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.

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.

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.

Seafood lasagna roll‑ups are popular at holiday meals, summer barbecues, and birthday celebrations where a hearty, crowd‑pleasing casserole is desired.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.