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
Scale
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.
