Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab

 

Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab: A Luxurious Twist on a Classic Favorite

If you’re looking to impress your dinner guests or treat your family to something truly special, Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab is a show-stopping choice that delivers elegance, flavor, and comfort all in one creamy, satisfying bite.

This decadent dish takes a break from traditional meat sauces and instead layers tender pasta with succulent shrimp, sweet crab meat, and a rich, cheesy white sauce. It's an ocean-inspired take on a beloved Italian classic, perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or when you simply want to indulge.

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Why You’ll Love This Seafood Lasagna

• 🦐 Decadent & Delicious: Loaded with tender shrimp and lump crab meat, this lasagna is rich without being heavy.

• 🧀 Creamy and Comforting: The béchamel-style white sauce with melted cheeses gives the dish an ultra-smooth, luxurious texture.

• 🍽️ Elegant Presentation: Ideal for special occasions, but simple enough for a weekend treat.

• 🕒 Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble it in advance and bake when you're ready — perfect for entertaining.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Filling:

• 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped

• 1/2 lb lump crab meat (fresh or canned, drained well)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter

• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• Salt and pepper to taste

• A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

For the White Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons butter

• 3 tablespoons flour

• 2 ½ cups milk (whole or 2%)

• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg

For Assembly:

• 9–12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained

• 1 cup ricotta cheese (or a mix of ricotta and mascarpone for extra creaminess)

• 1 egg

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)

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How to Make It

1. Sauté the Seafood

In a skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft and fragrant. Add chopped shrimp and cook just until pink. Stir in the crab meat, season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Set aside to cool slightly.

2. Make the White Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in the flour to form a roux. Slowly whisk in milk and cream, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens. Add Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Remove from heat.

3. Mix Ricotta Layer

In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese with 1 beaten egg, a pinch of salt, and a little chopped parsley.

4. Assemble the Lasagna

In a greased baking dish, layer:

• A small amount of white sauce

• A layer of noodles

• Ricotta mixture

• Seafood filling

• More white sauce

• Mozzarella cheese
  Repeat until you’ve used all the ingredients, ending with a final layer of noodles, sauce, and mozzarella on top.

5. Bake

Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until golden and bubbling. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve with garlic bread, a light green salad, or roasted asparagus.

• Pair with a crisp white wine like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or Pinot Grigio.

• Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of lemon zest for added brightness.

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Tips for Success

• Use quality seafood: Fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp and lump crab make a huge difference.

• Don’t overcook the shrimp: They’ll finish cooking in the oven.

• Make it ahead: Assemble the night before and refrigerate. Just add 10–15 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.

• Freezer-friendly: Cool completely, then freeze in portions. Reheat gently in the oven.

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Final Thoughts

Rich, creamy, and brimming with flavor, Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab is a delicious detour from tradition — and one that’s worth taking. Whether you're planning a romantic dinner, a holiday celebration, or simply elevating your weeknight routine, this dish is sure to earn rave reviews.

One bite, and you’ll see why this ocean-inspired lasagna is becoming a new favorite at dinner tables everywhere.