Name: Creamy Seafood Lasagna
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained; 225 g shrimp, peeled and deveined; 225 g crab meat or imitation crab, flaked; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 3 cloves garlic, finely minced; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups whole milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped; 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

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This creamy seafood lasagna is an elegant yet comforting dish that brings together tender pasta layers, a silky white sauce, and delicate seafood flavors. It’s perfect for special dinners, family gatherings, or whenever you want a luxurious twist on classic lasagna.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe offers a rich and creamy alternative to traditional tomato-based lasagna. The combination of shrimp and crab creates a refined seafood flavor without being overpowering, while lemon juice adds a subtle brightness that balances the richness. It’s surprisingly straightforward to prepare, makes an impressive presentation, and is hearty enough to satisfy everyone at the table.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
225 g shrimp, peeled and deveined
225 g crab meat or imitation crab, flaked
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a medium baking dish and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes, just until they turn pink. Gently stir in the crab meat, then remove the seafood mixture from the heat and set aside.
In the same skillet, sprinkle in the flour and whisk well with the remaining butter to form a roux. Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
Simmer the sauce over medium heat for 3–5 minutes until thickened and smooth.
Stir in the lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the lasagna by spreading a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Add a layer of lasagna noodles, followed by ricotta cheese, seafood mixture, and more sauce.
Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with sauce and the remaining mozzarella on top.
Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until the top is bubbly and lightly golden.
Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 6 generous servings.
Prep time is approximately 30 minutes, with a cook time of 40 minutes. The total time from start to finish is about 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Variations

You can substitute shrimp with scallops for a sweeter seafood flavor. Adding a pinch of Old Bay–style seasoning or a small splash of white grape vinegar can enhance the seafood notes. For extra richness, mix a little cream cheese into the ricotta layer. Spinach or sautéed mushrooms can also be added between layers for more texture and nutrition.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, or reheat individual portions in the microwave at medium power to avoid drying out.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp work well as long as they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.

Is imitation crab acceptable in this lasagna?

Imitation crab is a convenient and budget-friendly option and works nicely in this dish.

Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake.

What type of milk is best for the sauce?

Whole milk provides the creamiest texture, but you can use low-fat milk if needed.

Can I freeze creamy seafood lasagna?

It can be frozen, but the texture of the cream sauce may change slightly upon reheating.

How do I prevent the lasagna from becoming watery?

Make sure the sauce is thickened properly and avoid overcooking the seafood.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Yes, spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms pair well with the seafood and creamy sauce.

What size baking dish should I use?

A standard 9×13-inch baking dish works best for even layering.

Is lemon juice necessary?

Lemon juice brightens the dish and balances the richness, but it can be reduced if preferred.

How long should the lasagna rest before serving?

Letting it rest for about 10 minutes helps the layers set and makes slicing easier.

Conclusion

Creamy seafood lasagna is a delightful blend of comfort and elegance, perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions. With its rich sauce, tender seafood, and satisfying layers, this recipe is sure to become a favorite that you’ll return to again and again.