🍤 Shrimp & Spinach Stuffed Pasta Rolls (Creamy Baked Cannelloni)

⏱️ Time & Yield

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: ~55 minutes
• Servings: 3–4

🧾 Ingredients

Pasta

• 8–10 lasagna sheets (or cannelloni tubes)

Filling

• 250g (9 oz) shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
• 150g (5 oz) fresh spinach, chopped
• 150g (2/3 cup) ricotta cheese
• 50g (1/2 cup) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Optional: chili flakes

Cream Sauce

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 200ml (3/4 cup) heavy cream
• 50g (1/2 cup) parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper, to taste

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil
• Cook lasagna sheets until al dente
• Drain and lay flat on a clean surface to prevent sticking

2. Prepare the Filling

• Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat
• Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds)
• Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes until pink
• Add spinach and cook until wilted
• Remove from heat and let cool slightly
• Mix with:
  • ricotta cheese
  • mozzarella
  • salt and pepper

👉 The mixture should be creamy but not watery

3. Assemble the Rolls

• Spread filling evenly over each pasta sheet
• Roll tightly into logs

4. Make the Cream Sauce

• Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat
• Add garlic and sauté briefly
• Pour in heavy cream and simmer gently
• Add parmesan cheese and stir until smooth
• Season with salt and pepper

👉 The sauce should be thick, creamy, and silky

5. Assemble the Dish

• Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of a baking dish
• Arrange pasta rolls on top
• Pour remaining sauce evenly over the rolls
• Sprinkle extra cheese if desired

6. Bake

• Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F)
• Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbling
• Optional: broil for 2–3 minutes for a crispy top

🍽️ Texture & Flavor

• Tender pasta with a slight bite
• Juicy, flavorful shrimp
• Creamy, rich sauce with melted cheese

💡 Tips for Best Results

• Do not overcook shrimp — they should stay tender
• Squeeze excess water from spinach
• Use freshly grated parmesan for better flavor
• Let the dish rest 5 minutes before serving

🔥 Variations

• Add sautéed mushrooms
• Substitute shrimp with chicken or salmon
• Add a tomato sauce layer for extra depth
• Use béchamel instead of cream sauce

🍴 Serving Suggestions

• Garnish with fresh parsley
• Serve hot with garlic bread or a light salad