If you’re craving comfort food but want something a little more elegant than your usual weeknight pasta, Creamy Seafood Lasagna Rolls are the dish to try. Imagine tender lasagna noodles rolled up with a rich, cheesy seafood filling and baked in a creamy, garlicky sauce until bubbling and golden. These rolls bring together the decadence of Italian-style lasagna with the freshness of the ocean, making it a dish that feels both indulgent and special. Perfect for dinner parties, holiday meals, or even a cozy night at home when you want to treat yourself, this recipe is the ultimate marriage of flavor, texture, and sophistication. It’s hearty enough to satisfy but refined enough to impress.
Full Recipe
Ingredients
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12 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente
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1 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
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1/2 lb crab meat (fresh or canned, drained)
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1/2 lb scallops, chopped (optional but highly recommended)
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2 tablespoons butter
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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2 1/2 cups whole milk
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1 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
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1 cup ricotta cheese
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Cooking Directions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
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Cook the lasagna noodles in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and lay flat on a sheet of parchment paper to prevent sticking.
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In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add garlic and onion, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
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Stir in the shrimp, crab, and scallops. Cook for 4–5 minutes until the seafood is just cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
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In the same skillet, sprinkle flour over the remaining butter and whisk to create a roux. Slowly add milk and cream, whisking continuously until smooth and slightly thickened. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
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In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup mozzarella, and half of the cooked seafood mixture. Stir until well blended.
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Lay out each lasagna noodle and spread about 2–3 tablespoons of the ricotta-seafood mixture along the length of the noodle. Roll up tightly and place seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
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Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the rolls, then sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
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Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbling.
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Remove from the oven, let rest for 5 minutes, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Nutrients (per roll, serves 6–8)
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Calories: ~420
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Protein: 26g
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Carbohydrates: 32g
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Fat: 20g
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Saturated Fat: 9g
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Fiber: 2g
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Sugar: 5g
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Sodium: 620mg
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is the definition of comfort with a twist. Instead of the usual beef or chicken filling, you get the richness of shrimp, crab, and scallops, which makes every bite feel like a treat. The creamy sauce keeps everything moist and flavorful, while the rolled presentation gives it a fancy flair. You’ll love that it’s both kid-friendly and adult-approved, with mild flavors that can be made spicier if you prefer. Plus, it can be prepped ahead of time, making it a fantastic choice for entertaining.
The Origins and Inspiration Behind the Dish
Lasagna is, of course, rooted in Italian culinary tradition, but the idea of rolling noodles instead of layering them is more of a modern American adaptation. Seafood lasagna rolls in particular are a creative spin that takes inspiration from coastal cuisines, especially regions where seafood is abundant. Think of it as the love child of Italian lasagna and a rich New England seafood bake. It’s proof that classic dishes can evolve in delightful ways.
Ingredient Spotlight
Seafood is the undeniable star here. Shrimp add a firm, slightly sweet bite; crab brings in delicate brininess; and scallops offer a buttery richness. Ricotta adds creaminess without being too heavy, while mozzarella melts beautifully to create that irresistible pull. Parmesan is the salty, nutty element that ties everything together. And the creamy béchamel sauce? That’s what gives this dish its luxurious, velvety finish.
Storage and Reheating Tips
These lasagna rolls store surprisingly well. After cooling, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them individually on a tray, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake covered at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through—about 15 minutes if refrigerated or 30–40 minutes if frozen. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pasta chewy and the seafood rubbery.
Common Variations to Try
If you don’t have access to crab or scallops, you can stick with shrimp or even substitute with white fish like cod or tilapia. For a little spice, add diced jalapeños or extra red pepper flakes to the filling. Some people like to add spinach, mushrooms, or even artichokes to give the rolls more texture and nutrition. If you prefer a tomato-based dish, try adding a layer of marinara beneath the rolls for a creamy-tomato fusion.
Pairing Recommendations
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, or Sauvignon Blanc. If you’re serving it as part of a larger meal, keep the sides light and refreshing: a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette, roasted asparagus, or garlic bread. For dessert, something citrusy like lemon sorbet or a fruit tart balances the richness of the seafood and cream.
Health Benefits
Seafood is packed with lean protein and healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart and brain health. Shrimp and crab are relatively low in calories compared to other proteins, and scallops are a great source of magnesium and potassium. While the cream and cheese make this dish indulgent, using seafood ensures it’s still lighter than a traditional meat lasagna. Moderation is key here—you’re getting plenty of nutrients along with your comfort food fix.
Conclusion
Creamy Seafood Lasagna Rolls prove that comfort food doesn’t have to be boring. By swapping out meat for fresh, tender seafood and presenting lasagna in roll form, you create a dish that feels elegant without being fussy. It’s hearty enough to be satisfying, yet refined enough for special occasions. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, cooking for family, or simply craving something indulgent, these lasagna rolls will hit the spot every time. Once you try them, they just might become your signature dish.