Lemon Pesto Tortellini with Grilled Shrimp and Zucchini
A clever, lower-carb take on a pasta favorite featuring protein-packed grilled shrimp, zucchini noodles, and tender cheese tortellini tossed in a bright, lemon-stretched pesto sauce.
Prep
15 min
Cook
15 min
Total
30 min
Makes
6 servings
Created together. Shared with you.
Made by Maureen + Lila
Maureen created this recipe with Lila and shared it with the perimenopause community.
The feel-good payoff
Why this meal can feel especially good in perimenopause
Think practical wins: steadier energy, comfortable fullness and one less food decision. Your response is personal, so use the prompts below to notice what works for you.
Perimenopause symptoms and relief · Office on Women’s HealthComfortably satisfied
Fullness that has staying power
This meal is designed to feel substantial, so finishing it can feel like the meal is complete rather than the start of an evening of grazing.
Notice: fullness 2–3 hours later
Steadier energy
Feel fueled, not flattened
A complete meal with protein, carbohydrates and fats is designed to offer more staying power than a quick carb-only fix.
Notice: energy 1–3 hours later
Everyday strength
Support the basics consistently
A nourishing meal supports the protein, energy and overall nutrition that help you keep showing up for daily movement.
Notice: energy for movement
Digestive comfort
A portion that works for you
Fiber and plants can support digestion, but more is not always better overnight. Start with a comfortable portion and build gradually.
Notice: comfort + portion
Setup
Get set up
Choose your servings, gather what you need, then cook along below.
Prep
15 min
Cook
15 min
Total
30 min
How many are you cooking for?
The ingredient amounts update automatically.
Equipment
Large skillet · Large pot · Knife and cutting board
Time saver
Meal Prep Storage: Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water to keep the shrimp tender.
Do these three things first
- 1Set out all ingredients before cooking
- 2Measure the pantry ingredients before heating the pan
- 3Read through the steps once before you begin
Ingredients
Gather as you go
Ingredients
Cook along
Instructions
0 of 7 steps complete
Next: Boil the Tortellini
- 01
Boil the Tortellini
Boil the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the cheese tortellini and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, or until they float to the top and are tender but still have a slight bite (al dente). Drain, reserving 0.25 cup (60ml) of pasta water, and set aside.
Look for: they float to the top and are tender but still have a slight bite (al dente)
Tap card to mark done - 02
Prep the Shrimp
Prep the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel. Toss with a pinch of salt, black pepper, and half of the olive oil.
Tap card to mark done - 03
Grill the Shrimp
Grill the Shrimp: Heat a large grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer. Sear for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Transfer the shrimp to a clean plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
Look for: they turn pink and opaque
Tap card to mark done - 04
Saute the Vegetables
Saute the Vegetables: Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining olive oil to the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and sliced zucchini. Saute for 4 to 5 minutes until the zucchini is tender-crisp and lightly browned.
Look for: the zucchini is tender-crisp and lightly browned
Tap card to mark done - 05
Wilting the Spinach
Wilting the Spinach: Toss the baby spinach into the skillet with the zucchini. Stir constantly for about 1 minute until the spinach is just wilted and bright green.
Look for: the spinach is just wilted and bright green
Tap card to mark done - 06
Build the Sauce
Build the Sauce: Stir the basil pesto and fresh lemon juice into the vegetables, adding 1 to 2 tablespoons (15 to 30ml) of the reserved pasta water to stretch the sauce into a smooth, glossy glaze.
Tap card to mark done - 07
Combine and Serve
Combine and Serve: Return the cooked tortellini and grilled shrimp to the skillet. Gently toss everything together over low heat for 1 minute until heated through. Divide evenly among six plates and serve warm.
Look for: heated through
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