Shrimp and Spinach Stuffed Pasta Rolls Recipe
This Shrimp and Spinach Stuffed Pasta Rolls recipe combines succulent shrimp, fresh spinach, and creamy ricotta cheese, all wrapped in tender pasta sheets. The dish is baked in a flavorful marinara sauce, topped with mozzarella cheese, and baked until golden and bubbly. It’s an ideal meal for special occasions or when you just want something comforting and satisfying.
Ingredients:
For the pasta rolls:
12 lasagna noodles (cooked according to package instructions)
1 lb large shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for filling)
1 large egg (to bind filling)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
For the marinara sauce:
2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp dried basil
Salt and pepper, to taste
For topping:
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Prepare the pasta rolls:
Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, laying them flat to prevent sticking.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the chopped shrimp to the pan and cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, Parmesan, shredded mozzarella (for filling), and the egg. Stir in the cooked shrimp, spinach, and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well to combine.
2. Assemble the pasta rolls:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
Lay each lasagna noodle flat and place a generous spoonful of the shrimp and spinach filling along the length of the noodle.
Roll up the noodles and place them seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat for all noodles.
3. Bake:
Once all the rolls are in the dish, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top, ensuring all rolls are covered.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the top of the rolls.
Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
4. Serve:
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before service
Nutritional Information (per serving, assuming 6 servings):
Calories: 450
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 6g
Cholesterol: 175mg
Sodium: 650mg
Vitamin A: 25% DV
Vitamin C: 20% DV
Calcium: 30% DV
Iron: 15% DV
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific brands of ingredients used.
Notes:
Shrimp: Make sure to chop the shrimp into small pieces for easy rolling, but leave them large enough for good texture.
Spinach: If using frozen spinach, ensure it’s well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
Ricotta Cheese: Full-fat ricotta provides the creamiest filling, but you can substitute with part-skim ricotta for a lighter version.
Marinara Sauce: If you prefer homemade, simply sauté onions, garlic, and canned tomatoes with herbs for a fresh sauce.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the rolls ahead of time and refrigerate them before baking. Just add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time if they’re cold from the fridge.
Serving Suggestions: Pair with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
FAQs:
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute lasagna noodles with manicotti shells or even jumbo shells, but lasagna noodles work best because they’re wider and easier to roll.
2. Can I freeze these stuffed pasta rolls?
Absolutely! Assemble the pasta rolls, cover them tightly with foil, and freeze. When you’re ready to bake, you can bake them straight from frozen, just adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
3. Can I use another protein instead of shrimp?
Yes, you can substitute shrimp with cooked chicken, crab meat, or even a vegetarian filling like mushrooms or tofu.
4. How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, consider increasing the amount of red pepper flakes in the filling or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinara sauce.
Total Time:
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
njoy your delicious and hearty shrimp and spinach stuffed pasta rolls! This dish brings together the flavors of the sea and the earth in a cozy, cheesy embrace. Perfect for any occasion!