Salmon and shrimp lasagna rolls
Salmon and shrimp lasagna rolls is a medium Italian-American recipe that serves 4. 460 calories per serving. Recipe by Tiff Spice Be Rite! on YouTube.
Prep: 35 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 1 hr 10 min
Cost: $91.93 total, $22.98 per serving
Ingredients
- 0.5 lb Salmon Fillet (cut into small dice)
- 0.5 lb Shrimp (peeled, deveined, finely chopped)
- 0.5 lb Mahi‑Mahi Fillet (cut into small dice)
- 2 bags Fresh Spinach (about 10 oz each, roughly 20 oz total, chopped fine after cooking)
- 2 tsp Cajun Seasoning
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 medium Onion (finely chopped)
- 3 pieces Garlic Cloves (minced)
- 2 tbsp Garlic Butter (softened, can use regular butter + minced garlic)
- 1 tbsp All-Purpose Flour (for roux)
- 1 cup Half‑and‑Half
- 4 oz Cream Cheese (softened, cut into cubes)
- 1/2 cup Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
- 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese (shredded, plus extra for topping)
- 8 sheets Lasagna Noodles (regular, not no‑boil)
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the Seafood
Dice the salmon, shrimp, and mahi‑mahi into small, uniform pieces. Set aside in a bowl.
Time: PT5M
Cook the Spinach
In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of oil and the fresh spinach. Cook, stirring, until wilted, then transfer to a cutting board and chop finely.
Time: PT5M
Season the Seafood
Return the diced seafood to the skillet, sprinkle with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat and cook just until the shrimp turn pink, about 2‑3 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Time: PT5M
Sauté Onion & Garlic
In the same skillet, add a little more butter if needed, then sauté the finely chopped onion until translucent (≈3 min). Add minced garlic and cook another 30 seconds.
Time: PT4M
Make the Roux
Add the remaining garlic butter to the pan, melt, then stir in 1 tbsp flour. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute to form a light roux.
Time: PT2M
Create the Creamy Sauce
Gradually whisk in the half‑and‑half, adding a little at a time until smooth. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens, about 3‑4 minutes. Season with additional Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
Time: PT5M
Combine Cheese & Spinach
Reduce heat to low. Add the cream cheese, letting it melt into the sauce. Stir in shredded cheddar, grated Parmesan, and the chopped cooked spinach until fully incorporated.
Time: PT3M
Boil Lasagna Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna sheets and cook until al dente (≈8‑9 min). Drain in a colander and lay flat on a clean kitchen towel.
Time: PT10M
Assemble the Rolls
Place a generous spoonful of the spinach‑cheese mixture onto each noodle, then top with a few pieces of the seasoned seafood. Roll the noodle tightly, place seam‑side down in the prepared baking dish, and repeat for all noodles.
Time: PT8M
Add Sauce & Cheese Topping
Pour any remaining sauce over the rolled noodles, ensuring each roll is well‑coated. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella evenly on top, then garnish with chopped parsley.
Time: PT3M
Bake
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Bake the lasagna rolls for 10 minutes, then remove foil (if used) and bake an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: 400°F
Rest & Serve
Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving so the rolls hold their shape.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 460
- Protein
- 32 g
- Carbohydrates
- 38 g
- Fat
- 22 g
- Fiber
- 4 g
Dietary info: Pescatarian, Contains dairy, Contains gluten
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Shellfish, Fish
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Salmon Fillet: tilapia, cod
- Instead of Shrimp: scallops, lobster meat
- Instead of Mahi‑Mahi Fillet: snapper, halibut
- Instead of Fresh Spinach: frozen spinach (thawed and drained)
- Instead of Cajun Seasoning: Old Bay, Creole seasoning
- Instead of Garlic Powder: fresh minced garlic (1/2 tsp)
- Instead of Salt: sea salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: white pepper
- Instead of Onion: shallots
- Instead of Garlic Cloves: garlic paste (1 tsp)
- Instead of Garlic Butter: olive oil
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: gluten‑free flour blend
- Instead of Half‑and‑Half: whole milk + heavy cream (3:1)
- Instead of Cream Cheese: neufchâtel cheese
- Instead of Cheddar Cheese: Monterey Jack
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano
- Instead of Mozzarella Cheese: provolone
- Instead of Lasagna Noodles: no‑boil lasagna sheets
- Instead of Fresh Parsley: basil
Equipment Needed
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Large Skillet
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring Spoons
- Measuring Cups
- Baking Dish
- Aluminum Foil (optional)
- Colander
- Mixing Bowl
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Cooking the spinach just until wilted and chopping it fine.
- Forming a smooth roux and gradually adding half‑and‑half to avoid lumps.
- Ensuring the sauce is thick but pourable before mixing cheese.
- Rolling the lasagna noodles tightly without tearing.
- Baking at 400°F for the exact time to melt cheese without over‑browning.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use fresh, high‑quality seafood for the best flavor.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the Cajun blend for extra depth.
- If you prefer a richer sauce, substitute half of the half‑and‑half with heavy cream.
- Line the baking dish with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
Troubleshooting
Fish becomes dry and overcooked.
Cook the seafood only until just opaque; it will finish cooking in the sauce and oven.
Sauce is lumpy.
Whisk continuously while adding half‑and‑half gradually; if lumps persist, blend with an immersion blender.
Lasagna noodles break while rolling.
Do not over‑cook the noodles; keep them al dente and handle gently. If a break occurs, patch with a spoonful of sauce.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze unbaked rolls (covered tightly) for up to 2 months; bake from frozen adding 10‑15 extra minutes.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the creamy sauce up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate; reheat gently before assembling.
- Assemble the rolls, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freeze assembled rolls on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for longer storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of seafood lasagna rolls in Italian‑American cuisine?
Seafood lasagna rolls are a modern American adaptation of traditional Italian lasagna, blending the classic layered pasta concept with coastal ingredients popular in the United States. While not a historic Italian dish, it reflects the Italian‑American tradition of incorporating locally abundant seafood into familiar comfort foods.
What are the traditional regional variations of lasagna in Italy that inspired this seafood version?
In Italy, lasagna varies by region—Northern versions often use béchamel and meat, while Southern versions feature tomato‑based sauces and ricotta. The seafood twist mirrors coastal Italian dishes like lasagne al mare from Liguria, which incorporate shrimp, clams, and fish into pasta layers.
How is seafood lasagna rolls traditionally served in Italian‑American households?
It is typically served as a main course for dinner, accompanied by a simple green salad, crusty bread, and a glass of white wine. The rolls are presented on a platter, garnished with fresh parsley or basil for color.
What occasions or celebrations is seafood lasagna rolls associated with in American culture?
Because it combines elegance with ease, the dish is popular for family gatherings, holiday meals, and casual dinner parties where a hearty, yet refined, casserole is desired.
What authentic ingredients are essential for an authentic Italian‑American seafood lasagna roll, and what are acceptable substitutes?
Key ingredients include fresh seafood (salmon, shrimp, mahi‑mahi), spinach, mozzarella, Parmesan, and a creamy béchamel‑style sauce. Substitutes can include other firm white fish, frozen spinach (thawed and drained), or a blend of cheddar for a sharper flavor.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making seafood lasagna rolls at home?
Common errors include over‑cooking the seafood, using over‑soft noodles that break, and adding the flour too quickly which creates lumps in the sauce. Follow the timing cues and whisk the sauce gradually to prevent these issues.
Why does this recipe use a roux with butter and flour instead of simply adding cream directly?
The roux creates a stable thickening base that prevents the sauce from separating when cheese and half‑and‑half are added. It also adds a subtle nutty flavor that enhances the overall richness.
Can I make seafood lasagna rolls ahead of time and how should I store them before baking?
Yes. Assemble the rolls, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. For longer storage, freeze the assembled rolls on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag; bake from frozen, adding extra baking time.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the seafood lasagna rolls are done cooking?
The cheese on top should be melted, lightly golden, and bubbling. The rolls should be firm to the touch but still moist inside, and the seafood should be opaque and tender.
What does the YouTube channel Tiff Spice Be Rite! specialize in?
The YouTube channel Tiff Spice Be Rite! specializes in vibrant, flavor‑forward home cooking videos that blend classic comfort foods with bold spice profiles, often featuring seafood, poultry, and creative twists on familiar dishes.
How does the YouTube channel Tiff Spice Be Rite!'s approach to Italian‑American cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Tiff Spice Be Rite! focuses on integrating global spice blends—like Cajun seasoning—into traditional Italian‑American recipes, offering a unique flavor fusion while keeping techniques accessible for home cooks.
Last updated: August 20, 2026






