Imagine tender pasta rolls filled with juicy shrimp, vibrant spinach, and creamy ricotta, all baked to perfection under a luscious roasted red pepper cream sauce. Each bite is a beautiful blend of ocean-fresh seafood, hearty greens, and rich, savory flavors that feel both comforting and gourmet.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving an elegant home-cooked meal, this dish brings a restaurant-quality experience straight to your table. It’s colorful, it’s satisfying, and it’s exactly what you need when you want to impress without spending all day in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Shrimp & Spinach Stuffed Pasta Rolls with Roasted Red Pepper Cream Recipe

Flavor Explosion: Sweet shrimp, earthy spinach, and smoky roasted peppers meld into an irresistible medley.
Impressive but Easy: Despite its elegant appearance, it’s surprisingly straightforward to prepare.
Versatile Meal: Perfect for a casual family dinner, holiday gatherings, or a romantic date night.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it earlier in the day and bake it fresh when ready to serve.
Customizable: Swap out shrimp for chicken or extra veggies if you like.
Nutrient-Packed: Loaded with protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Kid-Approved: The cheesy, creamy factor makes it a hit even among picky eaters.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into cooking, setting up your kitchen with the right tools makes the process smooth and enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:

Large Pot: Essential for boiling the pasta sheets or lasagna noodles until al dente. It ensures the noodles cook evenly without sticking together.
Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a couple—one for preparing the shrimp and spinach filling, and another for mixing the cheese blend.
Skillet: Crucial for quickly sautéing the shrimp and wilting the spinach, building flavor right from the start.
Blender or Food Processor: Needed to create a silky, luscious roasted red pepper cream sauce that coats the pasta rolls beautifully.
Baking Dish (9×13 inch): The stage where all the magic happens. It provides enough space to nestle the pasta rolls side by side, ensuring even cooking.
Spatula and Spoons: For stirring, folding the filling, and assembling the rolls without tearing the delicate pasta.
Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: For prepping fresh ingredients like spinach, herbs, and shrimp.
Aluminum Foil: To tent over the dish while baking, keeping everything moist and preventing over-browning.

Having these tools within easy reach will streamline your cooking and lead to a more enjoyable experience.

Preparation Tips

Cook Pasta Al Dente: Slightly undercooked pasta is easier to roll and will finish perfectly in the oven.
Pat Shrimp Dry: Moisture is the enemy of good searing. Dry shrimp before sautéing for a deeper, caramelized flavor.
Cool Filling Before Rolling: Let the shrimp and spinach mixture cool slightly to avoid wilting or breaking the pasta when filling.
Use a Piping Bag or Spoon: To stuff the pasta neatly and evenly without mess.
Don’t Overstuff: A heaping tablespoon is plenty—overfilling can cause the rolls to tear or unravel during baking.
Thin Layer of Sauce First: Spread some roasted red pepper cream at the bottom of the baking dish to prevent sticking and enhance flavor.
Cover Loosely with Foil: Tent the foil to avoid flattening the rolls, while keeping moisture locked inside.

Ingredients for this Shrimp & Spinach Stuffed Pasta Rolls with Roasted Red Pepper Cream Recipe

For the Pasta Rolls:

10–12 lasagna noodles (or fresh pasta sheets)
1 lb (450 g) shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)

For the Roasted Red Pepper Cream Sauce:

2 large roasted red peppers (jarred or freshly roasted)
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnish:

Fresh parsley, chopped
Extra Parmesan for sprinkling

Shrimp Spinach Stuffed Pasta Rolls with Roasted Red Pepper Cream Recipe2

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente.
Drain and immediately lay the noodles flat on a lightly oiled baking sheet or parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Toss in the chopped shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes until just pink and opaque.
Add the chopped spinach and stir until wilted. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked shrimp and spinach mixture with ricotta, Parmesan, mozzarella, egg, salt, pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, and parsley. Mix well until creamy and uniform.

Step 3: Prepare the Roasted Red Pepper Cream Sauce

In a blender or food processor, blend roasted red peppers with chicken or vegetable broth until smooth.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and sauté briefly.
Pour in the roasted red pepper mixture and bring to a gentle simmer.
Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Simmer for a few minutes until thickened slightly. Set aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Pasta Rolls

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spread a thin layer of the roasted red pepper cream sauce at the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Take one pasta noodle, place a generous spoonful of filling at one end, and roll it up carefully.
Place the roll seam-side down into the baking dish.
Repeat with remaining noodles and filling.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Once all the rolls are arranged, pour the remaining roasted red pepper cream sauce over the top.
Sprinkle extra mozzarella cheese and a little Parmesan on top.
Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Fresh vs. Frozen Shrimp: Fresh shrimp deliver a sweeter flavor, but if using frozen, make sure they are thoroughly thawed and patted dry before cooking.
Roasting Your Own Peppers: For even deeper flavor, roast red bell peppers yourself instead of using jarred—simply char them over a flame or roast at high heat until skins blister, then peel.
Cheese Choices: Feel free to mix cheeses like fontina or gouda for a slightly different, creamier melt.
Vegetarian Option: Replace shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables for a hearty vegetarian version.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch more crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce into the filling if you enjoy a little extra heat.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Overcooking the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks incredibly fast; leaving it too long in the pan will make it rubbery.
Overboiling Pasta: Overcooked pasta will tear easily when rolling; aim for a firm al dente.
Skipping the Cooling Step: Adding hot filling to the pasta can make the noodles overly soft and fragile—let your mixture cool slightly first.
Heavy-Handed with Sauce: Although tempting, drowning the rolls can make them soggy. A nice coating is perfect.
Using Cold Cheese: Bring your ricotta and other cheeses to room temperature before mixing for a smoother, creamier filling.
Skipping Seasoning: Taste the filling before rolling! Underseasoned filling can result in bland rolls.
Tight Rolling: Don’t roll the pasta too tightly—this can squeeze out the filling and tear the pasta.
Ignoring Rest Time: Let the baked rolls sit for 5–10 minutes before serving; it helps the flavors settle and makes serving neater.

What to Serve With Shrimp & Spinach Stuffed Pasta Rolls with Roasted Red Pepper Cream Recipe

Elevate your meal even further with the perfect companions! Here are some fantastic ideas:

8 Recommendations

Garlic Bread or Cheesy Breadsticks
Perfect for soaking up that irresistible roasted red pepper cream sauce.
Simple Arugula Salad
A peppery, lemon-dressed arugula salad cuts through the richness and refreshes the palate.
Roasted Asparagus
Lightly seasoned and roasted until crisp-tender, asparagus complements the pasta rolls beautifully.
Steamed Broccoli with Lemon Butter
Adds a healthy, vibrant side while keeping the flavors clean and bright.
Tomato Basil Bruschetta
Crisp toasts topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, and a hint of balsamic for a light starter.
Creamy Parmesan Polenta
A smooth, buttery base that pairs luxuriously with the shrimp and sauce.
White Wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
A crisp white wine balances the creamy richness of the dish and brightens every bite.
Tiramisu or Lemon Sorbet
Finish with a light dessert—tiramisu for something creamy and indulgent, or lemon sorbet for a refreshing, citrusy cleanse.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerating:
Allow the pasta rolls to cool completely after baking. Place them in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing:
This dish freezes beautifully! Assemble the rolls and sauce in a freezer-safe dish but don’t bake. Wrap tightly in several layers of plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding an extra 10–15 minutes to the baking time.
Reheating:
For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil until warmed through (about 15–20 minutes). You can also microwave individual portions, but reheat gently to maintain the creamy texture.

Estimated Nutrition

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific brands and ingredient quantities.

Calories: 420 per serving
Protein: 28g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g
Cholesterol: 145mg
Sodium: 750mg

This dish offers a satisfying balance of protein and carbs, making it a hearty and fulfilling option whether for a family dinner or a special occasion!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry to avoid excess water, which can affect the filling’s texture.

2. Can I substitute the spinach with another vegetable?

Absolutely. Kale, Swiss chard, or even sautéed zucchini would work beautifully as alternative greens.

3. What’s the best type of pasta to use if I can’t find lasagna noodles?

You can use fresh pasta sheets if available. Alternatively, try large cooked cannelloni tubes or even extra-large manicotti shells.

4. How spicy is the roasted red pepper cream sauce?

It’s mildly smoky and sweet, not spicy. If you love heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra crushed red pepper flakes.

5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Definitely. Assemble the rolls with sauce a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake fresh before serving. It’s a great meal prep option for entertaining.

6. How can I make this recipe lighter?

Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or use a light ricotta. You could also use reduced-fat cheeses without sacrificing too much flavor.

7. What if I don’t have a blender or food processor for the sauce?

You can finely chop the roasted peppers by hand and mix them directly into the sauce, though it will be chunkier rather than silky smooth.

8. Can I use a different protein instead of shrimp?

Of course! Chopped cooked chicken, crab meat, or even tofu crumbles can be a delicious substitute depending on your preference.

Conclusion

Shrimp & Spinach Stuffed Pasta Rolls with Roasted Red Pepper Cream is the kind of recipe that transforms any ordinary evening into something unforgettable. It’s a stunning blend of creamy, savory, and slightly smoky flavors, wrapped in tender pasta with a luscious shrimp and spinach filling that’s downright irresistible.

Perfect for a cozy dinner, an impressive party dish, or when you just want to treat yourself, this recipe is versatile, hearty, and packed with both comfort and sophistication. With easy make-ahead options and plenty of ways to customize it, it’s destined to become a new favorite in your collection of easy dinner ideas and special occasion meals.