Shrimp and Spinach Lasagna Rolls bring a gourmet twist to traditional lasagna by replacing heavy meat with delicate shrimp and fresh spinach. The combination of garlicky spinach, creamy ricotta, and succulent shrimp creates a luxurious filling, perfectly complemented by a rich homemade red sauce. Topped with gooey mozzarella and Parmesan, this dish is baked to golden perfection, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
Not only is this recipe elegant and delicious, but it’s also an excellent option for portion control while still indulging in classic Italian flavors. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner upgrade or a dish to impress at a gathering, these lasagna rolls are the perfect choice. Serve with a fresh salad and a glass of wine for a complete, satisfying meal.
Full Recipe:
- 1 box lasagna noodles
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 5 ounces fresh baby spinach, chopped
- 1 tablespoon freshly minced garlic, divided
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded and divided
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper (or to taste)
- 2 1/2 cups homemade or jarred red sauce
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- Freshly chopped basil for garnish
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook lasagna noodles in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and lay them flat on paper towels in a single layer.
- Heat a sauté pan over medium-high heat. Melt 1 tablespoon butter, season shrimp with salt and pepper, and sauté with 1/2 tablespoon garlic for about 3 minutes until shrimp turn pink. Remove shrimp and let cool.
- In the same pan, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add spinach and remaining garlic, season with a pinch of salt, and sauté for about 1 minute until wilted. Remove from heat.
- Chop the shrimp and mix it with the spinach.
- In a medium bowl, mix ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, egg, salt, and pepper. Add the shrimp-spinach mixture and stir well.
- Spread half of the red sauce in a 13×9” baking dish.
- Place filling along the center of each lasagna noodle and roll them up tightly. Arrange rolls in the baking dish.
- Pour remaining sauce over the rolls and top with 1/2 cup mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 30 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 400 kcal | Servings: 8 servings
Shrimp and Spinach Lasagna Rolls – A Delicious Twist on a Classic Dish
Shrimp and Spinach Lasagna Rolls bring a fresh and elegant take to traditional lasagna by swapping heavy meat fillings with tender shrimp and vibrant spinach. This dish is perfect for those looking to enjoy a lighter yet equally satisfying version of the beloved Italian comfort food. Each lasagna noodle is rolled up with a creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese mixture, infused with garlicky spinach and succulent shrimp. Baked to perfection in a rich red sauce, these rolls provide a well-balanced and delicious meal that is easy to serve and portion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One of the best things about this recipe is how it merges convenience with gourmet flavors. Instead of layering a heavy lasagna, these individual rolls make portion control effortless and add a stunning presentation to your dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just a cozy weeknight dinner, these Shrimp and Spinach Lasagna Rolls offer a luxurious and indulgent experience.
Additionally, this dish is:
- Perfect for Seafood Lovers – If you’re looking to incorporate more seafood into your diet, shrimp is a fantastic, lean protein that pairs beautifully with creamy cheeses and tomato-based sauces.
- Lighter than Traditional Lasagna – Without the heavy ground meat fillings, these rolls feel lighter while still being rich and satisfying.
- Great for Make-Ahead Meals – These lasagna rolls can be assembled in advance and stored in the fridge or freezer for a quick and effortless meal.
- Customizable – While shrimp and spinach are the stars of this dish, you can easily add mushrooms, ricotta alternatives, or different cheeses to suit your preferences.
The Secret to a Flavorful Filling
The filling is the heart of this dish, and the secret to making it exceptional lies in the balance of flavors and textures. The shrimp is sautéed with garlic and butter until perfectly tender, enhancing its natural sweetness. Meanwhile, fresh spinach is lightly wilted to bring out its rich, earthy taste without becoming too watery. When mixed with ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, the result is a smooth, cheesy, and savory blend that pairs beautifully with the acidity of the tomato sauce.
Adding an egg to the mixture also helps bind everything together, ensuring the filling stays firm and holds its shape inside the lasagna rolls. The final touch is a bit of black pepper and kosher salt to enhance all the flavors.
The Importance of the Sauce
A great lasagna roll needs an equally great sauce. In this recipe, a rich and slightly tangy red sauce ties everything together. Using a homemade marinara sauce provides depth and a fresh, vibrant flavor, but store-bought options work just as well for convenience.
For an extra boost of flavor, consider adding:
- A splash of red wine – This enhances the depth of the sauce and complements the shrimp beautifully.
- Fresh basil and oregano – These classic Italian herbs bring an aromatic touch to the dish.
- A pinch of red pepper flakes – If you enjoy a bit of heat, a small amount of spice can elevate the overall taste.
Baking to Perfection
Once the rolls are assembled, they are carefully placed in a baking dish layered with the red sauce. More sauce is poured over the top to ensure every bite is moist and flavorful. A final sprinkling of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese creates a golden, bubbly crust as it bakes, sealing in all the flavors.
The key to achieving the perfect texture is baking at 375°F (190°C) for about 30 minutes. This allows the cheese to melt beautifully, the sauce to absorb into the pasta, and the filling to reach the ideal consistency. A short resting period after baking helps the rolls set, making them easier to serve without falling apart.
Serving Suggestions
Shrimp and Spinach Lasagna Rolls can be a complete meal on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Some delicious serving ideas include:
- A fresh garden salad – A simple mix of arugula, cherry tomatoes, and balsamic vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the dish.
- Garlic bread or breadsticks – Perfect for soaking up the extra sauce on your plate.
- Steamed or roasted vegetables – Options like roasted asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers make a nutritious addition to the meal.
- A crisp white wine – A glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with the shrimp and tomato sauce, enhancing the overall dining experience.
How to Store and Reheat
These lasagna rolls are perfect for meal prep and storing leftovers.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals.
- Freezer: Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is highly adaptable, making it easy to adjust based on dietary needs or personal taste. Here are some great variations:
- Make it gluten-free – Use gluten-free lasagna noodles to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Add mushrooms or zucchini – These vegetables add even more depth to the filling and work well with the shrimp.
- Use a different protein – If you’re not a fan of shrimp, try using cooked chicken or even crab for a different seafood twist.
- Try a creamy Alfredo sauce – Swap out the red sauce for a garlic-infused white sauce to create a rich and decadent variation.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Special Occasions
Shrimp and Spinach Lasagna Rolls are an excellent choice for hosting guests or celebrating special occasions. The dish presents beautifully, with each roll neatly plated and topped with melted cheese and fresh basil. The combination of flavors feels sophisticated yet familiar, making it a crowd-pleaser for all kinds of gatherings.
Whether you’re preparing a romantic dinner, a family celebration, or a holiday meal, this dish is sure to impress. Plus, the make-ahead option allows you to spend more time with guests and less time in the kitchen.
Conclusion
Shrimp and Spinach Lasagna Rolls offer a delightful balance between comfort food and gourmet elegance. The combination of tender shrimp, creamy cheese, and rich tomato sauce creates a dish that is both satisfying and visually stunning. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner upgrade or an impressive meal for entertaining, this recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite.
Give it a try and experience the perfect harmony of seafood and pasta in every delicious bite!