Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab

If you’re craving something luxurious and comforting, this Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab is a true showstopper. Layers of tender pasta, creamy béchamel sauce, succulent shrimp, and sweet crab come together in a rich, satisfying bake that’s perfect for special occasions or when you simply want to impress.

Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest culinary creations you’ll love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Elegant Yet Easy – Restaurant-quality flavor in a home-cooked dish.
Rich & Creamy – A béchamel and cheese combo creates a luscious texture.
Seafood Lover’s Dream – Loaded with plump shrimp and tender crab meat.
Perfect for Gatherings – Serves a crowd and makes great leftovers.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Assemble in advance and bake when ready.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Filling:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
• 1 cup lump crab meat (fresh or canned, drained)
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp chili flakes (optional for a kick)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

For the Sauce:

• 4 tbsp butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2½ cups milk (warm)
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)

For Assembly:

• 9-12 no-boil or cooked lasagna noodles
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup ricotta cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (extra for topping)
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet
• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Seafood Filling

1. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic, sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
3. Stir in chopped shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until just pink.
4. Add crab meat, salt, pepper, paprika, and chili flakes if using.
5. Stir to combine, cook for another minute, then remove from heat.
6. Mix in chopped parsley and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Béchamel Sauce
7. In a saucepan, melt 4 tbsp butter over medium heat.
8. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw taste.
9. Gradually add warm milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
10. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, and nutmeg.
11. Cook until thick and creamy (5-7 minutes), then set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna
12. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
13. Spread a thin layer of béchamel sauce on the bottom of a greased 9×13 baking dish.
14. Add a layer of lasagna noodles, followed by half of the seafood mixture.
15. Spoon béchamel sauce over the seafood, then add dollops of ricotta and a sprinkle of mozzarella.
16. Repeat layers, finishing with a final layer of noodles and the remaining sauce.
17. Top with mozzarella and extra Parmesan cheese.

Step 4: Bake and Serve
18. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
19. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
20. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
21. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve warm.

Tips for Best Results
Use Fresh Seafood – For the best flavor and texture, but quality canned crab works too.
Warm Milk for Sauce – Helps prevent lumps when making béchamel.
No-Boil Noodles – Make prep easier; just be sure to use enough sauce to soften them.
Don’t Overcook Seafood – It finishes cooking in the oven, so just lightly sauté.
Rest Before Serving – This allows the layers to set and slice cleanly.

Serving Suggestions
Garlic Bread – Perfect for scooping up extra sauce.
Green Salad – A crisp, lemony salad balances the richness.
Roasted Vegetables – Like asparagus or green beans for a vibrant side.
Sparkling Water or Lemonade – A refreshing drink to pair with the creamy dish.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Cool completely and freeze in portions for up to 1 month.

Reheating:
Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, covered.
Microwave: Warm individual portions in 30-second intervals.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use imitation crab?
   Yes, though the texture and flavor will be slightly different.
2. Can I add more cheese?
   Of course! Gouda or Fontina are great additions for creaminess.
3. Is this dish gluten-free?
   Use gluten-free noodles and flour alternatives to make it GF-friendly.
4. Can I make it ahead?
   Yes—assemble the lasagna a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Final Thoughts
This Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab is an indulgent and satisfying twist on the classic Italian dish. With its delicate seafood filling, creamy sauce, and cheesy layers, it’s sure to become a new favorite for dinner parties or weekend family meals.

Give it a try and let me know how it turned out! Leave a review and tag your photos—I’d love to see your delicious creation.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Cuisine: American-Italian

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 510 | Protein: 28g | Carbohydrates: 36g | Fat: 28g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 620mg

Print