Garlic Shrimp Cream Cheese Manicotti Rolls combine the comfort of pasta with a burst of sophisticated flavor. This dish marries the rich creaminess of cheese with the vibrant taste of shrimp, creating a delightful culinary experience. Imagine sinking your fork into perfectly baked manicotti, filled with a creamy shrimp mixture, all enveloped in marinara sauce. The combination is not just a meal; it’s a warm embrace on a plate, perfect for a cozy dinner or an impressive gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Shrimp Cream Cheese

There are countless reasons to adore this Garlic Shrimp Cream Cheese recipe. First, it’s a delightful blend of textures and flavors that will satisfy your cravings. Second, the creamy filling, made from cream cheese and shrimp, offers a luxurious mouthfeel. Third, it’s relatively easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners. Additionally, this dish is versatile; you can serve it as a main course or an elegant appetizer. The use of marinara sauce not only adds depth but also enhances the overall presentation. Finally, with a cooking time of just over an hour, you’ll have a gourmet dinner ready in no time. This dish beautifully exemplifies what a Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe should be, making it a must-try!

Ingredients for Garlic Shrimp Cream Cheese

Gather these items:

Manicotti shells
Medium to large raw shrimp (21/25 count or 16/20 count), peeled and deveined
Unsalted butter
Olive oil
Fresh garlic
Shallot or small onion
Full-fat cream cheese, softened
Part-skim ricotta cheese
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped
Dried oregano
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt
Black pepper
Marinara sauce
Chicken or vegetable broth (optional)
Non-alcoholic white wine alternative (optional)

How to Make Garlic Shrimp Cream Cheese Step-by-Step

Step 1: Cook the Manicotti – Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the manicotti shells, stirring gently to prevent sticking. Cook according to package directions until al dente, about 7-9 minutes. Drain the pasta immediately and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Lay them out on a clean kitchen towel or parchment paper to dry slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Shrimp – Pat the thawed and peeled shrimp dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter with 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pan and let them cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, roughly chop them into bite-sized pieces. Deglaze the pan with a splash of chicken broth or non-alcoholic white wine alternative and add it to your marinara sauce.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling – In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ricotta cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Add the chopped garlic shrimp, chopped fresh parsley, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to taste. Mix everything together until well combined and relatively smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Manicotti Rolls – Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Fill a piping bag with the cream cheese mixture. Carefully pipe or spoon the filling into each manicotti shell until full. Arrange the filled manicotti rolls in a single layer in the prepared baking dish, seam-side down.
Step 5: Layer and Bake – Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the top of the manicotti rolls. Sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella cheese. Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. Let the manicotti rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for the Best Garlic Shrimp Cream Cheese

Keep these in mind:

Use fresh shrimp for best flavor.
Adjust seasoning to your taste.
Substitute with a different cheese if desired.
For an extra kick, consider adding a touch of lemon juice to the filling.
To enhance creaminess, mix in a bit of sour cream into the cheese blend.

Best Ways to Serve Garlic Shrimp Cream Cheese

There are several delightful ways to enjoy this dish. First, serve it with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. Second, pair it with a garlic bread for dipping into the marinara sauce. Lastly, consider offering a side of sautéed vegetables for added nutrition and color. This Shrimp Cream Cheese Appetizer is also fantastic when served in small portions for gatherings.

Garlic Shrimp Cream Cheese Manicotti Rolls You’ll Adore - Garlic Shrimp Cream Cheese - main visual representation

How to Store and Reheat Garlic Shrimp Cream Cheese

To store leftovers, let the manicotti cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the manicotti in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. This makes meal prep a breeze!

Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Shrimp Cream Cheese

What’s the secret to perfect Garlic Shrimp Cream Cheese?

The key to perfecting Garlic Shrimp Cream Cheese lies in using high-quality shrimp and ensuring they are cooked just until pink. Overcooking can lead to rubbery shrimp, which detracts from the dish’s overall quality.

Can I make Garlic Shrimp Cream Cheese ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling and stuff the manicotti shells a day in advance. Simply cover them with marinara sauce and refrigerate until ready to bake. This makes for an easy dinner option when time is limited.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Garlic Shrimp Cream Cheese?

Common mistakes include overcooking the shrimp or not allowing the pasta to cool properly before stuffing. Always ensure the shrimp are cooked just right and the manicotti shells are handled gently to maintain their shape.

Variations of Garlic Shrimp Cream Cheese You Can Try

There are numerous variations you can experiment with! Consider making Garlic Shrimp Cream Cheese Stuffed Peppers instead of manicotti for a low-carb option. You can also create a Cream Cheese Garlic Shrimp Pasta by tossing the filling with your favorite pasta. For a spicy twist, add jalapeños to the filling for a Spicy Garlic Shrimp Cream Cheese version. Each variation maintains the essence of this delicious dish while offering unique flavors!

Garlic Shrimp Cream Cheese Manicotti Rolls You’ll Adore - Garlic Shrimp Cream Cheese - additional detail

For more information about cooking techniques, check out Serious Eats. If you’re interested in learning more about the benefits of shrimp, visit Healthline. For tips on using cream cheese in recipes, see Food Network.

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Garlic Shrimp Cream Cheese Manicotti Rolls You’ll Adore

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Garlic Shrimp Cream Cheese Manicotti Rolls combine the comfort of pasta with a burst of sophisticated flavor.

Author: Olivia
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Manicotti shells
Medium to large raw shrimp (21/25 count or 16/20 count), peeled and deveined
Unsalted butter
Olive oil
Fresh garlic
Shallot or small onion
Full-fat cream cheese, softened
Part-skim ricotta cheese
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped
Dried oregano
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt
Black pepper
Marinara sauce
Chicken or vegetable broth (optional)
Non-alcoholic white wine alternative (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Manicotti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the manicotti shells and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water. Lay them out to dry.
Prepare the Garlic Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper. In a skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp, chop, and deglaze the pan with broth or wine. Add to marinara sauce.
Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, ricotta, and Parmesan. Add chopped shrimp, parsley, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Assemble the Manicotti Rolls: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread marinara sauce in a baking dish. Fill manicotti shells with the cream cheese mixture. Arrange in the baking dish, seam-side down.
Layer and Bake: Pour remaining marinara sauce over the top. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and golden. Let rest before serving.