Shrimp & Crab Alfredo Lasagna Roll

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  • Traditional Roots: Lasagna dates back to Italy, but the rolled version evolved as a creative spin to make pasta more portion-controlled and aesthetically appealing.

  • Seafood Fusion: Shrimp and crab fillings are more common in coastal U.S. and Mediterranean regions. The concept marries Italian pasta craft with the richness of French-inspired cream sauces.

  • Alfredo Connection: Invented by Alfredo di Lelio in Rome in 1914, the Alfredo sauce (butter + parmesan + pasta water) became an American favorite when cream was added. This modern adaptation blends that creamy base with seafood sweetness for a luxurious profile.





2. Key Elements

Pasta Layer

  • Fresh lasagna sheets provide flexibility and a silky texture.

  • Sheets must be slightly undercooked before rolling to prevent tearing during baking.

Seafood Filling

  • Shrimp: Small to medium-sized, deveined, lightly sautéed or steamed.

  • Crab: Blue crab or snow crab for delicate flavor; lump meat preferred.

  • Binding Mixture: Ricotta or mascarpone, parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, and herbs.

  • Flavor Boosters: Minced garlic, lemon zest, parsley, chives, or dill.

Alfredo Sauce

  • Made from butter, heavy cream, parmesan, garlic.

  • Optional add-ins: white wine for acidity, nutmeg for warmth, or seafood stock for depth.

Topping & Garnish

  • Mozzarella, parmesan, or even gruyère for a more complex melt.

  • Fresh herbs, microgreens, or edible flowers for presentation.

3. Cooking Technique

  1. Prep the Pasta: Boil sheets in salted water, drain, and cool.

  2. Cook the Seafood: Sauté shrimp briefly; mix with crab and cheese filling.

  3. Roll & Arrange: Spread filling on pasta sheet, roll gently, place seam-side down in baking dish.

  4. Layer with Sauce: Spoon Alfredo over rolls generously.

  5. Bake: Cover with foil for first half of baking; uncover to brown top.

  6. Finish: Garnish with herbs, a drizzle of extra sauce, and serve hot.

4. Benefits

  • High-Protein Meal from seafood and cheese.

  • Luxurious Yet Accessible — works for both home cooks and restaurant menus.

  • Portion Control due to individual rolls.

  • Showstopper Presentation for special occasions.

5. Variations

  • Mediterranean Style: Add spinach, feta, and sun-dried tomatoes to the filling.

  • Spicy Cajun: Use Cajun spices, andouille sausage, and pepper jack cheese.

  • Lobster Upgrade: Replace crab with lobster for an upscale twist.

  • Vegetable Boost: Add zucchini, mushrooms, or roasted peppers for more nutrients.

6. Nutritional Profile (approx. per roll)

  • Calories: 350–500 (depending on portion size)

  • Protein: 18–25g

  • Carbs: 25–30g

  • Fats: 18–25g

  • Rich in: Omega-3s, selenium, vitamin B12, calcium

7. Cultural Relevance & Popularity

  • Served in coastal Italian-American restaurants and upscale seafood bistros.

  • A popular feature in holiday menus like Christmas Eve seafood feasts.

  • Often appears in food festivals showcasing pasta and seafood fusion.

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