Name: Shrimp & Spinach Stuffed Pasta Rolls with Roasted Red Pepper Cream Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 lasagna noodles; 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; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 roasted red peppers, peeled and chopped; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste

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A heavenly combination of succulent shrimp and vibrant spinach nestled inside tender pasta rolls, all blanketed with a velvety roasted red pepper cream sauce. This dish strikes the perfect balance between elegant and comforting, making it an impressive option for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This stuffed pasta roll recipe offers the perfect blend of sophistication and comfort. The tender shrimp and nutrient-rich spinach create a delightful filling that's both flavorful and satisfying. The roasted red pepper cream sauce adds a beautiful color and smoky-sweet dimension that elevates the entire dish. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of textures—from the al dente pasta to the creamy filling and silky sauce. What's more, while this dish looks impressively complex, it's actually quite straightforward to prepare, making it ideal for entertaining or treating your family to something special without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Lasagna noodles serve as the perfect vessel for this recipe, providing structure and a satisfying chew. Their flat, wide shape makes them ideal for rolling around the filling.

Shrimp brings a delicate sweetness and tender texture to the filling. They're an excellent source of protein and cook quickly, absorbing the flavors of the dish beautifully. You can substitute pre-cooked shrimp if you're short on time.

Fresh spinach adds a nutritional boost along with a pop of color and mild earthy flavor. It wilts down significantly when mixed with the other filling ingredients, so don't worry if it seems like too much initially.

Ricotta cheese creates a creamy, luxurious base for the filling that binds everything together while adding a subtle milky flavor.

Mozzarella cheese contributes that stretchy, melty quality we all love in baked pasta dishes, while also adding a mild flavor that doesn't overpower the delicate shrimp.

Parmesan cheese brings a salty, umami punch to the filling that enhances all the other flavors. Its aged character adds depth to the dish.

Egg works as a binding agent in the filling, ensuring everything stays together inside your pasta rolls during baking.

Garlic infuses both the filling and sauce with aromatic flavor. Don't be shy with it—it pairs beautifully with the shrimp and spinach.

Roasted red peppers form the foundation of the vibrant sauce, offering a sweet, slightly smoky flavor that complements the seafood wonderfully. Using jarred peppers is perfectly acceptable if you don't want to roast your own.

Heavy cream transforms the roasted peppers into a luxurious sauce with body and richness.

Chicken broth thins the sauce to the perfect consistency while adding depth of flavor. Vegetable broth works equally well for a pescatarian version.

Onion provides a savory foundation for the sauce, adding complexity and natural sweetness as it cooks down.

Paprika complements the roasted peppers with its own subtle smokiness and beautiful color enhancement.

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes, until pink and cooked through. Remove from heat and chop into small pieces.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped shrimp, spinach, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
Lay each lasagna noodle flat and spoon a generous amount of the shrimp and spinach mixture onto each noodle. Roll the noodles tightly into rolls and place them in a baking dish.
For the sauce, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until soft.
Add the roasted red peppers, heavy cream, chicken broth, paprika, salt, and pepper to the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Use an immersion blender to blend the sauce until smooth (or transfer to a blender).
Pour the roasted red pepper cream sauce over the stuffed pasta rolls in the baking dish.
Cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and heated through.
Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 4 generous servings, making it perfect for a family dinner. If you're serving guests, you might want to prepare a simple salad and garlic bread to round out the meal. The entire dish comes together in about an hour, with 20 minutes of prep time and 40 minutes of cooking time. The good news is that most of the cooking time is hands-off baking, giving you time to prepare sides or set the table while wonderful aromas fill your kitchen.

Variations

Seafood Medley Rolls: Replace half the shrimp with lump crab meat or chopped scallops for a luxurious seafood blend.

Vegetarian Option: Skip the shrimp altogether and use sautéed mushrooms instead for a meaty texture without the seafood.

Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute the lasagna noodles with gluten-free lasagna sheets or large gluten-free pasta shapes.

Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the filling or sauce for a bit of heat.

Herbed Variation: Incorporate fresh herbs like basil, dill, or parsley into the filling for a burst of freshness.

Sun-Dried Tomato Twist: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the filling for concentrated tangy flavor that pairs well with the shrimp.

Alfredo Alternative: Replace the roasted red pepper sauce with a classic alfredo sauce if you prefer a more traditional flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

This dish keeps remarkably well, making it perfect for meal prep or planned leftovers. Store any leftover pasta rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often meld and intensify overnight, making the leftovers especially delicious.

To reheat, cover the pasta rolls with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. This gentle reheating method helps maintain the creamy texture of the sauce and filling. If you're in a hurry, you can microwave individual portions, but cover them with a damp paper towel and use 50% power to prevent the pasta from becoming tough.

For longer storage, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked pasta rolls for up to 1 month. Thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it, covered, until you're ready to bake. Allow an extra 5-10 minutes of baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator. The make-ahead approach actually allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?

If ricotta isn't available, cottage cheese (drained and blended until smooth) makes an excellent substitute. Alternatively, mascarpone offers a richer, creamier texture, though it will make the filling slightly more decadent.

How do I prevent my lasagna noodles from sticking together?

After cooking and draining the noodles, lay them flat on a lightly oiled baking sheet without overlapping. If you need to stack them, place a piece of parchment paper between layers and brush each noodle lightly with olive oil.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Thaw about 1 cup of frozen spinach, squeeze out all excess moisture, and use it in place of the fresh spinach. This can actually be more convenient and economical.

Is there a shortcut for making the roasted red pepper sauce?

For a time-saving option, you can use jarred roasted red peppers. Additionally, the sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and refrigerated until needed.

What's the best way to serve these pasta rolls?

These rolls look stunning served 2-3 per plate with extra sauce spooned over the top and a light sprinkle of fresh Parmesan. Pair with a simple green salad and crusty bread to complete the meal.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

Yes, pre-cooked shrimp works perfectly in this recipe. Simply skip the cooking step, chop them, and add to the filling mixture. This is a great time-saver!

How do I know when the pasta rolls are done baking?

The dish is ready when the sauce is bubbling around the edges and the filling is heated through. If you insert a food thermometer into the center of a roll, it should read at least 165°F.

What can I do if my sauce is too thick or thin?

If your sauce is too thick, gradually whisk in a little more chicken broth until you reach your desired consistency. If it's too thin, simmer it for a few extra minutes to reduce and thicken.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the shrimp and substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth. Consider adding extra vegetables to the filling, such as sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or artichoke hearts for additional flavor and texture.

Conclusion

These Shrimp & Spinach Stuffed Pasta Rolls with Roasted Red Pepper Cream Sauce represent comfort food at its finest—elevated yet approachable, impressive yet doable. The combination of tender shrimp, nutritious spinach, and creamy cheese wrapped in pasta and bathed in a vibrant sauce creates a memorable meal that appeals to both everyday dining and special occasions.

What makes this dish truly special is its versatility. Whether you're cooking for a romantic dinner, a family gathering, or meal prepping for the week ahead, these pasta rolls deliver on both flavor and presentation. The balance of textures and flavors—from the tender pasta to the savory filling and silky sauce—creates a harmonious dish that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Don't be intimidated by the multiple components; each step is straightforward, and the end result is absolutely worth the effort. This is the kind of recipe that builds confidence in the kitchen while delivering restaurant-quality results at your dining table.