In the heart of the Midwest, where the fields stretch out like a patchwork quilt, we often find comfort in dishes that bring together the bounty of the land and the sea. Shrimp and Spinach Stuffed Pasta Rolls with Roasted Red Pepper Cream is a dish that marries the rich flavors of the ocean with the earthy goodness of our gardens. This recipe is a nod to the Italian immigrants who settled in the Midwest, bringing with them their love for pasta and fresh ingredients. It's a dish that feels like a warm embrace, perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home.

This delightful dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad, perhaps with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the cream sauce. A crusty loaf of bread, warm from the oven, would be ideal for sopping up any extra sauce. And for a touch of sweetness, consider serving a light fruit salad or a classic Midwestern apple pie for dessert.

Servings: 4

8 lasagna noodles
1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg, beaten
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup roasted red peppers, pureed
1 cup heavy cream
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon butter
Fresh basil, for garnish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.

Add shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink and opaque. Remove from heat and chop shrimp into bite-sized pieces.

In a mixing bowl, combine chopped shrimp, spinach, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and beaten egg. Season with salt and pepper.

Lay out the cooked lasagna noodles and spread the shrimp and spinach mixture evenly over each noodle. Roll up each noodle and place seam-side down in a greased baking dish.

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add pureed roasted red peppers and heavy cream, stirring until well combined. Season with salt and pepper.

Pour the roasted red pepper cream over the pasta rolls in the baking dish.

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the top is lightly browned.

Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the shrimp mixture. You can also substitute the shrimp with cooked chicken or mushrooms for a different flavor profile. If you're looking for a lighter version, try using whole wheat pasta and substitute Greek yogurt for the ricotta cheese. For a vegetarian option, simply omit the shrimp and add more spinach or other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.

Copyright 2016 Cooktop Cove