Indulge in a dish that blends creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors in every bite. These Shrimp and Spinach Stuffed Pasta Rolls are wrapped in tender pasta, filled with a rich mixture of shrimp, ricotta, and fresh spinach, and topped with a luscious roasted red pepper cream sauce. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or treating yourself to a special meal, this recipe delivers both comfort and elegance on a single plate.What makes this dish truly special is its versatility swap shrimp for chicken or keep it vegetarian with just spinach and ricotta. The roasted red pepper sauce adds a depth of smoky sweetness that ties everything together beautifully. Serve with a glass of white wine and a crisp side salad for a complete, restaurant-worthy meal that’s sure to impress!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Roasted Red Pepper Cream Sauce:
- 1 cup roasted red peppers (jarred or homemade)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions, then drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and chop into small pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and cooked shrimp. Season with salt and pepper.
- Spread the filling onto each lasagna noodle and roll them up tightly. Place seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
- Prepare the sauce: Blend roasted red peppers, heavy cream, and lemon juice in a blender until smooth. Pour over the pasta rolls.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil, sprinkle with extra mozzarella, and bake for another 10 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal per serving | Servings: 4
The Perfect Balance of Flavors
One of the things that makes this dish so memorable is the balance of flavors. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the final taste:
- Shrimp brings a light sweetness and delicate texture that pairs well with the creaminess of the cheese and the acidity of the sauce.
- Spinach adds a fresh, earthy flavor that balances the richness of the filling.
- Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses work together to create a creamy, cheesy, and slightly nutty filling that binds everything together.
- The roasted red pepper cream sauce provides a hint of smokiness, subtle sweetness, and a velvety texture that coats each pasta roll beautifully.
Every bite of this dish offers a harmonious mix of textures and flavors from the tender pasta to the creamy filling, the juicy shrimp, and the rich sauce.
A Versatile Recipe with Many Variations
One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Whether you have dietary preferences, want to experiment with different ingredients, or just need to use up what you have in your kitchen, there are many ways to customize this dish.
Protein Swaps:
- Not a fan of shrimp? Swap it for chicken, crab, or even salmon for a different take on the dish.
- If you prefer a vegetarian option, simply omit the shrimp and add mushrooms, zucchini, or artichokes for extra texture and flavor.
Cheese Variations:
- Ricotta provides a light and fluffy texture, but you can also use cottage cheese or a mix of cream cheese and Parmesan for a richer filling.
- Mozzarella and Parmesan give this dish a classic Italian taste, but feel free to experiment with Gouda, Fontina, or Gruyère for a unique twist.
Sauce Alternatives:
- If you don’t have roasted red peppers on hand, you can make a simple creamy tomato sauce as a substitute.
- For a spicy kick, add a touch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Want a dairy-free version? Replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or a cashew cream sauce for a plant-based alternative.
This flexibility makes the dish perfect for different occasions whether you want a lighter, healthier version or an ultra-decadent comfort meal.
The Secret to the Perfect Roasted Red Pepper Cream Sauce
The roasted red pepper cream sauce is what takes this dish to the next level. It’s smooth, creamy, and bursting with smoky, slightly sweet, and tangy flavors. The key to making it perfect is:
- Using high-quality roasted red peppers – You can roast your own bell peppers at home for the best flavor, or use jarred roasted peppers for convenience.
- Blending it until smooth – A high-speed blender or food processor ensures a velvety consistency.
- Balancing the flavors – The richness of the heavy cream pairs beautifully with the roasted red peppers, but adding a splash of lemon juice enhances the freshness of the sauce.
This sauce is so versatile that you can use it for pasta, grilled chicken, seafood, or even as a dip for crusty bread.
Why This Dish is a Showstopper
This recipe is the perfect blend of gourmet elegance and comfort food, making it suitable for various occasions. Here’s why it stands out:
✅ Impressive Presentation – The rolled-up pasta, filled with creamy cheese and shrimp, covered in a vibrant red sauce, looks absolutely stunning on a plate.
✅ Rich, Yet Balanced Flavor – The dish has a luxurious texture but doesn’t feel overly heavy, thanks to the freshness of the spinach and the acidity of the red pepper sauce.
✅ Easy to Make Ahead – You can assemble the rolls and store them in the fridge before baking, making this a great choice for dinner parties or meal prep.
✅ Comforting and Satisfying – The combination of warm, cheesy filling and baked pasta makes this the ultimate feel-good meal.
Serving Suggestions
To complete the dining experience, pair this dish with complementary sides and drinks:
- Side Salad: A crisp arugula or Caesar salad with a lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta rolls.
- Garlic Bread: A slice of warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for scooping up the extra red pepper cream sauce.
- Wine Pairing: A light white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc enhances the seafood flavors, while a rosé adds a refreshing contrast.
If serving this at a dinner party, consider finishing the meal with a light Italian dessert like tiramisu, panna cotta, or a fruit sorbet.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This dish is great for leftovers, and the flavors develop even more after sitting for a while.
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the assembled, unbaked rolls for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
- Reheating: Warm the rolls in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or microwave in short bursts until heated through.
For the best results, add a splash of cream or broth before reheating to keep the pasta from drying out.
Conclusion:
Shrimp and Spinach Stuffed Pasta Rolls with Roasted Red Pepper Cream is a dish that delivers incredible flavor, elegant presentation, and comforting satisfaction. Whether you’re making this for a weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or a holiday meal, it’s a recipe that will leave your guests wanting seconds.
With endless customization options, a make-ahead advantage, and a sauce that elevates the entire dish, this pasta creation is one that belongs in every home cook’s recipe collection.
