Seafood lasagna rolls
Seafood lasagna rolls is a medium Italian‑Caribbean Fusion recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by FrugallyT Cooking on YouTube.
Prep: 30 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 1 hr 30 min
Cost: $29.60 total, $7.40 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 pound Large Raw Shrimp (peeled, deveined, tails removed; washed with cold water and lemon juice)
- 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil (for seasoning shrimp and sautéing)
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (used to rinse shrimp)
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Dried Parsley
- 1 teaspoon Cajun Seasoning (Sloppier Mama brand or any Cajun blend)
- 1 teaspoon Green Seasoning (Jamaican style herb blend for island flair)
- 8 ounces Lump Crab Meat (canned, drained; brand Chicken of the Sea)
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (divided: 2 tbsp for sauté, 2 tbsp for noodles)
- 2 cups Fresh Spinach (packed, roughly chopped)
- 1/4 cup Sun‑Dried Tomatoes (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons All‑Purpose Flour (for roux)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1/2 cup Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
- 1/2 cup Gouda Cheese (shredded)
- 4 ounces Cream Cheese (softened, room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan Cheese (grated)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- 9 sheets Lasagna Noodles (regular, not no‑boil; boiled 10 minutes then shocked)
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Garlic Butter (pre‑made, from previous video)
Instructions
Season the Shrimp
In a mixing bowl combine the shrimp with olive oil, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, dried parsley, Cajun seasoning, and green seasoning. Toss until evenly coated.
Time: PT5M
Rest the Shrimp
Cover the seasoned shrimp with plastic wrap and let rest at room temperature for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
Time: PT10M
Sauté the Shrimp
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the shrimp and cook 1‑2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Time: PT4M
Temperature: medium‑high
Combine Crab Meat
In a separate bowl gently fold the lump crab meat with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of green seasoning. Toss lightly so the crab stays in chunks.
Time: PT2M
Boil the Lasagna Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna sheets and cook uncovered for 10 minutes (2 minutes less than package directions). Drain, rinse under cold water, and lay flat on a clean surface.
Time: PT12M
Temperature: boiling
Sauté Spinach and Sun‑Dried Tomatoes
In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add the fresh spinach and sun‑dried tomatoes, sauté until spinach wilts, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: medium
Make the Cheese Roux
Return the skillet to low heat. Melt 1 tablespoon butter, whisk in flour and cook 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly whisk in heavy cream, stirring constantly until smooth. Add shredded cheddar, Gouda, and cream cheese; stir until melted. Turn off heat; residual heat will finish melting the cheeses.
Time: PT6M
Temperature: low
Combine Seafood Filling
In a large bowl combine the sautéed shrimp, seasoned crab meat, wilted spinach‑tomato mixture, and half of the cheese sauce. Mix gently until just combined.
Time: PT4M
Assemble the Rolls
Lay a lasagna sheet flat. Spoon a generous line of the seafood filling along the short edge, then roll tightly. Repeat with all sheets (you should get nine rolls).
Time: PT10M
Prepare Baking Dish
Butter the baking dish. Spread a thin layer of the remaining cheese sauce on the bottom. Arrange the rolls seam‑side down, leaving small gaps. Spoon any leftover seafood mixture into the gaps, then drizzle the rest of the cheese sauce over the top. Sprinkle the remaining Gouda, Parmesan, and chopped parsley.
Time: PT5M
Bake and Broil
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the dish for 20 minutes. Then switch to broil for the final 3 minutes, watching closely until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
Time: PT23M
Temperature: 350°F
Rest and Serve
Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 20g
- Carbohydrates
- 30g
- Fat
- 15g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Pescatarian, Contains Gluten, Contains Dairy
Allergens: Shellfish, Dairy, Wheat
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Large Raw Shrimp: large raw scallops, large raw fish fillet, cubed
- Instead of Extra Virgin Olive Oil: vegetable oil, canola oil
- Instead of Lemon Juice: lime juice
- Instead of Onion Powder: finely minced fresh onion
- Instead of Garlic Powder: fresh minced garlic
- Instead of Salt: sea salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: white pepper
- Instead of Smoked Paprika: regular paprika
- Instead of Dried Parsley: fresh parsley, chopped
- Instead of Cajun Seasoning: Creole seasoning
- Instead of Green Seasoning: herb de Provence, fresh cilantro & thyme blend
- Instead of Lump Crab Meat: imitation crab, fresh cooked crab meat
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: margarine
- Instead of Fresh Spinach: baby kale, Swiss chard
- Instead of Sun‑Dried Tomatoes: regular tomatoes, roasted and chopped
- Instead of All‑Purpose Flour: gluten‑free flour blend
- Instead of Heavy Cream: half‑and‑half, whole milk + butter
- Instead of Cheddar Cheese: Monterey Jack
- Instead of Gouda Cheese: smoked mozzarella
- Instead of Cream Cheese: neufchâtel cheese
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano
- Instead of Fresh Parsley: dried parsley
- Instead of Lasagna Noodles: no‑boil lasagna sheets
- Instead of Lemon Garlic Butter: compound butter with lemon & garlic
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Skillet
- Saucepan
- Baking Dish
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Tongs
- Colander
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Oven
- Kitchen Timer (optional)
- Paring Knife
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Seasoning the shrimp and allowing it to rest
- Do not overcook the shrimp during sauté
- Boiling noodles for exactly 10 minutes and shocking them
- Creating a smooth roux without lumps
- Rolling the noodles tightly to prevent leaking
Chef Tips from the Video
- Add a splash of white wine to the roux for extra depth.
- Use fresh herbs (basil or thyme) in addition to parsley for a brighter flavor.
- For a spicier kick, increase the Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne.
Troubleshooting
Shrimp become rubbery.
Sauté shrimp only 1‑2 minutes per side; they will finish cooking in the oven.
Noodles are too soft and fall apart.
Boil noodles for exactly 10 minutes and shock in cold water; use no‑boil sheets if preferred.
Cheese sauce is lumpy.
Whisk continuously while adding cream; if lumps form, strain through a fine mesh sieve.
Rolls split open during baking.
Roll tightly and seal the seam with a dab of cheese sauce before placing in the dish.
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 in oven.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the cheese sauce up to step 7 and refrigerate; reheat gently before assembling.
- Roll the lasagna sheets and store them wrapped in plastic; bake within 24 hours.
- The dish can be assembled the night before and baked straight from the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Seafood Lasagna Rolls in Italian‑Caribbean fusion cuisine?
Seafood lasagna blends classic Italian comfort food with Caribbean island flavors like green seasoning and Cajun spice, reflecting the migration of Caribbean communities to coastal Italian neighborhoods where seafood is abundant. The dish celebrates both traditions by pairing pasta with locally caught shrimp and crab, creating a festive, coastal feast.
What are the traditional regional variations of seafood lasagna in Caribbean cuisine?
In the Caribbean, lasagna is often enriched with local herbs such as green seasoning, Scotch bonnet peppers, and all‑spice. Some islands use escovitch fish or conch instead of shrimp, and replace cheese with a lighter coconut‑based sauce. The core idea—layering pasta with seafood and a creamy binder—remains the same.
How is Seafood Lasagna Rolls traditionally served in Caribbean‑Italian households?
It is typically served hot from the oven, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro, and accompanied by a simple green salad, fried plantains, or a side of garlic‑butter bread. It is a centerpiece for family gatherings, holidays, and beach‑side celebrations.
What occasions or celebrations is Seafood Lasagna Rolls traditionally associated with in Caribbean culture?
The dish is popular at birthdays, weddings, and holiday feasts such as Christmas and New Year’s Eve, where seafood symbolizes prosperity. It also appears at casual weekend barbecues and beach picnics because it can be made ahead and reheated.
What makes Seafood Lasagna Rolls special or unique in Italian‑Caribbean cuisine?
The combination of a classic Italian cheese‑rich sauce with bold Caribbean seasonings (green seasoning, Cajun spice) and sweet, tender crab creates a flavor profile that is both familiar and exotic. Rolling the pasta makes each bite portable and visually appealing.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Seafood Lasagna Rolls versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include large shrimp, lump crab meat, Italian cheeses (cheddar, Gouda, Parmesan, cream cheese), and green seasoning. Acceptable substitutes are scallops for shrimp, imitation crab, mozzarella for Gouda, or a gluten‑free pasta sheet for regular lasagna noodles.
What other Italian‑Caribbean dishes pair well with Seafood Lasagna Rolls?
Pairs nicely with a citrusy avocado salad, fried plantains, garlic‑butter garlic bread, or a light mango‑lime salsa. A chilled glass of crisp white wine or a tropical fruit punch balances the richness.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Seafood Lasagna Rolls?
Common errors include overcooking the shrimp, boiling the noodles too long, letting the roux burn, and rolling the noodles too loosely. Each mistake leads to rubbery seafood, mushy pasta, a gritty sauce, or rolls that fall apart.
Why does this Seafood Lasagna Rolls recipe use a butter‑flour roux instead of simply adding cream to the cheese?
The roux thickens the sauce evenly and prevents a grainy texture. Adding cream directly can result in a thin, watery sauce that won’t hold the filling together during baking.
Can I make Seafood Lasagna Rolls ahead of time and how should I store them before baking?
Yes. Assemble the rolls, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Keep the cheese sauce separate until ready to bake. When ready, spread the sauce, top with cheese, and bake as directed.
What does the YouTube channel FrugallyT Cooking specialize in?
The YouTube channel FrugallyT Cooking focuses on budget‑friendly, flavorful home‑cooked meals that maximize value without sacrificing taste. The host often shares tips for smart grocery shopping, ingredient substitutions, and efficient kitchen techniques.
How does the YouTube channel FrugallyT Cooking's approach to Italian‑Caribbean recipes differ from other cooking channels?
FrugallyT Cooking blends cultural flavors while emphasizing low‑cost ingredients and minimal waste. Unlike many channels that use premium or specialty items, FrugallyT shows how to achieve authentic taste using everyday grocery store finds and simple equipment.
Last updated: August 24, 2026






