If you love the comforting layers of classic lasagna but crave the fresh, oceanic flavors of the sea, you are going to adore this Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab Recipe. Picture tender lasagna noodles embracing a luscious creamy sauce, rich with chunks of sweet crab and succulent shrimp, all melded with melty mozzarella and sharp Parmesan. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a special celebration whether you’re sharing it on a weeknight or serving it up for guests. Every bite is a delicious journey, combining delicate seafood with the familiar coziness of Italian-American comfort food. I can’t wait to share how you can easily bring this elegant, tasty dish to your table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this recipe right is all about simple, quality ingredients that create layers of flavor and texture. Each one plays an essential role, from the creamy cheese mixture adding richness to the fresh seafood delivering that perfect ocean boost.
- 9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained: These create the structural foundation, tender but firm enough to hold all the delicious fillings.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds a silky start to your sauce and enhances the overall creaminess.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Brings subtle sweetness that balances the seafood’s natural brininess.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Gives aromatic depth, a necessary flavor punch for any Italian dish.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: This is key for thickening the creamy white sauce perfectly.
- 2 cups whole milk: Provides the essential dairy base for the luscious sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Adds richness and that dreamy silky texture to the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances every flavor without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just a hint of warmth and complexity.
- 1/4 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (optional): This classic seafood spice blend gives a subtle kick and complements the crab and shrimp brilliantly.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Infuses savory umami and helps thicken the cream sauce.
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese: Adds a soft, creamy texture and mild tang that balances the seafood.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ricotta mixture together to keep it silky and scoopable.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: Brightens the seafood filling with a fresh herbal note.
- 8 ounces cooked shrimp, chopped: The star seafood ingredient, tender and naturally sweet.
- 8 ounces lump crab meat: Adds luxurious, flaky bites of ocean flavor throughout.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts up perfectly into gooey, bubbly layers on top.
- Extra parsley and lemon wedges for garnish (optional): Fresh garnishes that add color and a zesty finish.
How to Make Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
Start by melting butter in a large skillet over medium heat, letting it create a velvety base. Sauté the finely chopped onion until soft and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes, then add the minced garlic just for a quick 30-second burst to release its aroma. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for 1 to 2 minutes to cook out that raw flavor and form a smooth roux, which is the secret behind your perfectly thick sauce. Next, slowly pour in the whole milk and cream while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook this mixture for 4 to 5 minutes until it thickens beautifully, then season with salt, pepper, and if you like that extra seafood-friendly zing, a little Old Bay seasoning. Stir in the Parmesan for that unmistakable savory complexity, then set the sauce aside to cool slightly as you move on.
Step 2: Make the Seafood Ricotta Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with one large egg and the chopped fresh parsley. This mixture will add creaminess and a subtle herbal lift to your filling. Then fold in the chopped cooked shrimp and lump crab meat gently, preserving those delicious chunks of seafood so each bite will be bursting with flavor. This filling holds the key to why this dish is so incredibly special.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to make the assembly smooth and easy to clean up later. Begin by spreading a thin layer of the creamy sauce on the bottom – this keeps the noodles from sticking and starts your luscious layering. Lay down three cooked lasagna noodles flat, then spoon half of the seafood ricotta mixture over them. Cover the seafood filling with more of the white sauce, then sprinkle about a third of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Repeat this layering once more with noodles, filling, sauce, and mozzarella. Finally, top with the last three noodles, the remaining sauce, and finish off bubbling golden with the last bit of mozzarella cheese.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Cover the assembled dish with foil and bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 25 minutes. This allows everything to meld together while keeping moisture inside. Remove the foil for the last 15 minutes of baking so the cheese on top can turn beautifully golden and bubbly – that is the sign your seafood lasagna is ready! Once cooked, let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing; this resting time helps the layers set perfectly so every square holds together gorgeously.
How to Serve Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing touches really elevate this seafood lasagna to a feast. Fresh chopped parsley scattered on top adds a lively green contrast and herbaceous brightness. A squeeze of lemon juice or a lemon wedge on the side can enhance the seafood’s natural flavors and lift each bite with zest and freshness. These simple garnishes make the presentation feel special and add layers of flavor with minimal effort.
Side Dishes
A creamy, rich dish like this deserves some light, fresh sides to balance it out. Crisp green salads with a tangy vinaigrette or steamed asparagus work wonderfully well. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is perfect too, soaking up every bit of that luscious sauce. Pair it with a chilled, crisp white wine to complement the seafood and creams for a complete elegant meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or simply change up how you serve this dish, consider making individual servings in small ramekins. This allows for beautiful presentation and easy portion control. Alternatively, serve it family-style on a large platter with fresh herbs sprinkled generously over the top and lemon wedges arranged artistically around the edges. This makes the meal feel warm, inviting, and ready for everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab Recipe tastes just as good the next day. Cover any leftovers tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a perfect make-ahead dinner or next-day treat.
Freezing
This dish freezes wonderfully if you want to keep it for longer. After baking, allow it to cool completely, then cut into portions and wrap each tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil or place in airtight containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the lasagna pieces with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. This method keeps it moist and prevents the cheese from drying out. You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave, but oven reheating is best for preserving texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use fresh seafood instead of cooked shrimp and crab?
Absolutely! Just be sure to cook the fresh seafood first before assembling the lasagna to ensure it’s fully cooked through and safe to eat. Cooking ahead also helps avoid extra moisture that might make the lasagna watery.
Is there a dairy-free or low-fat version of this recipe?
You could substitute milk and cream with non-dairy alternatives and use dairy-free cheeses, but keep in mind that the creamy texture and rich flavors will be different. For a lighter option, try using part-skim ricotta and less heavy cream, but this recipe truly shines with its original creamy ingredients.
Can I prepare this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap regular lasagna noodles with gluten-free lasagna noodles, which are widely available in grocery stores. Just follow the package instructions for cooking and proceed as usual.
What can I add for more seafood variety?
Feel free to mix in scallops, chopped lobster, or even imitation crab for a fun twist. Just keep the balance so the seafood flavors complement each other without overpowering the creamy sauce.
How long does it take to make this recipe from start to finish?
This Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab Recipe takes about 30 minutes for prep and 40 minutes for baking, totaling around 1 hour and 10 minutes. It’s well worth the time for the delicious results!
Final Thoughts
This Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab Recipe has become one of my absolute favorite dishes to prepare when I want to impress with minimal fuss. The luscious creamy sauce paired with generous chunks of seafood layered between perfectly cooked noodles creates a crowd-pleasing masterpiece that feels both indulgent and heartwarming. Don’t hesitate to give it a try for your next special meal—you’ll be hooked from the very first forkful!
Print
Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
This Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab is a decadent Italian-American main course featuring layers of tender lasagna noodles, a creamy white sauce, and a rich mixture of ricotta cheese combined with succulent shrimp and lump crab meat. Baked to golden bubbly perfection, it’s an indulgent and flavorful dish perfect for seafood lovers looking for a comforting yet elegant meal.
Ingredients
Lasagna Base
- 9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seafood Ricotta Mixture
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 8 ounces cooked shrimp, chopped
- 8 ounces lump crab meat
Toppings
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Extra parsley and lemon wedges for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the lasagna.
- Prepare Cream Sauce: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for 1–2 minutes to create a roux, ensuring no lumps form. Gradually pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously until smooth. Continue cooking for 4–5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Season with salt, black pepper, Old Bay seasoning if using, and stir in grated Parmesan cheese. Remove the sauce from heat and set aside.
- Mix Seafood Ricotta: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and chopped fresh parsley. Gently fold in the chopped cooked shrimp and lump crab meat, ensuring everything is evenly mixed.
- Assemble Lasagna: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread a thin layer of the prepared cream sauce along the bottom to prevent sticking. Layer 3 cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread half of the seafood ricotta mixture evenly on top of the noodles, followed by more cream sauce and one-third of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layering with the next 3 noodles, remaining seafood mixture, more sauce, and another third of mozzarella. Finish with the last 3 noodles, remaining cream sauce, and the rest of the mozzarella cheese evenly spread on top.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil to keep the moisture in, and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese on top is golden brown and bubbly, signaling the dish is perfectly cooked throughout.
- Rest and Garnish: Allow the lasagna to rest for 10–15 minutes after baking to let the layers set, making it easier to slice. Garnish with extra chopped parsley and lemon wedges if desired before serving for a fresh, bright finish.
Notes
- For enhanced seafood flavor, add a splash of seafood stock to the cream sauce while cooking.
- Feel free to include other seafood such as scallops or imitation crab to diversify the flavor and texture.
