Ingredients
- 3/4 pound jumbo shrimp: Make sure they are peeled and deveined.
- 2 packages (9 oz each) whole wheat cheese tortellini: Feel free to substitute with regular cheese tortellini if preferred.
- 2 to 2 1/2 cups marinara sauce or spaghetti sauce: Choose your favorite brand or a homemade version.
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Adjust according to how cheesy you like your bake.
- 1.5 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nice, salty depth to the dish.
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: For sautéing the shrimp.
- Salt and pepper: Season to taste.
- Fresh chopped parsley: For garnish, adding a touch of color and freshness.
Instructions
- Preheat the Broiler: Turn your broiler on high to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the dish later.
- Cook Tortellini:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare Shrimp:
- While the tortellini cooks, season the shrimp with salt and pepper to taste.
- In an oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet and sauté for about 3 to 5 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp are fully pink and slightly golden.
- Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside. Turn off the stove as you won’t need it anymore.
- Assemble the Bake:
- In the same skillet, combine the cooked tortellini with the marinara sauce, mixing well to ensure all tortellini are coated.
- Evenly distribute the cooked shrimp on top of the sauced tortellini.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the shrimp, followed by an even layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Broil:
- Place the skillet under the broiler and cook until the cheese on top becomes bubbly and slightly browned, about 3-4 minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the skillet from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to settle.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add a fresh, herby flavor.
This expanded recipe offers a bit more guidance on each step and ingredient, making it easy to follow and ensuring a delicious result. Enjoy your cooking!