This seafood lasagna recipe turns simple ingredients into an amazing dish by combining premium seafood with layers of pasta and a creamy sauce. The recipe brings together crab, scallops, and shrimp to create a luxurious twist on traditional lasagna.
A rich white sauce perfectly complements delicate seafood flavors in this Italian-inspired lasagna. The dish blends shellfish with creamy béchamel and pasta layers, creating a sophisticated meal that you can easily prepare and impress with.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Seafood Lasagna is a showstopper! With layers of fresh seafood like shrimp, crab, and lobster, combined with a creamy béchamel sauce and rich cheeses, it offers a luxurious twist on classic lasagna. The delicate flavors of the seafood are perfectly balanced with the creamy sauce, making this dish both indulgent and comforting. Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or simply craving a gourmet meal, this dish will be sure to impress.
Ingredients
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1 pound dried lasagna noodles
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter
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1/4 cup all-purpose flour
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3 cups whole milk
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1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
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1 1/2 cups shredded Romano
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3 cups ricotta cheese
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1 large egg
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4 cloves minced garlic
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1 pound tiny shrimp
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8 ounces lump crab meat
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8 ounces cooked lobster meat
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1 pound mozzarella cheese
tip: you’ll find the full list of ingredients in the recipe card below
Directions
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Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by greasing it lightly.
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Make the béchamel sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour until lightly toasted (about 2 minutes). Gradually add the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Continue to cook until thickened, about 8-10 minutes.
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Prepare the ricotta mixture: In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, egg, garlic, and seasonings (salt, pepper). Set aside.
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Layer the lasagna: Start by spreading a thin layer of béchamel sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Follow with a layer of lasagna noodles, a portion of the ricotta mixture, and a layer of seafood (shrimp, crab, and lobster). Repeat these layers two more times. Finish with a final layer of béchamel sauce and a generous sprinkling of shredded mozzarella and Romano cheeses on top.
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Bake: Cover the lasagna with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the top to become golden and bubbly.
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Rest and Serve: Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes after baking to ensure it sets and serves easily. Slice and enjoy!
Serving and Timing
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Yield: 8 servings
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Prep time: 15 minutes
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Cook time: 65 minutes (30 minutes covered, 10 minutes uncovered)
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Total time: 80 minutes
This lasagna is perfect for special gatherings, holiday meals, or whenever you’re craving a rich and indulgent seafood dish.
Variations
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Seafood options: You can switch out the seafood in this recipe. If you prefer, use scallops, clams, or any other shellfish of your choice.
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Herb variations: Add fresh herbs like basil or thyme to the ricotta mixture or béchamel sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
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Lighter version: Substitute whole milk with a lower-fat option or use a combination of ricotta and cottage cheese for a lighter filling.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftover seafood lasagna in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent the top from drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions.
FAQ
1. Can I use fresh seafood instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh seafood works well in this recipe. Just ensure it is fully cooked before adding to the lasagna.
2. Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna ahead of time, refrigerate it, and bake it when ready to serve. Allow an extra 10-15 minutes of baking time if baking from cold.
3. Can I freeze this seafood lasagna?
Yes, you can freeze the lasagna for up to 3 months. Assemble the lasagna and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Bake from frozen or allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
4. What type of cheese can I use for this lasagna?
You can substitute the cheeses in this recipe. For example, try using Parmesan instead of Romano, or add more mozzarella for extra meltiness.
5. Can I make this lasagna without lobster?
Yes, if lobster isn’t available or too expensive, you can simply increase the amount of shrimp or crab meat for a seafood lasagna with just those two ingredients.
6. Can I substitute the béchamel sauce?
If you prefer a tomato-based sauce, you can try a seafood marinara sauce instead of béchamel, though it will change the flavor profile of the dish.
7. Can I make this lasagna without noodles?
You can make a gluten-free version of this dish by using gluten-free lasagna noodles or substituting thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant for the pasta.
8. Can I add vegetables to this seafood lasagna?
Yes, you can incorporate vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or even artichokes to enhance the dish and add more depth of flavor.
9. Can I make this lasagna dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute the cheeses with non-dairy options and use a plant-based butter and milk for the béchamel sauce.
10. How do I prevent the lasagna from being too watery?
Make sure your seafood is cooked properly and drained of any excess moisture before adding it to the layers. You can also allow the lasagna to rest after baking to ensure it sets properly.
Conclusion
Seafood lasagna is an indulgent, flavorful twist on the traditional Italian favorite. Combining rich seafood with creamy béchamel sauce and layers of cheesy goodness makes this dish a sophisticated choice for any occasion. Whether it’s a special dinner or a festive gathering, this seafood lasagna is sure to impress
Print
Seafood Lasagna Recipe
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
This luxurious Seafood Lasagna combines premium seafood like crab, scallops, and shrimp with a rich béchamel sauce, creamy ricotta, and layers of melted cheese. A perfect twist on traditional lasagna, this indulgent dish is sure to impress at any gathering or special occasion.
Ingredients
For the Lasagna:
1 pound dried lasagna noodles
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 1/2 cups shredded Romano cheese
3 cups ricotta cheese
1 large egg
4 cloves minced garlic
1 pound tiny shrimp
8 ounces lump crab meat
8 ounces cooked lobster meat
1 pound mozzarella cheese
Instructions
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Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Make the Béchamel Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk for about 2 minutes until lightly toasted. Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Cook until thickened, about 8-10 minutes.
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Prepare the Ricotta Mixture: In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, egg, minced garlic, and season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
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Layer the Lasagna: Spread a thin layer of béchamel sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Layer lasagna noodles, then a portion of the ricotta mixture, followed by a layer of seafood (shrimp, crab, and lobster). Repeat these layers twice. Top with a final layer of béchamel sauce and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and Romano cheeses.
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Bake: Cover the lasagna with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
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Rest and Serve: Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to ensure it sets and is easy to serve.
Notes
- Seafood Options: You can switch up the seafood by using scallops, clams, or any other shellfish you prefer.
- Herb Variations: Add fresh basil or thyme to the ricotta mixture or béchamel sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
- Lighter Version: Use low-fat milk or cottage cheese instead of ricotta for a lighter filling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes (30 minutes covered, 10 minutes uncovered)
- Category: Main Dish, Seafood
- Method: Baking, Layering, Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian, American