Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab

Lasagna is one of those dishes that just screams comfort. The layers of tender noodles, rich sauces, and gooey melted cheese make it an irresistible meal, whether it’s for a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion. But what if we gave this Italian classic a delicious, luxurious twist? Enter Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab — a gourmet take that’s sure to elevate your lasagna game.

I first tried this recipe at a family gathering, and from the moment I tasted it, I knew it was something special. The combination of succulent shrimp, sweet crab, and creamy cheese in between layers of tender lasagna noodles creates an unforgettable dish. Add in a velvety white sauce and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, and you’ve got a meal that’s rich in flavor but light on the palate.

This seafood lasagna is everything you love about traditional lasagna but with an elegant, coastal twist. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy dinner with loved ones or planning something a little fancier, this dish will definitely impress.

Let’s dive into the recipe and get started on making this seafood masterpiece!

Ingredients for Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab

To get started, you’ll need the following ingredients to make both the seafood filling and the sauce. Trust me, it’s worth every single ingredient!

For the seafood filling:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 1/2 lb crab meat (fresh or canned)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped

• 1/2 cup white wine (optional, but adds depth of flavor)

• 1 cup ricotta cheese

• 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded

• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the sauce:

• 3 tbsp butter

• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 2 cups heavy cream

• 1 1/2 cups milk

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp onion powder

• 1/4 tsp nutmeg

• Salt and pepper to taste

For assembly:

• 12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained

• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)

• Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish (optional)

Steps to Make Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab

Prepare the Seafood Filling

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and finely chopped onion, letting them sauté until softened. This usually takes about 3 minutes, and your kitchen will start to smell absolutely amazing.

Next, add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and are cooked through. Don’t overcook the shrimp; we want them tender and juicy. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside. Chop them into bite-sized pieces.

In the same skillet, add the crab meat and cook it for about 1-2 minutes to warm it through. If you’re using white wine, pour it in now and let it cook for another 1-2 minutes. This step allows the alcohol to evaporate and leaves behind a rich, subtle flavor.

Once done, remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside to cool while we work on the sauce.

Make the Sauce

In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to form a roux (a thick paste used to thicken sauces). Let it cook for about a minute — just enough to get rid of the raw flour taste.

Slowly add the heavy cream and milk, whisking continuously to avoid any lumps. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, nutmeg, and season with salt and pepper. Continue stirring as the sauce comes to a gentle simmer. You’ll notice that the sauce will start to thicken after about 4-5 minutes.

Once it has thickened to a creamy consistency, remove the sauce from the heat. This rich, velvety sauce will add a perfect balance to the seafood filling, making everything come together beautifully.

Mix the Seafood Filling

Now that we’ve got the seafood and sauce ready, let’s combine the filling. In a large bowl, mix the cooked shrimp, crab meat, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh parsley. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

This mixture is the heart of the lasagna — a creamy, cheesy, and seafood-packed filling that will melt in your mouth. Now, we’re ready to assemble!

Assemble the Lasagna

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and start by spreading a thin layer of the creamy sauce on the bottom. This will keep the lasagna noodles from sticking and give it a beautiful foundation.

Next, lay down a layer of cooked lasagna noodles. Don’t worry if the noodles overlap a little; just make sure they cover the entire dish. Then, spoon some of the seafood mixture over the noodles, spreading it evenly.

Pour a bit more of the sauce over the seafood, then repeat the layers — noodles, seafood, sauce — until you’ve used up all of the ingredients. Be sure to finish with a layer of sauce on top. This will ensure a nice, golden-brown finish when it’s baked.

Top and Bake the Lasagna

Now for the best part: cheese! Sprinkle the remaining 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the lasagna. This is where the magic happens. Once it bakes, the cheese will melt into the layers, creating a deliciously gooey topping.

Cover the baking dish with foil and pop it into the oven for 25-30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the top to get bubbly and golden.

Your kitchen will start to smell like an Italian seaside getaway at this point.

Let the lasagna sit for about 10 minutes before slicing into it. This will help the layers set and make serving a little easier. If you want to add a touch of color and freshness, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or basil on top as a garnish.

Continuing the Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab Recipe

Now that we’ve covered the basics of assembling this luxurious seafood lasagna, let’s dive deeper into some tips and variations that will take your dish to the next level. Whether you’re making this for a special occasion or just a cozy night in, these simple tricks will make sure your lasagna is as flawless as possible.

Tips for Perfecting Your Seafood Lasagna

1. Use Fresh Seafood for the Best Flavor

While canned crab meat works in a pinch, fresh crab meat will give your lasagna an elevated taste that’s hard to beat. The sweetness of the fresh crab paired with the briny shrimp creates a depth of flavor that’s truly special. If possible, visit your local seafood market to grab the freshest shrimp and crab you can find. The extra effort will definitely pay off in the flavor department!

2. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp

One of the most important things to remember when making seafood lasagna is not to overcook the shrimp. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery and tough, which is the last thing you want in a delicate dish like this. As mentioned earlier, cook the shrimp just until they turn pink — about 2-3 minutes on each side — then remove them from the skillet. Once chopped, they will absorb the rich sauce, staying moist and tender in the lasagna.

3. Make It Ahead for Extra Convenience

Seafood lasagna is actually a great dish to make ahead. You can assemble it the night before, cover it with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate it overnight. The next day, simply bake it as directed. Letting it sit in the fridge for a while helps all the flavors meld together, making it even more delicious. If you prefer to freeze it, you can wrap the assembled lasagna tightly in foil and freeze it for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, just thaw it in the fridge overnight and then bake as usual.

4. Get Creative with the Sauce

While the white sauce in this recipe is perfectly creamy and flavorful, there’s always room to get creative. If you want a touch of zest, try adding a squeeze of lemon juice to the sauce just before assembling the lasagna. This will add a bright, refreshing note that complements the seafood beautifully. Another option is to stir in some freshly grated Parmesan or a dash of smoked paprika to enhance the sauce’s complexity.

5. Spice It Up

If you’re a fan of heat, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the seafood filling or the sauce can give this lasagna a wonderful kick. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could also add some chopped fresh jalapeños to the seafood filling. Just be sure to taste as you go, so you can adjust the spice level to your liking.

6. Play with Cheese Varieties

Mozzarella and Parmesan are traditional choices for lasagna, but you can always mix it up. For a bolder flavor, consider using Gruyère or a bit of fontina in place of some of the mozzarella. These cheeses melt beautifully and add a rich, nutty flavor to the dish. Just be mindful not to overdo it with stronger cheeses, as they can overpower the delicate seafood.

Serving Suggestions for Seafood Lasagna

Seafood lasagna is a hearty, flavorful dish on its own, but you can always pair it with a few sides to make it a complete meal.

1. Fresh Green Salad

A crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette is the perfect complement to the richness of the lasagna. Try a mix of arugula, spinach, and romaine for some freshness and crunch. The acidity from the dressing will balance out the creamy richness of the lasagna and cleanse your palate between bites.

2. Garlic Bread

Is there anything better than a warm piece of garlic bread to mop up all that creamy seafood sauce? A loaf of toasted garlic bread with a sprinkle of fresh herbs would be the perfect sidekick to this dish. You can easily make it at home by buttering a baguette and topping it with garlic, parsley, and a little Parmesan cheese before baking it in the oven until golden.

3. Roasted Vegetables

If you’re looking to add some color and healthy balance to your meal, roasted vegetables are a fantastic choice. Roasted asparagus, zucchini, or even roasted cherry tomatoes will pair beautifully with the seafood lasagna. The caramelized flavors of the roasted vegetables will add another layer of depth to your meal.

Wine Pairing for Seafood Lasagna

With seafood lasagna, a crisp white wine is your best bet. A Sauvignon Blanc or a Chardonnay will complement the dish without overwhelming the delicate flavors of the shrimp and crab. If you’re a fan of sparkling wines, Prosecco is another excellent choice — its bubbles and acidity will help cleanse your palate while pairing perfectly with the richness of the dish.

If you’re not into wine, a cold glass of sparkling water with a wedge of lemon would also work wonders, offering a refreshing contrast to the creamy lasagna.

How to Store and Reheat Your Lasagna

Leftovers are one of the best parts of making seafood lasagna, but you’ll want to know the best way to store and reheat it.

Storing:

If you have leftovers, cover the lasagna with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. If you’re storing an entire lasagna, it’s best to let it cool completely before wrapping it up. For frozen lasagna, wrap it tightly in foil and store it in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If you have a small portion, you can microwave it, but if you’re reheating an entire dish, it’s best to pop it back into the oven. Cover the lasagna with foil to prevent the top from burning, and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. You can uncover the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the cheese on top to bubble up and become golden.

Conclusion

There’s no denying it — this Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab is a showstopper. The combination of creamy sauce, tender shrimp, sweet crab, and layers of cheese makes for an indulgent, yet light, dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this lasagna will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.