Save This
This hearty Shrimp & Crab Alfredo Lasagna Roll-Ups recipe transforms ordinary pasta night into a restaurant-worthy experience without the fuss. The decadent combination of sweet seafood and creamy Alfredo sauce wrapped in tender pasta creates an impressive dish that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
I first made these roll-ups for a date night at home when I wanted something special but didn't want to spend all evening cooking. The combination was such a hit that it's now our go-to celebration meal whenever we have something to celebrate.
Ingredients
- Lasagna noodles: provides the perfect vessel for holding all the creamy filling
- Cooked shrimp: adds a delicate sweetness and substantial texture
- Crab meat: brings a touch of luxury and pairs beautifully with the cream sauce
- Alfredo sauce: creates the rich base that ties all flavors together
- Ricotta cheese: adds creaminess and helps bind the filling
- Mozzarella cheese: creates that irresistible golden brown top
- Parmesan cheese: brings a sharp flavor that balances the richness
- Minced garlic: infuses the entire dish with aromatic flavor
- Olive oil: helps create that beautiful golden crust on top
- Salt and pepper: essential for bringing out all the seafood flavors
- Fresh parsley: brightens the dish visually and adds fresh flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F for optimal cooking conditions. This temperature ensures the cheese melts perfectly without drying out the seafood filling.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Boil the lasagna noodles according to package directions until they reach al dente. Be careful not to overcook as they will continue cooking in the oven. Immediately rinse with cold water after draining to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
- Create the Filling:
- Combine the shrimp, crab meat, ricotta cheese, minced garlic, salt and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Mix gently to avoid breaking up the delicate seafood pieces too much. The ricotta should just bind everything together without overpowering the seafood.
- Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Spread a thin layer of Alfredo sauce on the bottom of your baking dish. This prevents the roll-ups from sticking and adds flavor to the bottom of each piece.
- Assemble the Roll-Ups:
- Lay each lasagna noodle flat and spread about 2-3 tablespoons of the seafood mixture evenly along the length. Roll each noodle up carefully but firmly, ensuring the filling stays inside. Place each roll-up seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
- Add the Toppings:
- Pour the remaining Alfredo sauce over the roll-ups, ensuring they're all covered. Sprinkle generously with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for that beautiful golden top. The drizzle of olive oil helps the cheese brown perfectly.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes to heat everything through. Then remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese turns bubbly and golden brown. The two-stage baking process ensures the roll-ups heat through without the cheese burning.
- Finish and Serve:
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley just before serving for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Save This
This recipe reminds me of my grandmother's seafood lasagna that she would make for special occasions. She always said the secret was using the freshest seafood available, and I've found that advice makes all the difference in this dish. The sweet crab meat in particular brings back memories of summer dinners at her coastal home.
Make-Ahead Options
These roll-ups are perfect for meal prep. You can assemble them completely, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add about 10 minutes to the initial covered baking time if cooking from cold. You can also freeze the assembled but unbaked roll-ups for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
Customization Ideas
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Consider replacing the shrimp with scallops for an even more luxurious version. Not a seafood fan? The same technique works beautifully with cooked chicken, spinach, or roasted vegetables. For a lighter version, substitute half the ricotta with cottage cheese and use a lighter Alfredo sauce or even a white wine sauce. The technique remains the same regardless of filling.
Serving Suggestions
These roll-ups make a complete meal on their own, but pair beautifully with a simple side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A side of roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli adds color and nutrition. For an elegant dinner party, serve smaller portions as a starter before a light main course. Always have extra warmed Alfredo sauce available at the table for those who enjoy an extra drizzle.
Troubleshooting Tips
If your lasagna noodles tear easily, they might be overcooked. Cook them for 1-2 minutes less than package directions for best results. If your roll-ups unravel during baking, you might have overfilled them. Keep the filling to about 2-3 tablespoons per noodle and place them very close together in the baking dish to help them stay rolled.
Common Queries
- → Can frozen shrimp or crab be used?
Yes, thaw and drain frozen shrimp or crab well before combining with cheeses for best texture and flavor.
- → How do I prevent the roll-ups from falling apart?
Roll the noodles tightly and place them seam-side down in the baking dish, then cover with sauce to hold everything together.
- → Can vegetables be added to the filling?
Absolutely! Sautéed spinach or thin zucchini slices blend well and add color as well as nutrition to the filling.
- → What sides pair well with this dish?
A simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread make perfect accompaniments to these roll-ups.
- → Is it possible to prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the roll-ups, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for best results.