Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab

If you love creamy pasta dishes and crave something special from the sea, this Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab is the ultimate indulgence. Layered with tender noodles, a rich béchamel sauce, succulent shrimp, and sweet crab meat, this dish brings elegant flavors to your dinner table. It’s perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or whenever you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to a truly comforting meal.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Rich and Luxurious – Creamy sauce and seafood layers make this dish unforgettable.
Full of Flavor – Delicate shrimp and crab blend beautifully with herbs and cheeses.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Assemble it in advance and bake when ready.
Perfect for Special Occasions – Elegant enough to serve at festive gatherings.
Hearty and Satisfying – Comfort food with a gourmet twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Seafood Filling:

• 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
• 1 cup cooked lump crab meat
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp paprika

For the Ricotta Layer:

• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• Pinch of salt and pepper

For the Béchamel Sauce:

• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)

For Assembly:

• 9 lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan (for topping)
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet
• Medium saucepan
• Mixing bowls
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Whisk
• Ladle or spoon for layering
• Aluminum foil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Seafood

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and onion; sauté until translucent (about 3 minutes).
3. Add shrimp, season with salt, pepper, basil, and paprika. Cook until pink and just cooked through (about 4-5 minutes).
4. Stir in crab meat and cook for another 1-2 minutes until heated through. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Ricotta Mixture

1. In a medium bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Prepare the Béchamel Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
3. Gradually pour in milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
4. Cook, stirring frequently, until thickened (about 5-7 minutes).
5. Stir in mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, and nutmeg until melted and smooth.

Step 4: Cook the Lasagna Noodles

1. Cook noodles according to package instructions (if using regular noodles).
2. Drain and lay flat on parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Assemble the Lasagna

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread a thin layer of béchamel sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. Add a layer of noodles, followed by half of the ricotta mixture, half of the seafood, and a ladle of béchamel.
4. Repeat with another layer of noodles, remaining ricotta, seafood, and more sauce.
5. Top with final layer of noodles, remaining sauce, and sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.

Step 6: Bake the Lasagna

1. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
2. Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
3. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley.

Tips for the Best Seafood Lasagna
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp – They’ll finish cooking in the oven.
Drain Crab Well – Excess moisture can make your lasagna watery.
Use Whole Milk – It adds richness and helps the béchamel thicken properly.
Rest Before Serving – This allows the layers to set and makes for neater slices.
Add a Squeeze of Lemon – Brightens the seafood flavors just before serving.

Serving Suggestions
Garlic Bread – Great for scooping up extra sauce.
Green Salad – A crisp salad balances the creamy lasagna.
Steamed Asparagus – Adds a fresh, spring-like touch to your plate.
Sparkling Water with Lime – Keeps the meal light and refreshing.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic and foil.

Reheating:
Oven: Reheat covered at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until hot.
Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover with a lid, and reheat in 60-second intervals.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use imitation crab meat?
   Yes, it’s a budget-friendly alternative and works well in this dish.
2. What cheese alternatives can I use?
   Cottage cheese can replace ricotta for a lighter option, and Gruyère can be used instead of mozzarella for a nuttier flavor.
3. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
   Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and replace the flour in the béchamel with a gluten-free blend.
4. What kind of shrimp should I use?
   Medium or large raw shrimp are ideal—peeled, deveined, and tail-off for convenience.
5. Can I make this ahead of time?
   Absolutely! Assemble the lasagna a day ahead and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.

Final Thoughts
Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab is a rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying dish that brings the elegance of seafood into a hearty pasta bake. Each layer delivers flavor and comfort, making it a memorable meal your family and guests will adore. With its impressive look and incredible taste, it’s sure to become a standout favorite on your recipe list.

Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see how your dish turns out.
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Cuisine: American-Italian Fusion

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 520 | Protein: 31g | Carbohydrates: 34g | Fat: 29g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 640mg

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