If you’re looking for a dish that’s as impressive as it is comforting, this Shrimp and Spinach Stuffed Pasta Rolls Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine tender shrimp and vibrant spinach wrapped lovingly inside lasagna noodles, smothered with rich, melty cheeses and your favorite marinara or Alfredo sauce, then baked to bubbly, golden perfection. It’s the kind of recipe that brings elegance to your dinner table without fuss, and once you taste it, you’ll be hooked on its delightful harmony of flavors and textures.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to bringing all the fresh, savory flavors of this dish to life. Each component plays an essential role, from the creamy cheeses creating luscious filling to the perfectly cooked shrimp adding a succulent bite and the spinach lending a pop of color and nutrition.
- 8 cooked lasagna noodles: These are the perfect vessel to hold our delicious filling without falling apart.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the garlic and shrimp smoothly.
- 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped: Fresh seafood that provides a tender, juicy texture and a flavor boost.
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped: Brightens the dish with its vibrant green color and adds a healthful touch.
- 1 garlic clove, minced: Infuses the filling with a subtle, aromatic warmth.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, providing a dreamy texture inside the rolls.
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that irresistible gooeyness.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, nutty depth to the filling mix.
- 1 egg, lightly beaten: Binds everything together for a cohesive filling.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Sprinkles in fragrant herbs like oregano and basil.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Enhances all the natural flavors.
- 1 1/2 cups marinara or Alfredo sauce: Your choice of sauce sets the tone—tomato tang or indulgent creaminess.
- Extra mozzarella and Parmesan for topping: Ensures that golden, bubbly cheese crust everyone loves.
How to Make Shrimp and Spinach Stuffed Pasta Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp and Spinach Filling
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then gently sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds to release its fragrance. Toss in the chopped shrimp and fresh spinach, cooking them together until the shrimp turns a lovely pink and the spinach wilts perfectly, about 2 to 3 minutes. Let this mixture cool slightly before moving on.
Step 2: Mix the Cheesy Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy ricotta, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheeses, plus the beaten egg. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Now gently fold the slightly cooled shrimp and spinach mixture into this cheesy blend, creating a filling that’s bursting with flavor and just the right consistency to stuff your pasta rolls.
Step 3: Assemble the Pasta Rolls
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Begin by spreading half a cup of your chosen sauce evenly over the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish—this will prevent sticking and add flavor right from the base. Lay out your cooked lasagna noodles flat and evenly divide the filling amongst them. Then, lovingly roll each noodle up, placing the seam side down in the dish to keep them intact.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pour the remaining sauce over the arranged rolls and sprinkle the top generously with extra mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 20 minutes. After that, take off the foil and bake for another 10 minutes to develop a golden, bubbly top that’s absolutely irresistible. Allow the pasta rolls to rest for about 5 minutes once out of the oven to set beautifully before serving.
How to Serve Shrimp and Spinach Stuffed Pasta Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can really lift this dish to the next level. A sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or parsley adds a lovely herbal brightness, while a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes gives it a subtle kick and extra depth.
Side Dishes
Serve these pasta rolls with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance out the richness, or perhaps some garlic bread to soak up every last bit of sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini also pair wonderfully, making for a well-rounded, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, plate one or two rolls per person with a drizzle of extra sauce artistically swirled around the plate, perhaps garnished with a lemon wedge to brighten the shrimp’s flavor. You can also serve these rolls family-style in the baking dish at the table, inviting everyone to help themselves to this shareable, festive dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Shrimp and Spinach Stuffed Pasta Rolls Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to store them in an airtight container to maintain moisture and prevent the seafood flavor from becoming too intense. Reheat gently to preserve their delightful texture and flavor.
Freezing
These pasta rolls freeze exceptionally well. After assembling but before baking, wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the rolls with foil and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for approximately 20 minutes, or until warmed through. To revive that melty, golden cheese top, uncover the last 5 minutes of baking. Microwaving is an option in a pinch but can cause uneven heating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before chopping and cooking to avoid excess moisture in your filling.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
Cottage cheese is a decent shortcut, but for a creamier texture, blending it in a food processor beforehand helps. Alternatively, mascarpone is an indulgent substitute if you want extra richness.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, swap the cheeses for your favorite dairy-free alternatives and use a vegan sauce. The texture might differ slightly, but the Mediterranean flavors will still shine through.
Can I add more vegetables to the filling?
Certainly! Finely diced mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini can be sautéed with the shrimp and spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
How spicy can I make the Shrimp and Spinach Stuffed Pasta Rolls Recipe?
You can easily add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling or sauce for a kick that matches your heat preference without overpowering the dish.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp and Spinach Stuffed Pasta Rolls Recipe brings together luscious seafood, fresh greens, and creamy cheese in a way that feels both comforting and special. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or your next celebration, this dish promises to delight with every forkful. So grab your ingredients and get ready to roll your way to a truly memorable meal!
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Shrimp and Spinach Stuffed Pasta Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
Delight in these Shrimp and Spinach Stuffed Pasta Rolls, a flavorful Italian-American main course featuring tender cooked shrimp and fresh spinach blended with creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Wrapped in lasagna noodles, baked with marinara or Alfredo sauce, and topped with melted cheese for a satisfying and elegant dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 cooked lasagna noodles
- 1 1/2 cups marinara or Alfredo sauce
- Extra mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for topping
Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Sauce: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread 1/2 cup of the marinara or Alfredo sauce evenly across the bottom to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Cook Shrimp and Spinach: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the chopped shrimp and spinach, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until the shrimp turns pink and the spinach wilts. Remove the skillet from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
- Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Gently fold in the cooked shrimp and spinach mixture until thoroughly incorporated.
- Assemble the Rolls: Lay out the cooked lasagna noodles on a flat surface. Evenly spread the shrimp and cheese filling over each noodle, then carefully roll each noodle up, sealing the filling inside. Place each roll seam side down in the prepared baking dish atop the sauce.
- Add Sauce and Cheese Topping: Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the rolled pasta. Sprinkle additional mozzarella and Parmesan cheese generously over the top to create a delicious, cheesy crust.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese topping is golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Once baked, let the dish rest for 5 minutes to set before serving. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- You can use small pre-cooked shrimp to save preparation time.
- Substitute chopped crab or chicken for shrimp to vary the protein.
- Try Alfredo sauce instead of marinara for a creamy alternative.
- Add red pepper flakes to the filling or sauce for a spicy kick.
