Lasagna is a beloved classic, but when you're ready to take your pasta game to new heights, Shrimp and Crab Lasagna Rolls offer a decadent twist. Combining delicate crab, tender shrimp, creamy cheeses, and rich béchamel sauce all wrapped up in perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is luxurious, comforting, and elegant all at once.
Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, a holiday celebration, or simply craving something special, these seafood-stuffed lasagna rolls will elevate your mealtime experience.
Why Lasagna Rolls?
Lasagna rolls are a creative variation of the classic layered dish. Instead of stacking noodles, each one is filled, rolled, and placed in a baking dish, resulting in perfect individual servings. This method not only presents beautifully but also allows for a wonderful balance of filling, pasta, and sauce in every bite.
Ingredients Overview
Seafood Filling
Shrimp: Use peeled, deveined, and chopped shrimp. Sautéed briefly, they add a meaty texture and sweet flavor.
Crab Meat: Lump crab meat is best for rich flavor and tender bites. You can use fresh, canned, or imitation depending on your preference.
Cheese Mixture
Ricotta: Smooth and creamy, this serves as the base for the filling.
Parmesan: Adds sharpness and depth.
Mozzarella: Melts beautifully and ties everything together.
Sauce
Béchamel (White Sauce): A simple butter, flour, and milk sauce that’s made extra decadent with a hint of garlic and optional white wine.
Some variations may incorporate a bit of marinara or tomato cream sauce, but the white béchamel allows the seafood flavor to truly shine.
Lasagna Noodles
Boiled until al dente, cooled, then filled and rolled. You can also use fresh pasta sheets for an even more tender bite.
Ingredients List
For the Filling:
1/2 pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
1/2 pound lump crab meat
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon lemon zest
Salt and pepper to taste
1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
1/3 cup grated Parmesan
1 egg
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil
For the Sauce:
4 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: 1/4 cup dry white wine or seafood stock
Other:
9–12 lasagna noodles, cooked and cooled
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Extra parsley and Parmesan for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Seafood
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add chopped shrimp and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until just pink. Remove from heat and let cool. Fold in the crab meat, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Mix the Cheese Filling
In a large bowl, combine the ricotta, Parmesan, egg, parsley, and the cooled seafood mixture. Stir until fully blended. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Make the Béchamel Sauce
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add garlic powder and season with salt and pepper. Simmer until thickened—about 5–7 minutes. If using wine or seafood stock, add now and cook another minute. Set aside.
- Assemble the Rolls
Lay out your lasagna noodles on a clean surface. Spread about 2–3 tablespoons of the seafood-cheese filling across each noodle, then roll up tightly.
Pour a small amount of béchamel sauce into the bottom of a greased baking dish. Arrange the rolls seam-side down in the dish. Spoon the remaining béchamel over the top, then sprinkle generously with mozzarella.
- Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Serve
Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra parsley, lemon zest, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Serve with garlic bread and a light salad.
Tips for Success
Seafood Freshness: Use the freshest shrimp and crab you can find. If using frozen, thaw completely and pat dry.
Noodle Prep: Lay cooked noodles flat on parchment paper or lightly oiled foil to prevent sticking.
No Ricotta? Substitute with cottage cheese, mascarpone, or a béchamel-thickened with extra cheese.
Boost the Flavor: Add sautéed shallots, spinach, or a dash of Old Bay seasoning for extra dimension.
Variations
- Lobster Rolls: Swap shrimp or crab for chopped lobster meat for a truly luxurious version.
- Spinach & Seafood: Add chopped sautéed spinach to the filling for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Tomato Cream Sauce: Mix a small amount of marinara with béchamel for a rosé sauce that pairs wonderfully with seafood.
- Zesty Version: Add a touch of Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, or red pepper flakes to the filling.
Make-Ahead and Storage
Make Ahead: Assemble the lasagna rolls up to 1 day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
Freeze: Prepare and freeze unbaked rolls in a foil pan, tightly wrapped. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as instructed.
Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Pairing Suggestions
Wine: A crisp white like Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy sauce and seafood.
Sides:
Garlic bread or baguette slices
Steamed asparagus or green beans
Arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
Why You’ll Love This Dish
Elegant Yet Comforting: Creamy and satisfying like classic lasagna, but with a seafood twist.
Perfect for Entertaining: Easy to prep ahead and portioned individually.
Rich Flavor Profile: Lemon, herbs, and garlic enhance the delicate seafood.
Whether you're serving this dish at a holiday dinner, a date night at home, or just want to treat yourself to something special, Shrimp and Crab Lasagna Rolls offer a restaurant-quality experience with comfort-food soul.
Final Thoughts
Shrimp and Crab Lasagna Rolls are a rich and satisfying way to enjoy seafood in a comforting pasta dish. With the perfect balance of creamy cheese, succulent seafood, and tender noodles, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Even if you’re not typically a seafood lover, this dish’s elegant, mild flavors and velvety texture are likely to win you over.