Shrimp and Spinach Stuffed Pasta Rolls with Roasted Red Pepper Cream

If you’re looking to make an impression with your next meal, look no further than these Shrimp and Spinach Stuffed Pasta Rolls with Roasted Red Pepper Cream. Picture this: perfectly cooked shrimp and tender spinach wrapped in pasta, drizzled with a creamy, smoky roasted red pepper sauce. It’s a dish that’s bursting with flavor and elegance, yet surprisingly easy to make. Whether it’s a special dinner or just a fun weeknight meal, this dish is one that’ll leave everyone at the table asking for seconds. Trust me, you’re going to love how everything comes together so perfectly!

Why You’ll Love Shrimp and Spinach Stuffed Pasta Rolls with Roasted Red Pepper Cream

This recipe isn’t just a meal, it’s an experience. Here’s why this dish will become a favorite:

Flavor Explosion:

The shrimp, spinach, and creamy roasted red pepper sauce combine to create layers of flavor that are both rich and satisfying. Each bite is a little burst of deliciousness.

Fancy Yet Simple:

You don’t need to be a professional chef to make this dish, but it sure does look and taste like it! The stuffed pasta rolls look impressive, but they’re actually easy to assemble.

Versatile and Customizable:

Feel free to swap the shrimp for chicken or even make it vegetarian with just the spinach and cheese. The roasted red pepper cream can also be adjusted to your liking—add a little extra spice or keep it mild.

Elegant and Comforting:

This dish strikes the perfect balance between being comforting and fancy. It’s a great way to elevate a dinner party or make a cozy meal feel extra special.

Crowd-Pleasing:

Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting friends, or impressing a date, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. It’s the kind of dish that gets rave reviews.

Ingredients in Shrimp and Spinach Stuffed Pasta Rolls with Roasted Red Pepper Cream

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this gorgeous dish to life:

• Jumbo Pasta Shells: These sturdy pasta shells are the perfect vessel for holding the shrimp and spinach filling.
• Shrimp: Shrimp adds a succulent, sweet flavor to the dish. Choose large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for convenience.
• Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach gives this dish a pop of color and a healthy boost.
• Ricotta Cheese: The creamy base for the stuffing, bringing richness and smoothness to the filling.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor to the ricotta mixture.
• Garlic: For a savory, aromatic depth in both the filling and the sauce.
• Olive Oil: To sauté the shrimp and spinach.
• Roasted Red Peppers: The key ingredient for the creamy, smoky sauce that ties everything together.
• Heavy Cream: To create a luscious, velvety sauce.
• Salt and Pepper: For seasoning, bringing all the flavors together.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s walk through how to create these stunning shrimp and spinach stuffed pasta rolls with roasted red pepper cream:

1. Cook the Pasta Shells:

Start by boiling your jumbo pasta shells in salted water until they’re al dente (about 10-12 minutes). Drain and set them aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

2. Sauté Shrimp and Spinach:

Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, toss in the shrimp and cook until they’re just pink and cooked through. Remove them from the pan and set aside. In the same pan, add a bit more olive oil and sauté the spinach until wilted. Chop the cooked shrimp into bite-sized pieces and combine them with the spinach.

3. Make the Filling:

In a bowl, mix together the cooked shrimp and spinach, ricotta cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The filling should be thick and creamy, perfect for stuffing into your pasta shells.

4. Stuff the Pasta Shells:

Carefully stuff each cooked pasta shell with the shrimp and spinach mixture. Place the stuffed shells in a baking dish.

5. Make the Roasted Red Pepper Cream:

To make the sauce, blend the roasted red peppers in a blender or food processor until smooth. In a saucepan, combine the roasted red pepper puree with heavy cream and garlic. Simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is heated through and thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Assemble the Dish:

Pour the roasted red pepper cream sauce over the stuffed pasta shells in the baking dish. Use a spoon to coat them evenly with the sauce.

7. Bake the Pasta Rolls:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for about 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to let the top get a little golden and bubbly.

8. Serve and Enjoy:

Once out of the oven, garnish with a little extra Parmesan cheese or fresh basil if you like. Serve hot and enjoy the amazing combination of flavors!

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 6
• Calories per serving: 420
• Total Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 160mg
• Sodium: 850mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 36g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 9g
• Protein: 28g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

How to Serve Shrimp and Spinach Stuffed Pasta Rolls

These stuffed pasta rolls are a complete meal on their own, but here are a few ideas to enhance the experience:

• Side Salad: A light, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette will balance the richness of the pasta.
• Garlic Bread: A warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the extra marinara sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers are a great way to add some extra veggies to the meal.
• Wine Pairing: A glass of crisp white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, complements the shrimp and fresh spinach beautifully.

Additional Tips

• Make-Ahead: These pasta rolls are perfect for making ahead! Prepare the dish up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
• Freezing: You can also freeze the stuffed shells before baking. Just cover tightly with foil and freeze. When ready to bake, let them thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
• Substitutions: Feel free to swap in other seafood like scallops or crab for the shrimp. You can also add extra veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers to the filling for more flavor and texture.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A1: Yes! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking them to remove excess moisture.

Q2: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A1: Absolutely! You can swap out the ricotta for cottage cheese or use more mozzarella or provolone if you prefer. Go with what you love!

Q3: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A3: Yes! You can use gluten-free pasta shells in place of regular pasta to make this dish gluten-free.

Q4: Can I prep this dish ahead of time?
A4: Yes, this dish is great for meal prepping! Prepare everything up to the point of baking, then store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.

Q5: Can I make the filling without spinach?
A5: Absolutely! You can leave out the spinach or replace it with another green like kale or even arugula.

Q6: Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
A6: Of course! If you’re in a pinch, store-bought marinara sauce works just fine. Just make sure it’s a high-quality one for the best flavor.

Q7: How do I know when the dish is done?
A7: The dish is done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the sauce is bubbling around the edges. You can also test with a toothpick to ensure it’s hot in the center.

Q8: Can I freeze this dish after baking?
A8: Yes, you can freeze the baked pasta rolls. Just cool them completely, then wrap tightly in foil and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F for about 30-40 minutes.

Q9: How do I store leftovers?
A9: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the cheese melty.

Q10: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A10: Absolutely! You can omit the shrimp and add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant for a delicious vegetarian version.

Conclusion

These Shrimp and Spinach Stuffed Pasta Rolls are everything you want in a meal—comforting, cheesy, flavorful, and easy to make. Whether you’re serving them for a cozy weeknight dinner or making them for a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, get your oven preheated, and treat yourself to a meal that’s guaranteed to satisfy!

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