Imagine a plate of Shrimp & Spinach Stuffed Pasta Rolls with Roasted Red Pepper Cream, where the pasta is perfectly al dente, and the filling bursts with flavor. It’s a dish that caresses your taste buds while wrapping you in a warm culinary hug. another creamy pasta alternative creamy pasta dish The aroma wafts through your kitchen, teasing your senses and promising an explosion of savory satisfaction.
Now, let me take you back to the first time I made these pasta rolls. Picture this: a cozy family gathering filled with laughter, and just as my cousin took a bite, his eyes widened in delight. That reaction ignited my passion for cooking these rolls again and again. Perfect for Sunday dinners or impressing friends at casual get-togethers, they create an atmosphere of joy and delicious anticipation.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Shrimp & Spinach Stuffed Pasta Rolls are easy to prepare yet gourmet enough to impress anyone at your dinner table.
- The rich roasted red pepper cream elevates the dish’s flavor profile significantly.
- Visually stunning with their vibrant colors, they are sure to catch everyone’s eye.
- Versatile enough for weeknight meals or special occasions, they adapt beautifully to any dining experience.
I remember the first time I served this dish; my friends were fighting over the last roll!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Large Pasta Shells: Choose sturdy shells that can hold all that shrimp goodness without breaking apart easily.
- Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp works well; just ensure they’re peeled and deveined for easy preparation.
- Fresh Spinach: Opt for vibrant green spinach; it adds both nutrients and a pop of color.
- Cream Cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese for a rich and creamy filling that blends beautifully with other ingredients.
- Roasted Red Peppers: Jarred peppers save time but feel free to roast your own if you’re feeling adventurous!
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated freshly will give a more robust flavor compared to pre-grated options.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves provide a punch of flavor; avoid the powdered stuff if possible! savory steak bites pairing.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs adds depth of flavor; feel free to adjust based on your personal preference.
- Heavy Cream: This forms the base of the sauce; don’t skimp on it if you want that luscious texture.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle enhances flavor during cooking; use extra virgin for best results.
- Salt and Pepper: Always essential! Adjust according to taste preferences.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Shells: Begin by boiling water in a large pot. Add salt generously before tossing in those large pasta shells. Cook until al dente—usually about 8-10 minutes—then drain them carefully.
Sauté That Shrimp!: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and toss in minced garlic until fragrant. Then add shrimp seasoned with salt and pepper until they turn pink and opaque—around 3-4 minutes should do it.
Add Spinach to the Mix!: Toss in fresh spinach with the shrimp mixture until wilted—about 2-3 minutes will make them tender yet vibrant. fresh spinach salad option.
Create Your Creamy Filling!: In a bowl, combine cooked shrimp-spinach mixture with cream cheese, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and some salt and pepper. Blend everything until smooth and creamy. For more inspiration, check out this Garlic Butter Lobster Tail recipe.
Stuff Those Shells!: Take each cooked shell carefully and fill them generously with your creamy mixture using a spoon or piping bag—it’s okay if some spill out!
Prepare Your Sauce!: In another pan, blend roasted red peppers with heavy cream until smooth. Heat gently while stirring to thicken slightly.
Bake Until Golden!: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread some sauce at the bottom of your baking dish before placing stuffed shells on top. Pour remaining sauce over them before sprinkling extra Parmesan cheese on top.
Don’t forget to bake for about 25-30 minutes until everything is bubbly and golden brown!
And there you have it! Shrimp & Spinach Stuffed Pasta Rolls with Roasted Red Pepper Cream that are sure to dazzle everyone around your table! Enjoy every bite as laughter fills the air once more. For more inspiration, check out this Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Recipe recipe.
You Must Know
- This recipe for Shrimp & Spinach Stuffed Pasta Rolls with Roasted Red Pepper Cream will capture your heart and taste buds.
- The savory filling combined with the creamy sauce transforms a regular dinner into an impressive feast that even your picky cousin will adore.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the pasta al dente, then prepare the filling while the pasta cools. Simultaneously, blend your roasted red pepper cream sauce to ensure everything is ready for assembly.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap shrimp for chicken or add some feta cheese for an extra flavor kick. You can also play with spices, adding red pepper flakes for a zesty twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain that creamy texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Make sure to use large pasta shells to hold all that delicious filling securely.
- Avoid overcooking the shrimp; they should be tender but not rubbery.
- Finally, don’t skip the fresh herbs; they bring everything together beautifully!
Cooking this dish reminds me of a dinner party where everyone was raving about the flavors. My uncle even asked for seconds, which rarely happens!
FAQ
What can I substitute for shrimp in this recipe?
Consider using cooked chicken or mushrooms as tasty alternatives.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it a day prior and bake when ready to serve.
How do I store leftovers of Shrimp & Spinach Stuffed Pasta Rolls?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Shrimp & Spinach Stuffed Pasta Rolls with Roasted Red Pepper Cream
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Shrimp & Spinach Stuffed Pasta Rolls with Roasted Red Pepper Cream is a delightful culinary experience that combines tender pasta shells filled with a savory shrimp and spinach mixture. Topped with a luscious roasted red pepper cream sauce, this dish is perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. With vibrant colors and rich flavors, it transforms any meal into an occasion to remember.
Ingredients
- 12 large pasta shells
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, blended
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1. **Cook the Pasta**: Boil salted water in a large pot. Cook pasta shells until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- 2. **Prepare the Filling**: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Add shrimp, seasoned with salt and pepper, cooking until pink (about 3-4 minutes). Stir in spinach until wilted (2-3 minutes).
- 3. **Make the Creamy Mixture**: In a bowl, combine the shrimp-spinach mixture with cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
- 4. **Stuff the Shells**: Fill each shell generously with the creamy filling using a spoon or piping bag.
- 5. **Prepare the Sauce**: Blend roasted red peppers with heavy cream until smooth; heat gently in a separate pan.
- 6. **Bake**: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread some sauce at the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange stuffed shells on top and pour remaining sauce over them. Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed shell (90g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Substitute shrimp with cooked chicken or mushrooms for different flavor profiles. Add red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Assemble ahead of time and refrigerate; bake when ready to serve.