Description
These Shrimp and Spinach Stuffed Pasta Rolls are a delightful and elegant meal featuring tender shrimp and fresh spinach rolled inside lasagna noodles, topped with a creamy roasted red pepper sauce. This dish combines rich cheeses and vibrant flavors, perfect for a comforting yet sophisticated dinner.
Ingredients
For the Pasta Rolls
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pasta rolls.
- Cook Lasagna Noodles: Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package directions, then drain and set them aside to cool slightly for easier handling.
- Sauté Shrimp and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and shrimp, cooking until the shrimp turns pink, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare Filling: In a large bowl, combine the chopped spinach, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and the cooked shrimp mixture. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble Rolls: Spread a layer of the shrimp and spinach filling onto each lasagna noodle. Carefully roll up each noodle tightly, then place the rolls seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
- Make Sauce: In a blender or food processor, blend the roasted red peppers, heavy cream, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
- Add Sauce and Bake: Pour the roasted red pepper cream sauce evenly over the pasta rolls. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Finish Baking: Remove the foil, sprinkle the rolls with additional shredded mozzarella cheese, and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the baked pasta rolls with freshly chopped basil and serve warm.
Notes
- To save time, you can use pre-cooked shrimp but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- If fresh spinach isn’t available, frozen spinach (thawed and drained) can be substituted.
- For a spicier twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the shrimp while cooking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time; assemble the rolls and refrigerate before baking.