I make this creamy, comforting twist on classic lasagna with layers of tender lasagna noodles, a rich ricotta-based cheese filling, succulent shrimp and crab, all smothered in a silky homemade white sauce.
Why I’ll Love This Recipe
I love how I swap out beef and red sauce for delicate seafood and a smooth béchamel, letting the shrimp and crab be the star. It feels lighter yet still rich and indulgent—perfect when I want the comfort of lasagna with a coastal touch.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 pound lasagna noodles
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4 tablespoons butter
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¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon flour
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3 cups milk
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1 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided
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½ tablespoon salt
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¼ tablespoon ground white pepper
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1 container (15 oz) ricotta cheese
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1 egg
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2 teaspoons minced garlic
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2½ cups grated mozzarella cheese, divided
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½ cup chopped parsley
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1 pound cooked shrimp (chopped if large)
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1 pound crabmeat
Directions
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I cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions, drain them, and set aside.
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I melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, whisk in the flour until smooth, then gradually add the milk, whisking continuously until thickened. I remove it from the heat and stir in ½ cup parmesan, salt, and white pepper.
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In a bowl, I mix the ricotta, egg, garlic, 2 cups mozzarella, and parsley until smooth. I keep the shrimp and crab together in another bowl.
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In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, I layer 1 cup sauce, 3 noodles, a third of the ricotta mixture, and a third of the seafood mixture. I repeat this two more times, ending with the remaining sauce, then top with the remaining mozzarella and parmesan.
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I cover and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes, uncover, and bake another 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
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I let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing so the layers stay intact.
Servings and timing
This serves about 8 people. Prep time is roughly 20 minutes, baking time 40 minutes, plus 10–15 minutes resting—so about 1 hour total.
Variations
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I sometimes add vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or peas for extra flavor and color.
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For a richer version, I swap part of the milk in the sauce for heavy cream.
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I’ve also tried it with lobster, scallops, or salmon for a different seafood twist.
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A lighter version works well with zucchini slices instead of noodles.
Storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4–5 days. For freezing, I wrap tightly and store for up to 3 months. When reheating, I cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, I often assemble it the day before, cover it, refrigerate, and bake it when needed.
2. Can it be frozen?
Absolutely. I freeze it either before baking or after cooling, making sure it’s well wrapped to avoid freezer burn.
3. How can I make it less salty?
If I’m sensitive to salt, I reduce the amount in the sauce and choose low-sodium cheese.
4. Do I have to pre-cook the seafood?
Yes, I always use cooked shrimp and crab to avoid excess liquid and to ensure the seafood is fully safe to eat.
5. Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
Yes, I’ve made it with no-boil noodles by adding a little extra sauce to ensure they soften during baking.
Conclusion
I keep coming back to this seafood lasagna because it’s indulgent yet refined. The creamy sauce, sweet shrimp, and tender crab come together in every bite, making it a dish that impresses guests and satisfies my craving for something special.
Print
Easy Seafood Lasagna (Shrimp & Crab)
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A creamy, comforting twist on classic lasagna—layers of tender noodles, ricotta-based cheese filling, succulent shrimp and crab, all smothered in a homemade white sauce for an elegant seafood spin.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lasagna noodles
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided
- 1/2 tablespoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tablespoon ground white pepper
- 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 1/2 cups grated mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup chopped parsley
- 1 pound cooked shrimp (chopped if large)
- 1 pound crabmeat
Instructions
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions, drain, and set aside.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour until smooth, then gradually add milk, whisking continuously until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup parmesan, salt, and white pepper.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta, egg, garlic, 2 cups mozzarella, and parsley until smooth. In a separate bowl, mix shrimp and crab.
- In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer: 1 cup sauce, 3 noodles, a third of the ricotta mixture, and a third of the seafood mixture. Repeat layers two more times. Finish with remaining sauce and top with remaining mozzarella and parmesan.
- Cover and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
- Let rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Reduce salt if sensitive to sodium.
- Can be assembled a day ahead and baked when ready.
- Freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw fully before reheating.
- Swap in cooked chicken or other seafood for variety.
- Try vegetables like peas, carrots, or mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Use zucchini ribbons or no-boil noodles for a twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 155mg