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Creole Garlic Alfredo with Cheese Tortellini & Seafood

Creole Garlic Alfredo with Cheese Tortellini & Seafood

This Creole Garlic Alfredo with Cheese Tortellini & Seafood recipe combines rich, creamy Alfredo sauce with a zesty Creole spice blend, tender cheese tortellini, and a delightful seafood medley of shrimp and scallops. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners, offering a bold Southern twist and customizable spice levels.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Seafood

  • 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
  • 8 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or thawed)
  • 8 oz scallops (fresh or thawed)

Sauce

  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 4 tbsp butter, divided
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 to 2 tsp Creole seasoning, or to taste
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Garnish

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Lemon wedges (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pasta and seafood: Cook the cheese tortellini according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside. Meanwhile, pat the shrimp and scallops dry to ensure a good sear. Lightly season them with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Creole seasoning.
  2. Sauté the seafood: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and scallops, cooking for about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn opaque and develop a light golden crust. Remove the seafood from the pan and set aside to prevent overcooking.
  3. Make the Creole garlic Alfredo sauce: Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining butter if needed. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in Creole seasoning to taste. Let the mixture simmer gently, stirring frequently, until it slightly thickens.
  4. Incorporate cheese and combine: Gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes silky smooth. Return the cooked seafood to the pan, then fold in the cooked tortellini, ensuring everything is evenly coated with the flavorful sauce.
  5. Final touches: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top and serve immediately for the best creamy, spicy experience.

Notes

  • Use fresh seafood for optimal flavor and texture when possible.
  • Avoid overcooking shrimp and scallops; remove them from heat as soon as they turn opaque to keep them tender.
  • Add Parmesan cheese slowly to prevent clumping and to maintain a smooth sauce consistency.
  • Taste and adjust Creole seasoning carefully as its spice level can vary.
  • Use heavy cream instead of milk to ensure the sauce thickens properly and remains rich without curdling.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creole, Alfredo, Tortellini, Seafood, Shrimp, Scallops, Garlic, Easy Dinner, Quick, Southern, Comfort Food, Spicy, Pasta