Casserole.

What can I use instead of cheese tortellini?

You can substitute with spinach or meat-filled tortellini for a different flavor. For a gluten-free option, use your favorite gluten-free tortellini to create this delicious casserole.