SHRIMP & TORTELLINI IN TOMATO CREAM SAUCE

SHRIMP & TORTELLINI IN TOMATO CREAM SAUCE image

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 18

1 package (9 ounces) refrigerated cheese tortellini
1 pound uncooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
2 teaspoons grated lemon peel
1/4 teaspoon pepper, divided
Dash crushed red pepper flakes
2 shallots, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) no-salt-added diced tomatoes, undrained
1 bottle (8 ounces) clam juice
1/2 cup white wine
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
4 fresh thyme sprigs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan and Romano cheese blend
1/4 cup half-and-half cream
10 fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons minced chives
Shredded Parmesan cheese and minced fresh parsley, optional

Steps:

Cook tortellini according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large nonstick skillet, cook shrimp in 2 teaspoons oil until shrimp turn pink. Stir in the lemon peel, 1/8 teaspoon pepper and pepper flakes. Remove and keep warm. In the same skillet, cook shallots in remaining oil over low heat for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown, stirring occasionally. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Add the tomatoes, clam juice, wine, vinegar, thyme and remaining pepper. Bring to a boil; cook until liquid is reduced by half, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat; discard thyme sprigs. Stir in the cheese, cream, basil, chives and shrimp. Drain tortellini; stir into shrimp mixture. Sprinkle with shredded cheese and parsley if desired.