Shrimp and Spinach Stuffed Pasta Rolls

🦐 Shrimp and Spinach Stuffed Pasta Rolls

Ingredients:

• Jumbo pasta shells (or lasagna sheets) – 12–15 pieces

• Shrimp – 400g (peeled, deveined, chopped)

• Fresh spinach – 2 cups (chopped)

• Ricotta cheese – 1 cup

• Cream cheese – ½ cup (softened)

• Parmesan cheese – ½ cup (grated)

• Mozzarella cheese – 1 cup (shredded)

• Garlic – 3 cloves (minced)

• Olive oil – 2 tbsp

• Onion – 1 small (finely chopped)

• Egg – 1 (lightly beaten)

• Salt & black pepper – to taste

• Red pepper flakes – ½ tsp (optional)

• Marinara sauce – 2 cups

• Fresh basil or parsley – for garnish

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Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pasta:

   • Boil pasta shells (or lasagna sheets) until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Cook Shrimp Filling:

   • Heat olive oil in a pan, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.

   • Add chopped shrimp, season with salt, black pepper, and chili flakes. Cook until just pink (do not overcook).

   • Add chopped spinach, cook until wilted. Remove from heat.

3. Make the Cheese Mixture:

   • In a bowl, combine ricotta, cream cheese, Parmesan, egg, and half of the mozzarella.

   • Add shrimp-spinach mixture and mix well.

4. Assemble Rolls:

   • Spread some marinara sauce at the bottom of a baking dish.

   • Fill each pasta shell (or roll lasagna sheets) with the shrimp-spinach cheese mixture.

   • Place them seam-side down in the dish.

5. Bake:

   • Pour remaining marinara sauce on top.

   • Sprinkle with the rest of the mozzarella.

   • Cover with foil and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20 minutes.

   • Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until golden and bubbly.

6. Serve:

   • Garnish with fresh basil/parsley.

   • Serve hot with garlic bread or salad.

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❓Q\A

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, thaw and pat dry before cooking to avoid extra moisture.

Q2: What pasta works best if I don’t find jumbo shells?
You can use lasagna sheets – spread filling and roll them up.

Q3: Can I replace ricotta cheese?
Yes, use cottage cheese or more cream cheese as a substitute.

Q4: How to make it spicier?
Add red chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or a spicy marinara sauce.

Q5: Can I prepare ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the rolls a day before, cover with foil, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

Q6: What’s the best side dish?
Garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.