Cajun Chicken And Shrimp Lasagna Recipe
Cajun Chicken And Shrimp Lasagna Recipe is a medium Italian-American recipe that serves 6. 620 calories per serving. Recipe by Island Vibe Cooking on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 59 min | Total: 1 hr 30 min
Cost: $13.85 total, $2.31 per serving
Ingredients
- 6 sheets Lasagna Noodles (regular dry lasagna sheets, broken if needed to fit pan)
- 12 large Shrimp (peeled and deveined, about ½ lb)
- 2 pieces Chicken Breast (boneless, skinless, trimmed)
- 3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (divided use: 1 Tbsp for shrimp, 2 Tbsp for sauce)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (divided use: 1 Tbsp for shrimp, 1 Tbsp for chicken)
- 2 tablespoons Seasoning Blend (your favorite seafood/chicken seasoning (e.g., Old Bay, Cajun, garlic‑paprika mix))
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 small Onion (finely chopped)
- 1 cup Half and Half (can substitute heavy cream diluted with milk)
- 4 ounces Cream Cheese (softened, cut into cubes)
- ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
- ½ cup Monterey Jack Cheese (shredded)
- 1 teaspoon Dried Parsley (for garnish and flavor)
Instructions
Boil Lasagna Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the 6 lasagna sheets and cook until al dente, about 8‑10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Time: PT12M
Season Shrimp and Chicken
Pat the shrimp and chicken breasts dry. Sprinkle both with the seasoning blend, coating evenly.
Time: PT5M
Sear Shrimp
Heat 1 Tbsp butter and 1 Tbsp olive oil in a hot skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the shrimp and cook 1 minute per side, just until lightly pink. Remove and set aside; they will finish cooking in the oven.
Time: PT3M
Cook Chicken Breasts
In the same skillet add a little more oil if needed. Place the seasoned chicken breasts and sear 5‑6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Remove and set aside.
Time: PT13M
Prepare White Cheese Sauce
In a clean skillet melt 2 Tbsp butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the finely chopped onion and cook 3‑4 minutes until translucent. Pour in 1 cup half and half, whisk, then add 4 oz cream cheese, stirring until melted. Mix in ¼ cup grated Parmesan and ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack until smooth. Finish with 1 tsp dried parsley.
Time: PT8M
Chop Cooked Proteins
Using a sharp knife, coarsely chop the cooked chicken breasts and the seared shrimp into bite‑size pieces.
Time: PT3M
Assemble Roll‑Ups
Spread a thin layer of the white sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Lay a lasagna sheet flat, top with a spoonful of sauce, then add a line of chicken, shrimp, and a sprinkle of both cheeses. Roll the sheet tightly and place seam‑side down in the dish. Repeat for all sheets.
Time: PT5M
Add Topping and Bake
Pour the remaining white sauce over the assembled roll‑ups, ensuring they are well‑coated. Sprinkle the top with extra Parmesan and Monterey Jack, then garnish with a pinch of dried parsley. Bake in a pre‑heated oven at 350°F for 15‑20 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is golden.
Time: PT18M
Temperature: 350°F
Rest and Serve
Allow the lasagna roll‑ups to rest 5 minutes before serving so the sauce thickens slightly.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 620
- Protein
- 35 g
- Carbohydrates
- 45 g
- Fat
- 30 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: High‑protein, Contains gluten, Contains dairy
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Shellfish
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Lasagna Noodles: no-boil lasagna noodles, fresh pasta sheets
- Instead of Shrimp: pre‑cooked shrimp, additional chicken
- Instead of Chicken Breast: turkey breast, boneless pork loin
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: margarine, ghee
- Instead of Olive Oil: vegetable oil, canola oil
- Instead of Seasoning Blend: garlic powder + paprika, Italian seasoning
- Instead of Garlic: garlic powder (½ tsp)
- Instead of Onion: shallot, green onion
- Instead of Half and Half: heavy cream, whole milk
- Instead of Cream Cheese: ricotta, mascarpone
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano
- Instead of Monterey Jack Cheese: cheddar, mozzarella
- Instead of Dried Parsley: fresh parsley (1 tbsp chopped)
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Skillet
- Clean Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Dish
- Knife
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Oven
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Do not overcook the shrimp in the skillet; they should be only half‑cooked before baking.
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before removing from the pan.
- Maintain medium heat while making the white sauce to prevent curdling.
- Roll the lasagna sheets tightly to keep fillings inside during baking.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a blend of Old Bay and smoked paprika for a deeper shrimp flavor.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the white sauce for subtle warmth.
- For extra color, sprinkle a little smoked paprika on top before baking.
- Freshly grated Parmesan gives a brighter taste than pre‑grated.
Troubleshooting
Shrimp become rubbery.
Cook shrimp only until pink on each side; finish cooking in the oven. If overcooked, reduce skillet time to 30 seconds per side.
Sauce separates or looks grainy.
Maintain medium heat, whisk continuously, and add a splash of pasta water or extra half and half to bring it back together.
Lasagna sheets break while rolling.
Handle sheets gently while still warm; if they’re too dry, briefly dip them in hot water and pat dry.
Dish is watery after baking.
Drain the noodles well, and if needed, bake uncovered for the last 5 minutes to evaporate excess liquid.
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 store at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The white sauce can be prepared up to 2 days ahead and refrigerated.
- Assemble the roll‑ups, cover, and refrigerate; bake just before serving.
- Cooked shrimp and chicken can be stored separately and added when assembling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Shrimp and Chicken Lasagna Roll-Ups in Italian‑American cuisine?
While traditional Italian lasagna is layered with meat and tomato sauce, Italian‑American cooks often experiment with richer cheeses and seafood. Combining shrimp and chicken in a rolled lasagna reflects the post‑war American appetite for hearty, protein‑packed comfort dishes that blend Mediterranean techniques with local ingredients.
What are the traditional regional variations of lasagna in Italian cuisine that inspired this Shrimp and Chicken Lasagna Roll-Ups?
In Northern Italy, lasagna al forno often uses béchamel (white sauce) and a mix of cheeses, while Southern versions favor tomato‑based ragù. This recipe borrows the béchamel tradition and adds seafood, a nod to coastal Italian dishes like lasagne ai frutti di mare.
How is Shrimp and Chicken Lasagna Roll-Ups 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 roll‑up format makes it easy to portion and present on a family table.
What occasions or celebrations is Shrimp and Chicken Lasagna Roll-Ups traditionally associated with in American cuisine?
The dish is popular for weekend family meals, holiday gatherings, and pot‑luck parties because it feels special yet can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Shrimp and Chicken Lasagna Roll-Ups versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include dry lasagna sheets, shrimp, chicken breast, butter, half‑and‑half, cream cheese, Parmesan, and Monterey Jack. Substitutes can be no‑boil noodles, heavy cream instead of half‑and‑half, ricotta for cream cheese, or cheddar for Monterey Jack.
What other Italian‑American dishes pair well with Shrimp and Chicken Lasagna Roll-Ups?
Serve it alongside a crisp Caesar salad, roasted garlic broccoli, or a light lemon‑olive oil vinaigrette tossed arugula. A side of garlic‑butter bread also complements the creamy sauce.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Shrimp and Chicken Lasagna Roll-Ups?
Common errors include overcooking the shrimp, undercooking the chicken, letting the white sauce boil too hard (which causes curdling), and rolling the noodles too loosely so the filling leaks during baking.
Why does this Shrimp and Chicken Lasagna Roll-Ups recipe use a white cheese sauce instead of a tomato‑based sauce?
The white sauce highlights the delicate flavors of shrimp and chicken without the acidity of tomatoes, creating a richer, creamier mouthfeel that balances the seafood and poultry.
Can I make Shrimp and Chicken Lasagna Roll-Ups ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes. Assemble the roll‑ups, cover the baking dish tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for 3‑4 days.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the Shrimp and Chicken Lasagna Roll-Ups are done cooking?
The sauce should be bubbling around the roll‑ups, the cheese on top lightly golden, and the edges of the lasagna sheets should be tender but not mushy. The interior should be creamy with visible pieces of shrimp and chicken.
What does the YouTube channel Island Vibe Cooking specialize in?
Island Vibe Cooking focuses on vibrant, tropical‑inspired dishes that blend Caribbean, Hawaiian, and broader island flavors with accessible home‑cooking techniques, often featuring fresh seafood and bold seasonings.
How does the YouTube channel Island Vibe Cooking's approach to Italian‑American cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Island Vibe Cooking adds a tropical twist—using bright seasonings, fresh herbs, and occasional coconut or lime accents—to classic Italian‑American recipes, creating a unique island‑meets‑Mediterranean flavor profile not commonly found on mainstream cooking channels.
Last updated: August 20, 2026
