Tortellini, Shrimp, and Vegetables With Spinach-Basil Sauce

This delightful dish marries the delicate flavors of tortellini with succulent shrimp and an array of colorful vegetables, all enveloped in a luscious spinach-basil sauce that tantalizes the taste buds. Whether you’re preparing for a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe will undoubtedly impress and satisfy everyone at the table. The combination of fresh ingredients and rich flavors makes this one-dish meal a must-try, and the best part is that you can do much of the preparation ahead of time, allowing for a stress-free cooking experience.

Recipe Details

Description

This is another one of my ‘mystery’ recipes. I have no idea where I found it, but it sure tastes good. Its unique blend of ingredients provides a deliciously satisfying meal that is both hearty and light, thanks to the fresh vegetables and herbs.

Nutritional Information

Ingredients

Recipe Instructions

1. Preparation First: Before you turn on the stove for final cooking, take the time to prepare all of your ingredients. This includes washing, chopping, and measuring everything so that your cooking process is smooth and efficient. It’s advisable to gather all components in one place to make your cooking experience more enjoyable.

2. An Italian Stir-Fry: This recipe can be best described as an Italian stir-fry, combining various fresh ingredients in a vibrant and flavorful manner. It’s an ideal way to highlight the rich and aromatic qualities of Italian cuisine, with the shrimp providing a protein boost alongside the tortellini.

3. Advance Prep: Most of the ingredient preparation can be completed a day in advance. Just store the prepped ingredients in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook, which will save you precious time on the day of serving.

4. Room Temperature Ingredients: When you’re ready to cook, take a moment to bring all refrigerated ingredients to room temperature. This step ensures even cooking and helps the flavors meld beautifully.

5. Cook the Tortellini: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the tortellini according to package directions. Once cooked to al dente perfection, drain and toss them with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Spread the tortellini on paper towels to cool while you prepare the rest of the dish.

6. Prepare the Spinach: In a steaming basket over boiling water, very lightly steam the fresh spinach until it is slightly wilted yet still vibrant green, which should take about 1-2 minutes. Once done, rinse the spinach under cold water to stop the cooking process and drain thoroughly.

7. Asparagus Preparation: Similarly, steam the asparagus for about 2-3 minutes until just tender, then rinse under cold water and drain well. This ensures the asparagus retains its crispness and bright green color.

8. Herb Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the chopped parsley, basil, oregano, and scallions, setting aside this fragrant mixture for later incorporation into the dish.

9. Sauce Base: In another bowl, combine the white wine and dry sherry. Add the chicken bouillon granules and stir until they dissolve completely. This mixture will serve as the base of your flavorful sauce.

10. Thickening Agent: Stir in the cornstarch with the wine-sherry mixture and set it aside for later use in thickening your sauce.

11. Heat the Pan: In a large nonstick skillet or wok, heat the extra virgin olive oil and butter over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and bubbling.

12. Sauté Onions: Add the chopped onion to the hot oil and sauté for about 1 minute until they start to soften. This will create a fragrant base for the dish.

13. Garlic Time: Next, add the minced garlic to the onions and continue cooking until the garlic is fragrant and the onions become slightly translucent, which should take about 1 minute more.

14. Add Shrimp: Increase the heat to high, then add the shrimp to the pan. Cook the shrimp, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute until they turn pink and opaque.

15. Mushrooms and Pepper: Incorporate both types of mushrooms and freshly ground black pepper into the skillet. Stir everything together and cook until the mushrooms begin to release their juices, adding depth and richness to the dish.

16. Vegetable Medley: Toss in the red bell pepper and diced roma tomatoes, sautéing for an additional minute to soften the vegetables slightly and allow their flavors to mingle.

17. Herb Infusion: Reduce the heat to medium-high and add the prepared parsley-basil mixture to the pan, combining everything thoroughly and allowing the herbs to infuse the dish with their aromatic essence.

18. Spinach Addition: Gently fold the steamed spinach into the mixture, ensuring that it gets well incorporated without breaking apart too much.

19. Creamy Finish: Pour in the heavy cream and add the Parmesan cheese, stirring to combine until the cheese is melted and the sauce becomes creamy and luscious.

20. Final Touches: Add the prepared tortellini and asparagus to the pan, tossing gently to coat them in the creamy sauce.

21. Thicken the Sauce: Stir the wine-cornstarch mixture to re-combine and pour it over the entire dish. This will help thicken the sauce as it cooks, making it rich and satisfying.

22. Cheese and Nuts: Gently fold in the Gorgonzola cheese and walnuts, stirring to combine everything nicely and allowing the cheese to melt slightly into the sauce.

23. Cook Through: Let the dish cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring gently to ensure everything is thoroughly heated and coated in the sauce. The goal here is to achieve a thickened consistency without overcooking the shrimp or tortellini.

24. Season to Taste: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference.

25. Serve and Enjoy: For a delightful presentation, pass extra freshly grated Parmesan cheese at the table for those who desire it. This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp vinaigrette salad and hot garlic bread, providing a complete and satisfying meal.

This Tortellini, Shrimp, and Vegetables with Spinach-Basil Sauce not only encapsulates the essence of Italian cuisine but also showcases how simple, fresh ingredients can come together to create a meal that is both visually appealing and utterly delicious. The vibrant colors of the vegetables combined with the rich, creamy sauce and tender shrimp will make this dish a favorite among family and friends alike.