If you’re looking to elevate your pasta night while still embracing all the comfort and heartiness that Italian-inspired dishes offer, then Shrimp & Spinach Lasagna Rolls with Lemon Garlic Sauce is your new culinary go-to. These elegant, individually rolled lasagna noodles are filled with a creamy shrimp and spinach mixture, then drizzled with a zesty lemon garlic cream sauce that brightens every bite.
This dish takes the cozy, crowd-pleasing appeal of lasagna and gives it a gourmet upgrade with fresh seafood, vibrant greens, and tangy citrus. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, cooking for a romantic evening, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is as versatile as it is delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- 🍤 Shrimp adds elegance and lean protein
- 🌿 Spinach delivers freshness and nutrition
- 🍋 Lemon garlic sauce is tangy, creamy, and irresistible
- 🍝 Lasagna rolls are tidy, portion-perfect, and easy to serve
- 🕒 Great for make-ahead meals or special occasions
Ingredients
For the Lasagna Rolls:
- 10–12 lasagna noodles (cooked al dente)
- 1 pound shrimp (peeled, deveined, and chopped)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen, thawed and drained)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Lemon Garlic Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Chopped parsley or basil for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
🔹 Step 1: Prepare the Noodles
Cook lasagna noodles in salted boiling water until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and lay flat on parchment or a clean towel to cool.
🔹 Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp and Spinach
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Add shrimp and sauté until pink and cooked through (3–4 minutes).
- Toss in spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
🔹 Step 3: Make the Filling
In a large bowl, combine:
- The cooked shrimp and spinach mixture
- Ricotta cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- One beaten egg
- Salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste
Mix until everything is well incorporated.
🔹 Step 4: Assemble the Rolls
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of the lemon garlic sauce (or marinara if substituting) on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Spread about 2–3 tablespoons of filling along each lasagna noodle.
- Roll up each noodle and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
🔹 Step 5: Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and lemon zest; sauté briefly.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Slowly whisk in the cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add lemon juice, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and thickened (about 3–5 minutes).
🔹 Step 6: Bake and Serve
- Pour the remaining sauce over the lasagna rolls.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20–25 minutes, until heated through and bubbling.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, a sprinkle of Parmesan, and lemon slices for a pop of color.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with:
- A crisp green salad with vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or herbed focaccia
- A glass of chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
- Roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
🍽️ Make-Ahead:
- Prepare the rolls and sauce separately, then assemble just before baking.
- Refrigerate (uncooked) for up to 24 hours, or freeze for up to 2 months.
🧊 Storage:
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
- Reheat in the oven or microwave with a splash of cream or broth to keep moist.
Health Benefits
- Shrimp: High in protein, low in calories, and a great source of selenium and B12
- Spinach: Packed with iron, fiber, and antioxidants
- Lemon: Adds vitamin C and bright flavor without extra fat
- Ricotta and Parmesan: Provide calcium and protein with a creamy texture
For a lighter version, you can use part-skim ricotta, reduce the cream, or substitute with Greek yogurt.
Flavor Variations
Love the base idea but want to switch it up? Try these:
- 🧀 Swap ricotta with cottage cheese or a blend of cream cheese and ricotta
- 🌶️ Add spice with diced jalapeños or Cajun-seasoned shrimp
- 🐟 Use salmon instead of shrimp for a heartier seafood twist
- 🍅 Include sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers in the filling
- 🍄 Add mushrooms sautéed in garlic and thyme for an earthy touch
Final Thoughts
Shrimp & Spinach Lasagna Rolls with Lemon Garlic Sauce is everything you want in a comfort dish — rich, creamy, and satisfying — but with a lighter, citrusy twist that makes it feel bright and refined. It transforms traditional lasagna into a modern, gourmet meal that’s both family-friendly and dinner-party-worthy.
The individual rolls make portioning easy, and the flavor balance between buttery shrimp, earthy greens, creamy cheese, and zippy lemon is simply divine. It’s a dish that proves comfort food can be elegant and energizing — all in one bite.