Seafood Lasagna Roll Ups
Seafood Lasagna Roll Ups is a medium Italian-American recipe that serves 4. 450 calories per serving. Recipe by Steph The Chef on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 50 min | Total: 1 hr 25 min
Cost: $24.10 total, $6.03 per serving
Ingredients
- 8 sheets Lasagna Noodles (regular, no‑boil works too)
- 8 oz Italian Sausage (remove casing, slice and dice)
- 8 oz Crab Meat (canned or fresh, drained)
- 8 oz Shrimp (peeled, deveined, roughly chopped)
- 4 oz Cream Cheese (softened, room temperature)
- 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 2 Tbsp Butter (divided – for shrimp and sauce)
- 2 Tbsp All-Purpose Flour (for roux)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (full‑fat for silky sauce)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
- 2 Tbsp Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
Instructions
Prepare the Meats
Slice and dice the Italian sausage, drain and flake the crab meat, and roughly chop the shrimp. Set each aside in separate bowls.
Time: PT5M
Cook the Lasagna Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna sheets and cook until al dente, about 8‑10 minutes. Drain and lay flat on a clean kitchen towel.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: boiling
Sauté the Sausage
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced sausage, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium
Cook the Shrimp
Melt 1 Tbsp butter in the air fryer basket (or a second skillet). Add the chopped shrimp, season, and cook until pink and opaque, about 4‑5 minutes. Remove and let cool slightly.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium
Make the Filling
In a large mixing bowl combine the cooked sausage, crab meat, cooked shrimp, softened cream cheese, and 1 cup shredded mozzarella. Mix until evenly distributed.
Time: PT5M
Assemble the Roll‑Ups
Lay a lasagna sheet on a flat surface, spread a thin layer of the seafood filling along the length, then roll tightly. Repeat with all sheets. Place the rolls seam‑side down in a greased baking dish.
Time: PT10M
Prepare the Alfredo Sauce
In a saucepan melt 1 Tbsp butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream, stirring constantly until thickened, about 5‑6 minutes. Stir in the grated Parmesan and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: medium
Combine and Top
Pour the Alfredo sauce evenly over the rolled‑up lasagna in the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella on top and garnish with chopped parsley.
Time: PT5M
Bake
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the dish for 20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden.
Time: PT20M
Temperature: 375°F
Rest and Serve
Allow the lasagna roll‑ups to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the rolls hold their shape.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 450
- Protein
- 30 g
- Carbohydrates
- 35 g
- Fat
- 20 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Contains seafood, Contains gluten, Not vegetarian
Allergens: Dairy, Shellfish, Wheat
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Lasagna Noodles: fresh lasagna sheets, wide ribbon pasta
- Instead of Italian Sausage: chicken sausage, ground pork
- Instead of Crab Meat: imitation crab, lobster meat
- Instead of Shrimp: scallops, prawns
- Instead of Cream Cheese: neufchâtel cheese, ricotta
- Instead of Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: provolone, monterey jack
- Instead of Butter: margarine, olive oil
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: whole‑wheat flour, gluten‑free flour blend
- Instead of Heavy Cream: half‑and‑half, whole milk + butter
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano, Grana Padano
- Instead of Fresh Parsley: fresh basil, fresh oregano
- Instead of Salt: kosher salt, sea salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: white pepper, crushed red pepper flakes
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Skillet
- Air Fryer (optional)
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Dish
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Chef’s Knife
- Cutting Board
- Grater (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Cooking the lasagna noodles al dente so they don’t become mushy after baking.
- Making a smooth roux for the Alfredo sauce; lumps will affect texture.
- Rolling the noodles tightly to prevent the filling from spilling out.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use fresh grated Parmesan for the best flavor and a smoother sauce.
- Chill the filling mixture for 10 minutes before assembling; it makes spreading easier.
- A pinch of nutmeg in the Alfredo sauce adds a subtle warmth that complements the seafood.
Troubleshooting
Lasagna sheets tear while rolling.
Overlap two sheets or briefly dip the sheet in hot water to soften before rolling.
Alfredo sauce is too thin.
Simmer the sauce a few minutes longer to reduce, or whisk in an extra teaspoon of flour mixed with cold water.
Roll‑ups fall apart when cutting.
Let the baked dish rest for at least 5 minutes; use a sharp, non‑serrated knife and cut with a gentle sawing motion.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months; reheat directly from frozen or thaw overnight.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Assemble the roll‑ups and cover them tightly; refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
- The Alfredo sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge; reheat gently before using.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of seafood lasagna roll‑ups in Italian‑American cuisine?
Seafood lasagna roll‑ups are a modern twist on traditional Italian lasagna, reflecting the coastal influences of Italian immigrants in America who incorporated abundant local seafood like shrimp and crab into classic pasta dishes.
What regional variations of seafood lasagna exist in Italy and the United States?
In coastal Italy, especially in Sicily and Campania, you’ll find lasagna layered with clams, mussels, or scampi. In the United States, the roll‑up format became popular for its convenience, often using crab meat and shrimp with a creamy cheese sauce.
How is seafood lasagna traditionally served in Italian‑American families?
It is typically served as a main course for family gatherings, accompanied by a simple green salad, crusty bread, and a glass of white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Vermentino.
What occasions or celebrations is seafood lasagna roll‑ups traditionally associated with in Italian‑American culture?
Seafood lasagna roll‑ups are popular at holiday meals, summer barbecues, and birthday celebrations where a hearty, crowd‑pleasing casserole is desired.
What authentic traditional ingredients are used in seafood lasagna roll‑ups versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include Italian sausage, fresh crab meat, shrimp, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and a butter‑flour‑cream Alfredo sauce. Substitutes can include chicken sausage, imitation crab, or a lighter milk‑based sauce for dietary preferences.
What other Italian‑American dishes pair well with seafood lasagna roll‑ups?
Pair it with a crisp Caesar salad, roasted garlic broccoli, or a light lemon‑olive oil vinaigrette tossed arugula. A side of garlic‑buttered focaccia also complements the creamy pasta.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making seafood lasagna roll‑ups?
Common mistakes include overcooking the lasagna sheets, under‑seasoning the seafood filling, and letting the Alfredo sauce become too thin. Each can lead to soggy rolls or a bland dish.
Why does this recipe use a roux‑based Alfredo sauce instead of a pre‑made jar sauce?
A roux‑based sauce thickens evenly and allows the Parmesan to melt fully, creating a richer, silkier texture that coats the roll‑ups better than a pre‑made sauce, which can be watery.
Can I make seafood lasagna roll‑ups ahead of time and how should I store them before baking?
Yes, assemble the roll‑ups, cover the baking dish tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Keep the sauce separate until ready to bake, or gently stir it back in before pouring over the rolls.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the seafood lasagna roll‑ups are done cooking?
The cheese on top should be melted and lightly golden, the sauce bubbling around the rolls, and the interior noodles should be tender yet firm to the bite. The rolls should hold their shape when sliced.
What does the YouTube channel Steph The Chef specialize in?
The YouTube channel Steph The Chef focuses on approachable, family‑friendly recipes that blend classic comfort food with fresh, seasonal ingredients, often featuring step‑by‑step visual guides.
How does the YouTube channel Steph The Chef's approach to Italian‑American cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Steph The Chef emphasizes quick, practical techniques like using an air fryer for shrimp and provides clear visual cues for assembling layered dishes, making Italian‑American classics feel accessible to home cooks of any skill level.
Last updated: August 20, 2026
