Shrimp and spinach stuffed pasta rolls with roasted red pepper cream sauce is a dish that embodies elegance and comfort in every bite. This dish beautifully balances flavors and textures—tender pasta, succulent shrimp, fresh spinach, and a creamy roasted red pepper sauce come together to create a meal that feels indulgent yet wholesome.

Whether you are hosting a dinner party or simply craving a restaurant-quality dish at home, this recipe is a perfect choice. Let’s dive into what makes this dish special and how you can elevate it further.

The Inspiration Behind This Dish

Pasta rolls are a creative take on traditional stuffed pasta dishes such as cannelloni or manicotti. While many stuffed pasta recipes rely on heavy tomato-based sauces, this recipe offers a unique twist with a velvety roasted red pepper cream sauce that brings a slightly sweet, smoky depth to the dish.

Shrimp adds a sophisticated protein element, while spinach provides a nutritional boost. The combination of creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses makes the filling rich yet balanced.

This dish is perfect for those who love a balance of flavors and textures—soft yet slightly chewy pasta, creamy yet light filling, and a sauce that coats every bite with smooth, roasted perfection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfect for Special Occasions – Whether it’s a romantic dinner or a family gathering, this dish brings gourmet flavors to your table.
2. A Unique Twist on Stuffed Pasta – The roasted red pepper sauce adds a depth of flavor that sets this apart from traditional tomato-based dishes.
3. Nutrient-Rich and Satisfying – Spinach adds iron and fiber, while shrimp provides lean protein, making this dish both delicious and nutritious.
4. Make-Ahead Friendly – Assemble the pasta rolls in advance and simply bake when you’re ready to serve.
5. Customizable to Your Taste – Easily swap ingredients to suit dietary preferences or personal tastes.

Ingredients

For the Pasta Rolls:

• 12 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
• 2 cups fresh spinach, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 egg, beaten
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Roasted Red Pepper Cream Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Preparing the Filling:

1. Sauté the Garlic and Spinach: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, approximately 1 minute. Incorporate the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
2. Combine the Filling Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, blend the cooked spinach, chopped shrimp, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and the beaten egg. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to your preference.

Assembling the Pasta Rolls:

1. Prepare the Noodles: Lay each cooked lasagna noodle flat on a clean surface.
2. Add the Filling: Evenly distribute the shrimp and spinach mixture along one edge of each noodle.
3. Roll the Noodles: Carefully roll each noodle, starting from the edge with the filling, ensuring a tight wrap. Place each roll seam-side down in a greased baking dish.

Crafting the Roasted Red Pepper Cream Sauce:

1. Sauté the Garlic: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until aromatic.
2. Incorporate the Roasted Red Peppers: Add the chopped roasted red peppers to the saucepan and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
3. Create the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5–7 minutes until it slightly thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Baking the Dish:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Assemble for Baking: Pour the roasted red pepper cream sauce evenly over the arranged pasta rolls in the baking dish. Optionally, sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.
3. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese has achieved a golden hue.

Serving Suggestions:

• Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes post-baking.
• Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley to enhance flavor and presentation.
• Pair with a crisp green salad or warm garlic bread to complete the meal.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: Approximately 450
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients used.

Tips for Perfect Pasta Rolls

To make this dish truly shine, consider these expert tips:

1. Choose the Right Pasta

Lasagna noodles work best because they are wide, flat, and easy to roll. Cook them just until al dente so they maintain their structure while rolling.

2. Use Fresh Shrimp

Fresh shrimp imparts the best flavor and texture. If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture in the filling.

3. Drain the Spinach Well

After cooking the spinach, squeeze out any excess liquid. Too much moisture can make the filling watery and affect the texture of the pasta rolls.

4. Balance the Flavors

The filling should be well-seasoned. Shrimp has a mild sweetness, so complement it with a touch of salt, pepper, and a hint of garlic for depth.

5. Create a Smooth and Silky Sauce

Blend the roasted red pepper cream sauce to achieve a velvety consistency. A hand blender or food processor works well for this.

6. Don’t Overfill the Pasta

Adding too much filling makes rolling difficult and can cause the pasta to break. Use just enough to ensure a well-balanced bite.

7. Bake Until Bubbly

Cover with foil while baking to lock in moisture, then remove the foil towards the end for a slight golden crust on top.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with:

• Garlic Bread – A crispy, buttery side to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Mixed Green Salad – A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette provides balance.
• Roasted Vegetables – Caramelized Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or zucchini add more depth to the meal.
• A Glass of White Wine – A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy sauce and shrimp.

Variations to Try

While this dish is already packed with flavor, you can customize it in many ways:

1. Make It Spicy

Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to the filling or sauce for a little heat.

2. Swap the Protein

Not a fan of shrimp? Try cooked shredded chicken, crab meat, or even Italian sausage for a different take.

3. Go Vegetarian

Omit the shrimp and add extra veggies like sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or artichokes for a fully vegetarian dish.

4. Use a Different Cheese Blend

Experiment with goat cheese, feta, or gouda in the filling for a unique flavor twist.

5. Try a Different Sauce

While the roasted red pepper cream sauce is the star, you can switch it up with a classic Alfredo, a light lemon-butter sauce, or even a pesto drizzle for a fresh burst of flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?

Yes! You can assemble the pasta rolls and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze them for up to a month. If baking from frozen, add 10-15 extra minutes to the cooking time.

2. What Is the Best Way to Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through or microwave in short intervals.

3. Can I Use Store-Bought Roasted Red Peppers?

Absolutely! Jarred roasted red peppers are a great shortcut. Just drain them well before blending into the sauce.

4. What Pasta Works Best for This Recipe?

Traditional lasagna noodles work best, but you can also use fresh pasta sheets for a softer texture.

5. How Can I Make This Dish Lighter?

For a lighter version, substitute part-skim ricotta and mozzarella, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and reduce the cheese topping slightly.

6. Is This Dish Kid-Friendly?

Yes! The creamy sauce and cheesy filling make it appealing to kids. If they don’t like shrimp, you can use shredded chicken or just make a cheese-and-spinach version.

7. What Can I Do If My Sauce Is Too Thick?

If the sauce thickens too much while cooking, simply add a splash of milk or broth until it reaches the desired consistency.

8. How Can I Prevent the Noodles from Sticking Together?

After boiling, lay the cooked noodles flat on a parchment-lined tray or drizzle them with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

Final Thoughts: A Dish Worth Savoring

Shrimp and spinach pasta rolls with roasted red pepper cream sauce is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. From the creamy filling to the luxurious sauce, every bite delivers layers of flavor that feel both comforting and gourmet.

Whether you’re looking to impress guests or treat yourself to something special, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Try it once, and you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again.

If you’re ready to elevate your pasta game, this is the recipe to try. Happy cooking!

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