Description
These Shrimp and Spinach Stuffed Pasta Rolls are packed with juicy shrimp, creamy ricotta, and fresh spinach, then baked in a luscious roasted red pepper cream sauce. It’s a deliciously creamy, cheesy, and comforting pasta dish that feels restaurant-quality but is easy to make at home.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta Rolls:
- 12 lasagna sheets (or use large pasta shells/cannelloni)
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled & deveined (chopped into small pieces)
- 2 cups fresh spinach (chopped)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 1 egg (lightly beaten)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
For the Roasted Red Pepper Cream Sauce:
- 2 roasted red peppers (jarred or homemade, drained and chopped)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
- ½ cup parmesan cheese (grated)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For Topping:
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese (grated)
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the lasagna sheets until al dente (they will finish cooking in the oven). Drain and lay them flat on a greased baking sheet to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Make the Shrimp and Spinach Filling
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter.
- Add garlic and shrimp, cooking for 2-3 minutes until shrimp turn pink. Remove from heat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, parmesan, mozzarella, egg, lemon zest, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Stir in the cooked shrimp and chopped spinach until well mixed.
Step 3: Prepare the Roasted Red Pepper Cream Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Add roasted red peppers, broth, and smoked paprika. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Transfer to a blender and blend until smooth and creamy.
- Pour back into the skillet, stir in heavy cream and parmesan cheese, and simmer until thickened. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 4: Assemble the Pasta Rolls
- Spread a thin layer of roasted red pepper sauce on the bottom of a greased baking dish.
- Take each lasagna sheet, spread a few tablespoons of filling, then roll tightly.
- Place the rolled pasta seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining pasta sheets.
Step 5: Bake the Dish
- Pour the remaining red pepper sauce over the pasta rolls.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top.
- Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
- Serve hot with garlic bread, salad, or extra sauce on the side.
Notes
- No lasagna sheets? Use cannelloni, manicotti, or jumbo pasta shells instead!
- Want extra creaminess? Add a spoonful of cream cheese to the filling.
- Make it ahead: Assemble everything and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 180mg