If you are craving something truly special and bursting with flavor, this Indulgent Shrimp and Spinach Stuffed Pasta Rolls with Creamy Sauce Recipe is your answer. Imagine tender shrimp blended with fresh spinach and creamy ricotta cheese, all wrapped up in delicate pasta rolls that are baked under a luscious roasted red pepper cream sauce. This dish is an absolute showstopper, perfect for a cozy dinner or impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen. From the first bite, you’ll experience the perfect balance of rich creaminess, vibrant herbs, and a subtle kick from the spices, making it a comfort food you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients together for this recipe is refreshingly straightforward. Each component plays a vital role, from the creamy textures to the layers of savory, bright flavors. These simple essentials come together to create a dish that feels luxurious but is surprisingly easy to prepare.
- Butter: Adds richness to the creamy sauce; olive oil can serve as a lighter substitute.
- Onion: Provides deep flavor; shallots can be used for a milder taste.
- Kosher Salt: Essential for balancing flavors perfectly throughout the dish.
- Pepper: Adds just the right amount of heat and complexity.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle spice kick; adjust according to your preference.
- Garlic: Infuses aromatic sweetness; fresh is best, but jarred works in a pinch.
- Roasted Red Peppers: Forms the sauce base, contributing a sweet and smoky dimension.
- Heavy Cream: Creates a luscious, velvety sauce; half-and-half or coconut cream work as lighter options.
- Italian Seasoning: Elevates the flavor profile with herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme.
- Cooked Shrimp: The star protein of the dish; ensure it’s tender and well-seasoned.
- Ricotta Cheese: Delivers a smooth, creamy filling; cottage cheese is a lighter alternative.
- Shredded Parmesan Cheese: Deepens the richness and adds a nutty flavor.
- Fresh Parsley: Brightens the filling with fresh herbal notes and color.
- Egg: Binds the filling ingredients; for vegans, a flax egg works well.
- Lemon Juice: Lifts all the flavors with a fresh, zesty touch.
- Old Bay Seasoning: Adds an unmistakable seafood-enhancing spice blend.
- Egg Roll Wrappers: Adds a modern twist to traditional pasta rolls; fresh pasta sheets can also be used.
How to Make Indulgent Shrimp and Spinach Stuffed Pasta Rolls with Creamy Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
Start by melting butter in a pan over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and garlic, letting them soften and develop a sweet aroma. Stir in the roasted red peppers, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes, letting it all simmer together for a few minutes. Transfer this mixture to a blender, add heavy cream and Italian seasoning, and blend until silky smooth. This sauce sets the tone for the entire dish — rich, velvety, and bursting with flavor.
Step 2: Make the Shrimp and Spinach Filling
In a large bowl, mix cooked shrimp—chopped into bite-sized pieces—with ricotta cheese, shredded Parmesan, fresh parsley, egg, lemon juice, and Old Bay seasoning. The egg will bind these ingredients perfectly while the lemon juice adds brightness. This filling is both creamy and packed with seafood flavor, making every bite irresistible.
Step 3: Assemble the Pasta Rolls
Lay out the egg roll wrappers on a clean surface. Spoon a generous amount of the shrimp and spinach filling onto each wrapper, then carefully roll them up like a burrito, tucking in the sides to keep everything enclosed. These rolls are like little flavor parcels waiting to be baked to golden perfection.
Step 4: Bake the Pasta Rolls in Sauce
Pour a thin layer of the creamy roasted red pepper sauce into the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the stuffed rolls seam side down in the dish and cover them with the remaining sauce. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes until the sauce is bubbling and the rolls are heated through and lightly golden on top.
How to Serve Indulgent Shrimp and Spinach Stuffed Pasta Rolls with Creamy Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Finish this dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil leaves and an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese. A few lemon zest curls on top can also add a pop of freshness that brightens the creamy richness.
Side Dishes
Since this dish is so rich and hearty, lighter sides work best. A crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette or some roasted asparagus complements the flavors beautifully without overwhelming the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these pasta rolls individually on small plates with a drizzle of extra sauce and a sprinkle of microgreens or edible flowers. This presentation adds elegance and makes the meal feel even more indulgent and special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cover them well to retain moisture and prevent the sauce from drying out.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the Indulgent Shrimp and Spinach Stuffed Pasta Rolls with Creamy Sauce Recipe, assemble the rolls and place them raw in a freezer-safe dish with sauce poured over. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, bake them straight from the freezer, adding extra time to ensure they are cooked through.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Using the oven helps maintain that lovely baked texture without drying out the rolls.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pasta sheets instead of egg roll wrappers?
Absolutely! Fresh pasta sheets make a fantastic substitute and offer a more classic texture, though egg roll wrappers give a unique crispness and modern touch.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes. Simply omit the shrimp and substitute with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables. Adding smoked paprika can help mimic some of the savory depth shrimp brings.
How spicy is the dish?
The crushed red pepper flakes provide a mild to moderate heat, but you can easily adjust the amount to match your spice preference or omit for a milder version.
Can this recipe be prepared gluten-free?
If you choose gluten-free egg roll wrappers or pasta sheets, this dish easily suits a gluten-free diet without compromising on flavor or texture.
What type of wine pairs well with this recipe?
A crisp, unoaked white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a lightly chilled Pinot Grigio complements the creamy richness and seafood flavors perfectly.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with the Indulgent Shrimp and Spinach Stuffed Pasta Rolls with Creamy Sauce Recipe. It balances luxury and comfort beautifully and feels like a celebration on your plate. Give it a try for your next dinner, and I promise it will become a treasured favorite that’s as fun to make as it is delicious to eat. Happy cooking!
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Indulgent Shrimp and Spinach Stuffed Pasta Rolls with Creamy Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (4 rolls)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Halal
Description
Indulgent Shrimp and Spinach Stuffed Pasta Rolls with Creamy Sauce offers a savory blend of tender shrimp, fresh spinach, and creamy ricotta wrapped in delicate egg roll wrappers. Baked to perfection and smothered in a luscious roasted red pepper cream sauce, this dish makes for a rich and satisfying meal perfect for dinner parties or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 1 lb Cooked Shrimp (tender and fully cooked)
- 15 oz Ricotta Cheese (creamy and smooth)
- 1 cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese
- 1/2 cup Fresh Parsley (chopped)
- 1 large Egg (for binding)
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1 tbsp Old Bay Seasoning
For the Sauce
- 1 tbsp Butter (or olive oil for a lighter option)
- 1 medium Onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 16 oz Roasted Red Peppers (fresh or jarred)
- 2/3 cup Heavy Cream (or half-and-half/coconut cream)
- 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning (or fresh basil/oregano)
- 1 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1 tsp Pepper
- 1 tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (adjust for spice level)
For Assembling
- 8 pieces Egg Roll Wrappers (or fresh pasta sheets)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tbsp butter. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Stir in the roasted red peppers, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes to meld flavors. Transfer to a blender and puree until smooth. Return the sauce to the skillet and stir in the heavy cream. Keep warm on low heat.
- Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked shrimp (chopped if large), ricotta cheese, shredded Parmesan, chopped parsley, egg, lemon juice, and Old Bay seasoning. Mix well until evenly incorporated, ensuring the egg is fully blended to bind the mixture.
- Assemble the Rolls: Lay one egg roll wrapper flat on a clean surface. Spoon approximately 1/4 cup of the shrimp and ricotta filling onto the center of the wrapper. Carefully roll the wrapper tightly around the filling, folding in the edges to secure, creating a neat roll. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.
- Bake the Rolls: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the assembled rolls seam-side down on a greased baking dish. Lightly brush the tops with butter or olive oil to enhance browning. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the wrappers are golden and crisp.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy roasted red pepper sauce onto serving plates and arrange the baked shrimp pasta rolls on top. Garnish with extra fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately while hot for maximum enjoyment.
Notes
- For a lighter sauce, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a coconut cream alternative.
- Egg roll wrappers provide a crisp exterior but fresh pasta sheets can be substituted for a more authentic cannelloni experience.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder flavor.
- Leftover rolls can be reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- Try adding fresh spinach or basil to the filling for added freshness and color.
