Prepare to transform your dinner table with a dish that combines elegance with effortless preparation: the Decadent Shrimp and Crab Alfredo Lasagna Roll-Ups. This culinary masterpiece takes the beloved flavors of creamy Alfredo, tender pasta, and succulent seafood, presenting them in an individual, easy-to-serve format. Perfect for a special celebration or simply when you crave an extraordinary meal without hours in the kitchen, these roll-ups promise a truly satisfying and memorable dining experience.
Why You’ll Love These Decadent Shrimp & Crab Alfredo Lasagna Roll-Ups
There’s a reason these Shrimp & Crab Alfredo Lasagna Roll-Ups have earned their “decadent” title. Each element works in harmony to create a symphony of flavors and textures that will captivate your palate. Imagine tender lasagna noodles, perfectly cooked, embracing a rich, creamy filling of ricotta cheese, sweet lump crab meat, and finely chopped shrimp. This indulgent medley is then generously coated in a luscious Alfredo sauce and baked until golden and bubbly. It’s the ultimate comfort food, elevated to a gourmet level, yet surprisingly simple to prepare. It’s a dish that impresses with its presentation and delights with every bite, proving that exquisite dining can be achieved with minimal fuss.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Crafting these delicious roll-ups starts with quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need and some helpful notes:
- Lasagna Noodles: 12 noodles are needed. Oven-ready noodles are a fantastic shortcut, saving you the boiling step. If using classic noodles, cook them al dente for the best texture when baked.
- Olive Oil: A touch for potential light greasing or cooking.
- Shrimp & Crab: 1 lb large shrimp (peeled, deveined, finely chopped) and 8 oz lump crab meat (thoroughly drained and picked for shells). Fresh, high-quality seafood makes all the difference here. You can substitute with other shellfish like scallops or even a mix.
- Cheeses:
- 15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese: Provides the essential creamy base for the filling.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided): Half for the filling, half for the bubbly, cheesy top.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth to the filling.
- Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup, chopped. Adds a touch of freshness and color.
- Seasonings: 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and salt to taste. These enhance the savory notes of the seafood and cheese.
- Alfredo Sauce: 24 oz jarred Alfredo sauce (approximately 3 cups). A good quality jarred sauce is a convenient time-saver. If you’re feeling ambitious, a homemade Alfredo sauce will elevate the dish even further.
- Heavy Cream (optional): 1/4 cup, for thinning the Alfredo sauce if it’s too thick.
How to Make Shrimp and Crab Alfredo Lasagna Roll-Ups
Follow these simple steps to create your own irresistible Shrimp and Crab Alfredo Lasagna Roll-Ups:
- Prepare Noodles: If using classic lasagna noodles, cook them according to package directions until al dente. Rinse with cold water to prevent sticking, then lay them flat on parchment paper or a clean surface. Oven-ready noodles require no pre-cooking.
- Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella (1/2 cup), Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Gently fold in the finely chopped shrimp and thoroughly drained crab meat until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the delicate crab.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread about 1 cup of the Alfredo sauce evenly over the bottom of the prepared dish.
- Assemble Roll-Ups: Lay a cooked lasagna noodle flat. Spread approximately 1/4 cup of the seafood-ricotta mixture evenly over the entire surface of the noodle. Carefully roll up the noodle from one end to the other. Repeat this process with the remaining noodles and filling.
- Arrange and Sauce: Arrange the rolled-up lasagna noodles seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Pour the remaining Alfredo sauce over the roll-ups, ensuring they are well-coated. If the sauce seems too thick, stir in the heavy cream to achieve a smoother consistency.
- Top and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top of the roll-ups. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the sauce is hot. For a beautiful golden-brown top, you can broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for an appealing finish.
Tips for Success
- Noodle Perfection: If using traditional noodles, cook them just until al dente. They will continue to cook in the oven, and you want them firm enough to roll without tearing.
- Gentle Mixing: When combining the seafood with the ricotta mixture, fold gently. Overmixing can break down the delicate crab meat.
- Sauce Consistency: A good Alfredo sauce should be thick enough to cling to the roll-ups but not so thick that it becomes pasty. Use the optional heavy cream to adjust consistency as needed.
- Golden Top: The broiler is your friend for achieving that irresistible golden, bubbly cheese crust. Keep a close eye on it, as it can brown quickly.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra layer of savory depth, consider using a homemade Alfredo sauce. If you’re keen to explore different Alfredo flavors, try this Cajun Alfredo Sauce recipe.
- Spice It Up: A small pinch of red pepper flakes added to the ricotta mixture will introduce a subtle, warming kick without overwhelming the delicate seafood flavors.
Serving Suggestions
These Decadent Shrimp & Crab Alfredo Lasagna Roll-Ups are a complete meal in themselves, but they pair beautifully with a few simple accompaniments:
- Fresh Green Salad: A crisp mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the lasagna.
- Garlic Bread: Warm, crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra Alfredo sauce.
- Steamed Vegetables: Asparagus, broccoli, or green beans lightly steamed offer a healthy and vibrant side.
Storage & Reheating
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the roll-ups a day in advance. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Refrigeration: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat individual portions in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through, or in the microwave for a quicker option. Add a splash of milk or cream if the sauce appears dry.
- Freezing: These roll-ups freeze exceptionally well, both before and after baking.
- To freeze unbaked: Assemble the dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, adding extra baking time.
- To freeze baked: Allow the baked roll-ups to cool completely. You can freeze individual portions or the entire dish. Wrap tightly and freeze. Reheat from frozen in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 30-40 minutes for individual portions, or longer for a whole dish.
FAQ
Can I use different types of seafood?
Absolutely! While shrimp and crab are a classic combination, feel free to experiment. Scallops, lobster, or a mixture of seafood would also be delicious in this recipe. Just ensure any raw seafood is finely chopped for even cooking.
Can I make my own Alfredo sauce?
Yes, homemade Alfredo sauce will undoubtedly add an extra layer of richness and flavor. If you prefer to make your own, simply prepare approximately 3 cups of your favorite Alfredo recipe.
What if I don’t have oven-ready lasagna noodles?
No problem! Most traditional lasagna noodles will work. Just boil them according to package directions until they are al dente. Rinse them with cold water immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking, then lay them flat to dry slightly before spreading the filling.
How do I prevent the roll-ups from drying out?
Ensuring you have enough Alfredo sauce covering the roll-ups is key. If your sauce is particularly thick, thin it with a little heavy cream or milk before pouring it over. You can also cover the baking dish loosely with foil for the first part of the baking time to help retain moisture, removing it for the last 10 minutes to allow the cheese to brown.
With these Decadent Shrimp & Crab Alfredo Lasagna Roll-Ups, you’re not just making a meal; you’re crafting an experience. It’s a dish that speaks of comfort, celebration, and exquisite taste, all wrapped up in an easy-to-prepare package. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself, this recipe delivers impressive results every time. If you adore the delectable pairing of shrimp and crab, you might also enjoy exploring other delightful combinations like this Shrimp & Crab Melt Recipe.
Decadent Shrimp & Crab Alfredo Lasagna Roll-Ups: Easy Elegance for Any Night
Elevate your dinner game with these exquisite Shrimp & Crab Alfredo Lasagna Roll-Ups. Each tender lasagna noodle embraces a rich blend of creamy ricotta, succulent shrimp, sweet crab meat, and a luscious Alfredo sauce, all baked to golden perfection. This dish is pure comfort food indulgence, perfect for a special occasion or when you simply crave something extraordinary and utterly satisfying. Get ready to impress with minimal effort!
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 12 lasagna noodles (oven-ready or classic, cooked al dente if not oven-ready)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled, deveined, finely chopped
- 8 oz lump crab meat, thoroughly drained and picked for shells
- 15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 24 oz jarred Alfredo sauce (or homemade, approximately 3 cups)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for thinning sauce)
Instructions
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente. If using oven-ready, no cooking is needed. Rinse with cold water to prevent sticking and lay flat on parchment paper or a clean surface.
- In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella (1/2 cup), Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Gently fold in the chopped shrimp and crab meat until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the crab.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread about 1 cup of the Alfredo sauce evenly over the bottom of the prepared dish.
- Lay a cooked lasagna noodle flat. Spread approximately 1/4 cup of the seafood-ricotta mixture evenly over the entire surface of the noodle. Carefully roll up the noodle from one end to the other. Repeat with the remaining noodles and filling.
- Arrange the rolled-up lasagna noodles seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Pour the remaining Alfredo sauce over the roll-ups, ensuring they are well-coated. If the sauce is too thick, stir in the heavy cream.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top of the roll-ups.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the sauce is hot. For a golden-brown top, you can broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully.
- Remove from oven, let rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Make Ahead: Assemble the roll-ups a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to baking time if baking from cold. Sauce Shortcut: While a quality jarred Alfredo sauce works wonders for convenience, feel free to make your own from scratch for an even richer flavor. Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ricotta mixture for a subtle kick. Freezing: These roll-ups freeze well before or after baking. If freezing before baking, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 150mg