If you have a weakness for layers of creamy, cheesy comfort combined with the delicate sweetness of the sea, this Seafood Lasagna Recipe is going to become your new favorite indulgence. Imagine tender noodles embracing a rich blend of shrimp, scallops, and crab, all enveloped in a velvety Parmesan cream sauce that melts in your mouth. Every bite is a celebration of fresh seafood balanced perfectly with luscious cheeses and subtle hints of garlic and herbs. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself to a restaurant-worthy meal at home, this seafood lasagna delivers warmth, flavor, and that wow factor you’re craving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Seafood Lasagna Recipe is simpler than you might think, yet every component plays an essential role. From the smooth cream sauce to the medley of fresh seafood and the perfect cheeses, each ingredient creates layers of flavor, texture, and satisfying richness.
- 9 lasagna noodles: The sturdy base that holds all your delicious layers together.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps soften onions and garlic beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Provides a subtle fruity note and keeps the pan perfectly slick.
- 1 small onion (finely chopped): Brings sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): For that irresistible savory kick that pairs amazingly with seafood.
- 8 oz shrimp (peeled, deveined, chopped): Tender, sweet, and the star of the seafood mix.
- 8 oz scallops (chopped): Adds delicate texture and a mild briny flavor.
- 8 oz imitation crab or real lump crab meat: Gives a slightly sweet ocean flavor and moist bite.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential to enhance all the flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds gentle warmth and balance.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: For thickening the creamy sauce just right.
- 1½ cups milk: The base for your luscious béchamel cream sauce.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Brings indulgent richness and silkiness.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers sharp, nutty notes in the sauce.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly to create that gooey, cheesy goodness.
- 15 oz ricotta cheese: Adds creaminess and a mild tang to the filling.
- 1 egg: Helps bind the ricotta layer for a smooth texture.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped): Introduces a fresh herbal brightness.
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional): A little warming spice that elevates the sauce subtly.
How to Make Seafood Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and cooking the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Once they’re tender yet firm to the bite, drain and set them aside to prevent sticking. This forms the perfect foundation for layering.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Seafood
In a large skillet, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion and garlic and cook until fragrant and translucent, about 2 to 3 minutes. Then add the chopped shrimp, scallops, and crab meat, cooking just until the seafood turns opaque but remains tender, around 3 to 4 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper before removing the seafood mixture from the skillet to keep it warm.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
Using the same skillet, sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously to form a smooth roux. Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking to prevent lumps. Keep stirring over medium heat until the sauce thickens, about 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and a pinch of nutmeg if using, then take the sauce off the heat. This luxurious béchamel forms the lush backdrop that ties your seafood layers together beautifully.
Step 4: Mix the Ricotta Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with the egg, fresh parsley, and half a cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. This mixture adds a creamy, herb-infused layer that contrasts perfectly with the tender seafood and velvety sauce.
Step 5: Assemble the Lasagna
Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and start by spreading a thin layer of the cream sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking. Layer on 3 cooked lasagna noodles, then spread half of the ricotta mixture over them, followed by half of the seafood mixture. Spoon a generous layer of sauce and sprinkle some shredded mozzarella over the top. Repeat the layers once more: noodles, ricotta, seafood, sauce, and mozzarella. Finish with the remaining noodles, sauce, and a final generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese to create that irresistible golden crust.
Step 6: Bake and Rest
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in your preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes, allowing the cheese on top to become bubbly and perfectly golden. Let your seafood lasagna rest for 10 minutes outside the oven before slicing; this helps all the flavors settle and makes serving much easier.
How to Serve Seafood Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
Simple fresh garnishes like chopped parsley or a sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan add a fresh, vibrant touch to your seafood lasagna. A light drizzle of lemon-infused olive oil can uplift the entire dish with a subtle citrus brightness that cuts through the creaminess beautifully.
Side Dishes
This rich and satisfying recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp, refreshing sides. A crisp green salad tossed with a zesty vinaigrette or roasted asparagus spears with a squeeze of lemon complement the creamy layers without overpowering them. Don’t forget crusty garlic bread to soak up all that extra sauce!
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant dinner party, consider serving individual portions of the seafood lasagna in small ramekins or cast iron skillets, allowing each guest their own perfectly bubbling personal lasagna. Alternatively, garnish with edible flowers or microgreens for a colorful, restaurant-style presentation that wows visually as much as it delights the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (and you probably will), cover your baked lasagna tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen and develop even more after resting, making it just as wonderful the next day.
Freezing
This Seafood Lasagna Recipe freezes beautifully. Assemble it completely but don’t bake. Wrap the dish securely with plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn, then freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready for it, just thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as indicated.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the lasagna with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. Removing the foil for the last 5 minutes will help revive that golden cheese crust. Microwave options work in a pinch but can make the noodles a bit softer.
FAQs
Can I use frozen seafood for this Seafood Lasagna Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thoroughly thaw and drain frozen seafood before cooking to avoid excess water in your lasagna. This helps maintain the perfect creamy consistency.
Is this recipe very spicy?
No, this Seafood Lasagna Recipe focuses on delicate seafood flavors with creamy, cheesy richness rather than heat. You can always add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you enjoy a subtle kick.
Can I substitute dairy ingredients for a lighter version?
While possible, the creaminess is a signature part of this dish. Using lower-fat milk or cheese can reduce richness but might change the texture and flavor profile. For best results, stick to the full-fat versions.
How long does it take to make this Seafood Lasagna?
The total time is about 1 hour and 15 minutes including preparation, cooking the noodles, assembling, and baking. It’s a lovely weekend project or special dinner treat!
What wine pairs well with seafood lasagna?
A crisp, unoaked white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with this creamy, seafood-rich pasta, balancing the dish’s richness and enhancing the fresh ocean flavors.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have all the tips and steps to create this irresistible Seafood Lasagna Recipe, it’s time to gather your ingredients and bring this comforting, elegant dish to your table. Whether for a special dinner or a cozy night in, this recipe promises layers of creamy seafood delight that’ll wow your family and friends. Enjoy every cheesy, buttery bite!
Print
Seafood Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This creamy and indulgent Seafood Lasagna combines tender shrimp, scallops, and crab layered with rich ricotta cheese and a velvety white sauce, baked to golden perfection. A delightful twist on classic Italian lasagna that brings the flavors of the sea to your dinner table.
Ingredients
Seafood and Noodles
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 8 oz shrimp, peeled, deveined, chopped
- 8 oz scallops, chopped
- 8 oz imitation crab or real lump crab meat
Sauté Base
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
Cheese Mixture
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for ricotta mixture)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (for layering and topping)
Instructions
- Preheat and Cook Noodles. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Aromatics. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and olive oil together. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Cook Seafood. Add the chopped shrimp, scallops, and crab meat to the skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the seafood is just cooked through. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove the seafood mixture from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare White Sauce. In the same skillet, sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously to form a roux. Gradually pour in the milk and cream while whisking to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and stirring for 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of nutmeg if desired. Remove from heat.
- Mix Ricotta Filling. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, chopped parsley, and ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix until smooth and evenly combined.
- Assemble Lasagna. Lightly spread a small amount of the white sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer 3 cooked lasagna noodles evenly over the sauce. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by half of the seafood mixture. Spoon a layer of white sauce over the seafood and sprinkle a layer of mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layering process with noodles, ricotta mixture, seafood, sauce, and mozzarella. Finally, top with the remaining 3 noodles, cover with remaining white sauce, and sprinkle generously with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Bake Lasagna. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the lasagna is bubbly and the cheese topping is golden brown.
- Rest and Serve. Allow the lasagna to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps the layers set for easier serving and enhances the flavors.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen seafood, ensuring frozen seafood is completely thawed and well-drained before cooking to prevent excess moisture.
- You can prepare the lasagna a day ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator, then bake it just before serving for convenience.
- To avoid noodles sticking together after cooking, toss them lightly with a little olive oil or rinse under cold water.
- For a richer flavor, substitute some milk with half-and-half in the white sauce.
- If desired, garnish with extra fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon before serving for added brightness.
