If you crave a dish that feels like a celebration on every forkful, the Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp, Crab, and Creamy Cheese Sauce Recipe is your new go-to comfort food masterpiece. This lasagna layers tender shrimp and succulent crab meat with a rich, velvety cheese sauce and perfectly cooked noodles, creating a mouthwatering blend that’s both indulgent and elegant. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish combines the best of the sea with creamy, cheesy goodness that’s impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this dish is delightfully straightforward, yet each component plays a crucial role in building the lasagna’s incredible flavor and texture. From the fresh seafood to the blend of cheeses and simple spices, everything works in harmony to create a truly special meal.
- Lasagna noodles: 12 noodles cooked al dente offer the perfect structure and hold each layer together beautifully.
- Shrimp: 1 cup of peeled and deveined shrimp, providing a tender, juicy seafood bite.
- Crab meat: 1 cup of lump crab adds a delicate sweetness and rich seafood flavor.
- Ricotta cheese: 2 cups add creamy softness and a mild tanginess to balance the seafood.
- Mozzarella cheese: 2 cups shredded mozzarella melt to create that irresistible gooey texture.
- Parmesan cheese: 1 cup grated Parmesan offers a nutty, savory finish on top.
- Butter: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter for the luscious roux base of the sauce.
- All-purpose flour: 1/4 cup used to thicken the sauce into a creamy consistency.
- Whole milk: 4 cups added slowly to create a silky cheese sauce.
- Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon infuses a gentle savory note throughout the sauce.
- Onion powder: 1 teaspoon complements the garlic with subtle sweetness.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, elevating all the flavors perfectly.
- Fresh parsley: 1/4 cup chopped parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous zing both in the sauce and as garnish.
How to Make Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp, Crab, and Creamy Cheese Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Roux
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour, cooking for about 2 minutes until the mixture turns a lovely golden color. This roux is the essential base for a creamy, smooth cheese sauce that will bind the entire lasagna together with silkiness.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
Slowly pour the milk into the roux while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue stirring for 5 to 7 minutes until the sauce thickens to a luscious, velvety consistency. Now, season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to build layers of flavor that marry beautifully with the seafood. Remove the sauce from heat and stir in freshly chopped parsley for a subtle herbaceous kick.
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients
Grab your baking dish and spread a thin layer of the creamy sauce at the bottom to prevent sticking and add moisture. Layer three lasagna noodles evenly on top, then spread half of the ricotta cheese over them. Evenly distribute half of the shrimp and crab, then sprinkle a third of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Each layer adds richness, texture, and flavor, so take your time to build those tasty strata.
Step 4: Repeat and Finish the Top
Repeat the layering process with another three noodles, the remaining ricotta, the rest of the seafood, and another third of the mozzarella. Finish with a final layer of noodles, spread the remaining creamy sauce on top, and cover generously with the rest of the mozzarella and all of the Parmesan cheese. This final cheese layer will create a golden, bubbly crust that’s pure perfection.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes to let all the layers meld and cook through. Then remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes. This step allows the cheese on top to brown beautifully and become wonderfully bubbly, signalling that your seafood lasagna is ready to come out of the oven.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Let the lasagna cool for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting time helps the layers set so every piece stays intact and looks as stunning on the plate as it tastes.
How to Serve Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp, Crab, and Creamy Cheese Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a few thin lemon zest strands on top bring brightness and fresh aroma, balancing the richness. A light drizzle of good-quality olive oil can add extra silky richness on the plate if desired.
Side Dishes
This hearty lasagna pairs perfectly with crisp, refreshing sides like a simple mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables to provide a pleasant contrast of textures and flavors. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is also perfect for mopping up any extra creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your presentation by serving individual portions in small ramekins or cast iron skillets straight from the oven for a rustic touch. Layer a few extra whole shrimp or crab claws on top as a decorative nod to the seafood inside, creating a show-stopping centerpiece for any dinner gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover seafood lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for easy weekday lunches or dinners that feel indulgent yet convenient.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Wrap the entire lasagna or individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the lasagna with foil to prevent drying out and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual slices, but the oven ensures the best texture and flavor preservation.
FAQs
Can I use other types of seafood instead of shrimp and crab?
Absolutely! This recipe is very flexible. You can swap in scallops, lobster, or even chunks of firm white fish. Just make sure to adjust cooking times for any seafood that cooks faster or slower to avoid overcooking.
Is it possible to make this seafood lasagna gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for the roux. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten free, so it’s easy to adapt.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Definitely. The creamy cheese sauce can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. When ready to assemble, gently warm it on the stove to soften before layering to make the process even faster.
What cheese can I substitute if I don’t have ricotta?
Cottage cheese is a great alternative to ricotta and provides a similar texture with a slightly different flavor. You can also blend cottage cheese with a bit of cream cheese for extra creaminess.
How do I ensure the seafood stays tender and doesn’t get rubbery?
Using pre-cooked shrimp and fresh lump crab meat helps, as these cook quickly and gently when baked with the sauce. Avoid overbaking by following the recipe’s time carefully and letting the lasagna rest before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp, Crab, and Creamy Cheese Sauce Recipe truly feels like a little luxury you can make at home, any time you want to treat yourself or impress loved ones. The combination of fresh seafood, indulgent cheeses, and velvety sauce is simply unbeatable. Give this recipe a try and enjoy every rich, flavorful bite that’s bound to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen!
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Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp, Crab, and Creamy Cheese Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This decadent Seafood Lasagna combines succulent shrimp and lump crab meat layered with creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, all enveloped in a rich, homemade white sauce. Baked to bubbly, golden perfection, this indulgent dish delivers a delightful balance of flavors and textures, perfect for a special family dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente
Seafood
- 1 cup shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup crab meat, lump
Cheese
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) ensuring it reaches the proper temperature for baking your lasagna evenly.
- Make Roux: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 2 minutes until the mixture turns golden, creating a roux that will thicken your sauce.
- Prepare Sauce: Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
- Season Sauce: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Remove the sauce from heat and mix in the chopped fresh parsley for freshness.
- Layer Ingredients: In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of the prepared sauce. Layer 3 cooked lasagna noodles, half the ricotta cheese, half the seafood mixture (shrimp and crab), and one-third of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers, finishing with noodles, remaining sauce, and topping with the remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil to prevent excessive browning and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes to achieve a bubbly, golden top.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the lasagna to cool for 10 minutes to set properly, making it easier to slice and serve.
Notes
- Ensure lasagna noodles are cooked al dente to avoid mushy layers.
- Use fresh seafood for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust seasoning of the sauce according to your taste preference.
- Allowing the lasagna to rest before serving helps the layers set.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
