Creamy Shrimp & Spinach Pasta Rolls with Roasted Pepper Sauce – Elegant Comfort in Every Bite
Introduction
Looking for a dish that feels restaurant-worthy but is totally doable in your home kitchen? These Shrimp & Spinach Pasta Rolls check every box. Creamy, cheesy, savory, and layered with tender shrimp and wilted spinach, this dish is wrapped in pasta sheets and bathed in a roasted red pepper sauce that’s smoky, smooth, and luxurious.
Whether you’re cooking for a date night, a holiday table, or just because it’s Tuesday, this meal delivers comfort and class in every forkful.
Why I Love This Recipe
There’s something satisfying about rolled pasta—they’re like lasagna’s fancier cousin. This version skips the marinara and instead stars a blended roasted pepper sauce that’s silky with a touch of smoke from paprika. The filling? A creamy mix of ricotta, Parmesan, seasoned shrimp, and bright spinach.
These pasta rolls bake beautifully, hold their shape when sliced, and make for a stunning dinner plate presentation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Sauce:
- 1 jar (12 oz) roasted red peppers, drained
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
For the Filling:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- 1½ cups cooked shrimp, chopped
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
For Assembly:
- 12 cooked lasagna sheets
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Make the Sauce:
In a blender, combine roasted red peppers, heavy cream, olive oil, and smoked paprika. Blend until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Filling:
In a large bowl, mix together ricotta, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning until smooth. Fold in chopped shrimp and fresh spinach.
3. Assemble the Rolls:
Lay out your cooked lasagna sheets. Spoon the filling across each sheet, then roll them up tightly. Place each roll seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
4. Add the Sauce and Cheese:
Pour the roasted pepper sauce evenly over the rolls. Sprinkle mozzarella on top.
5. Bake:
Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbling and golden around the edges.
6. Serve Hot:
Garnish with fresh basil or extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the pasta sheets—al dente is best so they hold their shape when rolled.
- Use tail-off shrimp for easier prep. You can also sub with small cooked prawns or even scallops.
- Fresh spinach wilts easily in the filling—no pre-cooking required.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to help set the filling before slicing.
Swaps & Variations
- Want a vegetarian version? Swap shrimp for sautéed mushrooms or chopped artichokes.
- No ricotta? Try cottage cheese blended smooth, or even cream cheese in a pinch.
- Extra heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or filling.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These pasta rolls pair beautifully with:
- A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or crusty baguette to soak up that luscious sauce
- A light dessert like No-Bake Oreo Cream Pie for contrast
- Or follow up with cozy flavors like Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo if feeding a crowd
Leftovers & Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze unbaked rolls and sauce separately for future meals.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, covered with foil to prevent drying.
More Recipes You’ll Love
Love this comforting yet elevated pasta dish? Try these favorites next:
- Instant Pot Lasagna – all the flavor, none of the layering stress
- Chicken Enchiladas – creamy, cheesy, and guaranteed to disappear
- Dorito Casserole – a crunchy, spicy dinner shortcut you’ll crave again and again
Final Thoughts
Creamy, cozy, and craveable, these Shrimp & Spinach Pasta Rolls with Roasted Pepper Sauce are a delicious twist on traditional baked pasta. Perfect for impressing guests, treating yourself, or teaching someone the magic of a good bake.
Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turned out! Tag your creations, leave a comment, and follow along for more creative comfort food at ChefManiac.
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