Seafood Lasagna: A Decadent, Creamy Coastal Twist on a Classic Favorite

When it comes to comfort food, lasagna reigns supreme. But if you’re ready to elevate this classic dish to something a little more elegant and indulgent, Seafood Lasagna is the way to go. This luxurious baked pasta layers tender shrimp, scallops, and crab (or your favorite seafood), with creamy béchamel or Alfredo sauce, cheese, and perfectly cooked lasagna noodles.

Whether you’re cooking for a dinner party, a holiday feast, or just treating yourself to something special, Seafood Lasagna is the perfect show-stopping recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds.

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Why You’ll Love This Seafood Lasagna

• 🐚 Rich and creamy – Every layer is bursting with ocean flavor and velvety sauce.
• 🧀 Loaded with cheese – Ricotta, Parmesan, mozzarella, and creamy white sauce? Yes, please.
• 🍤 Seafood lover’s dream – Features a mix of shrimp, scallops, and crab.
• 🍽️ Perfect for entertaining – Impressive and indulgent, yet surprisingly easy to make.
• 🔄 Customizable – Swap seafood, add spinach or mushrooms, or spice it up.

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What Is Seafood Lasagna?

Seafood lasagna is a variation of traditional Italian lasagna that replaces red sauce and ground meat with a creamy white sauce (often Alfredo or béchamel) and an assortment of seafood, usually shrimp, crab, scallops, and sometimes even lobster. The dish is layered with cooked noodles, seafood, sauce, and cheese—then baked to perfection.

It’s decadent, luxurious, and ideal for occasions when you want something comforting and elegant.

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Ingredients for Seafood Lasagna

For the Seafood Filling:

• ½ pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
• ½ pound scallops, quartered (or chopped if large)
• 1 cup cooked crab meat (or imitation crab)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Cheese Mixture:

• 1½ cups ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the White Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Other:

• 9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained (or use oven-ready noodles)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Extra Parmesan for topping
• Optional: spinach, mushrooms, or fresh herbs

📝 Tip: Use pre-cooked seafood or cook your raw seafood briefly to prevent overcooking during baking.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Seafood

1. Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add chopped shrimp, scallops, and crab.
4. Cook for 3–4 minutes or until shrimp are pink and scallops are opaque. Drain excess liquid.
5. Add lemon juice, season with salt and pepper, then set aside to cool.

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Step 2: Make the White Sauce (Béchamel)

1. In a saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in flour to form a roux. Cook for 1–2 minutes until bubbly but not browned.
3. Gradually whisk in milk. Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened (about 5–7 minutes).
4. Stir in Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using).
5. Remove from heat and set aside.

🎯 Shortcut: Use jarred Alfredo sauce if you’re in a hurry.

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Step 3: Mix the Cheese Filling

In a bowl, combine:

• Ricotta cheese
• Egg
• Parmesan
• Parsley
• Pinch of salt and pepper

Mix until smooth.

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Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish:

1. Spoon a thin layer of white sauce on the bottom.
2. Add a layer of 3 lasagna noodles.
3. Spread ⅓ of the ricotta mixture over noodles.
4. Spoon on ⅓ of the seafood, followed by a layer of white sauce.
5. Sprinkle with mozzarella.
6. Repeat layers two more times (noodles, ricotta, seafood, sauce, cheese).
7. Top final layer with noodles, sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan.

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Step 5: Bake

1. Cover dish with foil (spray underside with nonstick spray to prevent sticking).
2. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes.
3. Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
4. Let rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing and serving.

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Optional Add-Ins & Variations

🥬 Add Veggies:

• Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or leeks pair beautifully with seafood.

🧄 Kick up the flavor:

• Add a splash of white wine to the white sauce or seafood sauté.
• Use roasted garlic in the sauce for a deeper flavor.

🧀 Make it extra cheesy:

• Add a layer of cream cheese or mascarpone for richness.

🦞 Lux it up:

• Use lobster meat or jumbo lump crab for an ultra-decadent version.

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What to Serve with Seafood Lasagna

Pair this creamy pasta with lighter, fresh sides to balance the richness:

• 🥗 Mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• 🍞 Garlic bread or crusty French baguette
• 🥦 Steamed asparagus, green beans, or broccoli
• 🍷 White wine – try Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, or Sauvignon Blanc

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Make-Ahead, Storage, and Reheating Tips

🧊 Make-Ahead:

• Assemble the lasagna up to 1 day in advance.
• Cover tightly and refrigerate. Bake when ready, adding 10 extra minutes if cold.

❄️ Freezing Instructions:

• Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

🔁 Reheating:

• Reheat individual slices in the microwave.
• For full pans, cover with foil and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through (about 25–30 minutes).

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FAQs About Seafood Lasagna

Can I use pre-cooked seafood?

Yes! Just make sure it’s drained and not overcooked during baking.

What kind of noodles work best?

Regular lasagna noodles (cooked al dente) or oven-ready noodles both work well.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes. Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and a gluten-free flour blend for the sauce.

Can I use Alfredo sauce instead of béchamel?

Absolutely! Jarred or homemade Alfredo works beautifully and adds a bit more garlic flavor.

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Final Thoughts: A Seafood Lover’s Dream Dinner

Seafood Lasagna is a rich, creamy twist on a timeless classic that feels both luxurious and comforting. Whether you’re cooking for a special dinner or simply want to treat your family to something new, this recipe combines the best of pasta and seafood into one unforgettable meal.

With endless ways to customize and a make-ahead option for busy cooks, this lasagna is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen.

So next time you’re craving something creamy, cheesy, and just a little fancy—grab some shrimp and crab, and bake up this delicious Seafood Lasagna masterpiece.

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