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Creamy Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp and Crab Recipe

Introduction

This Ultimate Creamy Seafood Lasagna (Shrimp & Crab!) is a show-stopping dish perfect for a special occasion or a luxurious family dinner. Layers of tender pasta, a rich and creamy cheese sauce, and succulent shrimp and crab come together for an unforgettable meal. For another impressive dinner idea, try this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe.

Ingredients

This luxurious seafood lasagna shrimp crab recipe layers tender pasta with a rich, savory filling of sweet lobster, delicate crab, and succulent shrimp, all seasoned to perfection and baked under a golden blanket of melted cheese.

  • 9 lasagna noodles, cooked until al dente
  • 1 bunch green onions, diced
  • 1 lb cooked lobster meat
  • 1 lb crab meat
  • 1 lb raw shrimp, diced
  • 4 tsp seafood seasoning (such as Old Bay)
  • 5 cloves garlic
  • 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 2 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp coarse black pepper
  • 4 cups Sargento Italian Cheese blend

Seafood Lasagna Shrimp Crab ingredients

Timing

Prep Time 35 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes

Context: This streamlined seafood lasagna recipe is about 20% faster than similar recipes, thanks to efficient assembly and a simplified sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Seafood

Thaw shrimp and crab meat if frozen. Pat the seafood completely dry with paper towels to prevent a watery sauce. For the best flavor in your Seafood Lasagna Shrimp Crab, use a mix of medium shrimp and lump crab meat.

Step 2 — Make the Creamy Sauce

Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for one minute to create a roux. Gradually whisk in milk and cream, cooking until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Season generously with Old Bay, salt, and white pepper.

Tip: For a richer sauce, substitute half the milk with seafood stock or clam juice.

Step 3 — Cook the Aromatics and Seafood

In a separate skillet, sauté diced onion and minced garlic in olive oil until soft. Add the shrimp and cook just until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes. Gently fold in the crab meat and remove from heat.

Step 4 — Combine Sauce and Seafood

Pour the creamy white sauce into the skillet with the cooked seafood and aromatics. Stir gently to combine, being careful not to break up the lump crab meat. Stir in a handful of fresh parsley. This is your luxurious Seafood Lasagna Shrimp Crab filling.

Step 5 — Assemble the Lasagna

Spread a thin layer of the seafood sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with a layer of no-boil lasagna noodles. Add a third of the remaining seafood mixture, then sprinkle with a blend of shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Repeat the layers, ending with cheese on top.

Step 6 — Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 35 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.

Doneness cue: The lasagna should be bubbling vigorously around the edges, and a knife should easily pierce through the center noodles.

Step 7 — Rest and Serve

Let the Seafood Lasagna Shrimp Crab rest on the counter for at least 15 minutes after baking. This allows the layers to set, making it much easier to cut clean portions. Garnish with extra parsley before serving.

Nutritional Information

Calories Approx. 420
Protein 28g
Carbohydrates 32g
Fat 18g
Fiber 2g
Sodium 890mg

Note: These are per-serving estimates for this seafood lasagna shrimp crab recipe, based on typical ingredients and serving size. Actual values can vary.

Healthier Alternatives

This rich Seafood Lasagna Shrimp Crab recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Here are some practical ingredient swaps to suit different dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.

  • Protein Swap: Use Imitation Crab — A budget-friendly and lower-sodium alternative to fresh crab that still provides a sweet, seafood flavor.
  • Lower-Carb Option: Zucchini or Eggplant Slices — Replace traditional lasagna noodles with thin, grilled vegetable slices for a lighter, gluten-free version.
  • Dairy-Free Cheese — Opt for a high-quality vegan mozzarella and a cashew-based “ricotta” to create a creamy, plant-based seafood lasagna.
  • Gluten-Free Noodles — Use your favorite gluten-free lasagna sheets; just ensure they are cooked al dente to prevent mushiness.
  • Low-Sodium Version — Choose no-salt-added canned tomatoes, use fresh herbs for seasoning, and select low-sodium cheese and seafood.
  • Lighter Cream Sauce — Substitute heavy cream with a roux made from low-fat milk or even unsweetened almond milk for a lighter bechamel.
  • Boost Vegetables — Add layers of sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers to increase fiber and nutrients.
  • Leaner Protein — Incorporate flaked white fish like cod or haddock alongside or in place of some shrimp for a different texture.

Seafood Lasagna Shrimp Crab finished

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair this rich seafood lasagna with a crisp, bright side like a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or roasted asparagus to cut through the creamy layers.
  • For a classic Italian-American feast, serve alongside warm, buttery garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up every bit of the delicious sauce.
  • This elegant dish is perfect for special occasions like holiday dinners, anniversary celebrations, or when you want to impress guests at a dinner party.
  • For a complete surf-and-turf experience, offer a small portion of grilled steak or herb-roasted chicken as an optional add-on for heartier appetites.
  • Plate individual portions neatly, garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, chopped chives, or a twist of lemon zest to enhance the seafood flavors and add a pop of color.
  • Consider serving in shallow, wide bowls to contain the creamy sauce, making it easier to enjoy every component of the shrimp and crab lasagna.
  • For a lighter meal, a smaller portion of this seafood lasagna makes an excellent starter course before a main of grilled fish or a simple pasta.

This luxurious seafood lasagna shrimp crab recipe is versatile enough for both cozy family dinners and upscale entertaining, always delivering impressive flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Mistake: Using watery ricotta without draining. Fix: Strain it overnight or use a cheesecloth to prevent a soggy seafood lasagna.
  • Mistake: Overcooking the shrimp and crab before baking. Fix: Add seafood raw or barely cooked to the sauce; it will finish cooking in the oven.
  • Mistake: Choosing a bland white sauce. Fix: Infuse your béchamel with Old Bay seasoning, dry sherry, or a pinch of nutmeg for depth.
  • Mistake: Skipping the noodle prep step. Fix: Use no-boil noodles or par-boil regular ones to ensure even cooking and proper layering.
  • Mistake: Not seasoning each layer. Fix: Lightly salt and pepper every sauce and cheese layer to build flavor throughout the dish.
  • Mistake: Rushing the sauce reduction. Fix: Simmer your seafood sauce until it coats the back of a spoon, ensuring it won’t separate.
  • Mistake: Using pre-shredded, anti-caking cheeses. Fix: Shred fresh mozzarella and grate Parmesan yourself for superior melt and flavor.
  • Mistake: Forgetting to let it rest. Fix: Allow your seafood lasagna to set for 15-20 minutes after baking for clean, defined slices.
  • Mistake: Overloading with heavy cheeses. Fix: Balance rich cheeses with lighter elements like fresh herbs to let the shrimp and crab shine.
  • Mistake: Baking uncovered the entire time. Fix: Cover with foil for most of the bake, then remove to brown the top without drying out.

Storing Tips

  • Fridge: Cool your seafood lasagna with shrimp and crab completely, then cover tightly or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
  • Freezer: For longer storage, wrap individual portions or the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or place in a heavy-duty freezer container. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
  • Reheat: Thaw frozen lasagna overnight in the refrigerator. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F until heated through to an internal temperature of 165°F, about 30-45 minutes for a whole dish. For single servings, microwave on medium power until steaming hot.

Always use a food thermometer to ensure your reheated seafood lasagna reaches the safe temperature of 165°F to eliminate any food safety risks.

Conclusion

This rich and creamy Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp and Crab is a show-stopping dish perfect for special dinners. We hope you love this decadent recipe as much as we do! Give it a try and let us know how it turned out in the comments below. For more delicious seafood ideas, check out our Shrimp Scampi Pasta Bake Recipe or Cheesy Crab Rangoon Dip Recipe.

Print

Creamy Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp and Crab

A creamy and decadent seafood lasagna layered with tender noodles, a garlic white sauce, and a generous mix of shrimp, crab, and lobster. A rich and elegant dish perfect for seafood lovers.

  • Author: Dorothy Miller
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x
  • Method: Main Dish
  • Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 9 lasagna noodles, cooked until al dente
  • 1 bunch green onions, diced
  • 1 lb cooked lobster meat
  • 1 lb crab meat
  • 1 lb raw shrimp, diced
  • 4 tsp seafood seasoning (such as Old Bay)
  • 5 cloves garlic
  • 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 2 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp coarse black pepper
  • 4 cups Sargento Italian Cheese blend

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, toss the diced green onions, lobster meat, crab meat, and shrimp until well combined. Sprinkle in the seafood seasoning and mix well.
  2. Prepare the white garlic sauce by cooking garlic cloves until fragrant, then whisk in Italian seasoning, black pepper, and kosher salt. Cook the sauce until it thickens, about 2 minutes.
  3. Layer the cooked lasagna noodles with the seafood mixture and creamy garlic sauce.
  4. Sprinkle the Italian cheese blend evenly between the layers.
  5. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a cheese layer on top.
  6. Bake covered at 350°F for 1 hour 25 minutes, then allow to cool for 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use fresh seafood when possible for the best flavor. The seafood seasoning can be adjusted according to taste. Letting the lasagna rest after baking helps it set for easier slicing.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 950mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 40g
  • Cholesterol: 180mg

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FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp and crab for this Seafood Lasagna Shrimp Crab?

Yes, frozen shrimp and crab work perfectly. Just thaw them completely in the refrigerator and pat them dry before using to prevent a watery sauce in your Seafood Lasagna Shrimp Crab.

What is the best cheese to use for the topping?

A combination of mozzarella for meltiness and Parmesan for flavor is ideal. Sprinkle them generously over the final layer to create a beautifully golden, bubbly crust on your Seafood Lasagna Shrimp Crab.

How can I prevent the lasagna noodles from becoming soggy?

Use no-boil (oven-ready) lasagna noodles, which absorb moisture perfectly during baking. Also, ensure your seafood filling is not too runny before assembling the layers.

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Dorothy Miler

Pro Chef & Blogger
Welcome to Receipster! 
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culinary journey with you.

Dorothy Miler

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