Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab – The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Bursting with creamy indulgence, brimming with sweet, buttery seafood, and crowned with a golden layer of gooey cheese, Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab – The Ultimate Comfort Food is exactly that: the ultimate way to cozy up to a show-stopping, restaurant-quality meal right from your own kitchen. Every bite delivers pasta layered with tender shrimp, delicate crab, and a luxuriously silky pan sauce that feels decadent without being fussy. No wonder this spectacular casserole has earned its place as a beloved crowd-pleaser for special occasions and weeknight cravings alike!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab – The Ultimate Comfort Food is how simple, yet essential, each ingredient is. From the sweetness of the shrimp to the creaminess of ricotta, every element brings flavor, texture, or that all-important ooey-gooey pull.
- Lasagna noodles (9, cooked and drained): These sturdy noodles create the foundational layers for all that creamy seafood goodness.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Provides a subtle richness when sautéing your onions and brings out their natural sweetness.
- Onion (1 small, finely chopped): Adds aromatic depth and a gentle sweet base note that rounds out the filling beautifully.
- Garlic cloves (3, minced): Instantly elevates the entire dish with warmth and complexity.
- Shrimp (1 pound, peeled, deveined, and chopped): Brings a plump, juicy texture and mild seafood sweetness and color.
- Lump crab meat (8 ounces, checked for shells): Adds luxurious flavor and that classic briny, buttery bite.
- Old Bay seasoning (1 teaspoon): The essential spice for any great seafood dish—zesty, peppery, and unmistakable.
- Red pepper flakes (¼ teaspoon, optional): Offers a gentle kick for those who love a touch of playful heat.
- All-purpose flour (3 tablespoons): Thickens your sauce just enough for perfect layering that doesn’t leak or run.
- Whole milk (2½ cups): Creates a creamy base that feels luxurious but never heavy—try half-and-half for more richness!
- Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Adds nutty, salty depth that’s classic to any white sauce lasagna.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances every layer and keeps the flavors lively.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Gives an earthy backbone that perks up the creamy sauce and seafood.
- Ricotta cheese (1½ cups): Offers a mellow, creamy layer and the perfect contrast to the sauce.
- Large egg (1): Helps bind the ricotta so the filling stays beautifully sliceable.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): Melts into a bubbly, golden crown your fork can’t resist.
- Chopped fresh parsley (2 tablespoons + more for garnish): Adds a splash of bright color and freshness right before serving.
How to Make Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab – The Ultimate Comfort Food
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics and Seafood
Start by warming olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in your finely chopped onion and let it soften for about 3-4 minutes, just until translucent and sweet. Stir in the minced garlic—a quick minute is all it needs to bloom and become fragrant. Toss in the shrimp, the tender lump crab, Old Bay, and red pepper flakes if you love a subtle kick. Sauté everything for just 3-4 minutes—stop as soon as the shrimp turn pink so the seafood stays juicy. Set it all aside; you’re already halfway to irresistible flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, then sprinkle in the flour and whisk for a full minute to cook away any raw taste. Slowly pour in that beautiful whole milk while whisking constantly—this ensures an ultra-smooth sauce. Keep stirring for about 5-7 minutes, letting the sauce thicken to a consistency that’s rich but pourable. Off the heat, add in grated Parmesan, salt, and black pepper. This luscious sauce will fill every bite of your Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab – The Ultimate Comfort Food with irresistible creaminess!
Step 3: Mix the Ricotta Layer
Grab a small bowl and stir together the ricotta cheese, your egg, and fresh chopped parsley. The egg gives body, while the parsley adds an aromatic lift and lovely green flecks that make each slice beautiful.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and get out a 9×13-inch baking dish. Begin with a thin layer of your Parmesan sauce—this keeps the noodles from sticking and adds flavor all the way to the bottom. Now, layer on three noodles, half the ricotta mixture, half the seafood blend, and a third of the sauce. Repeat these layers once more, then finish with the last three noodles, the remaining sauce, and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella over the top. The result is a lasagna that bakes up perfectly layered, bubbly, and golden.
Step 5: Bake Your Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab – The Ultimate Comfort Food
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the sauce thicken. Uncover for the final 15 minutes to let the cheese become gloriously golden and bubbly. Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes—trust me, this makes slicing oh-so-easy and gives the flavors time to settle. Garnish with extra parsley and serve while piping hot!
How to Serve Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab – The Ultimate Comfort Food
Garnishes
A final flourish of green always makes this casserole pop! Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley all over the bubbly, golden top—it whispers freshness and provides a lovely color contrast. Add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan for a last savory spark, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the seafood’s sweetness even more.
Side Dishes
Pairing is part of the experience! Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab – The Ultimate Comfort Food shines with a crisp, lightly dressed Italian salad or simply steamed green beans with a wedge of lemon. A loaf of crusty garlic bread is perfect for mopping up every velvety drop of sauce, and a glass of chilled white wine feels just right for a celebratory meal.
Creative Ways to Present
This stunning casserole deserves to be shown off! For a striking presentation at a dinner party, bake in individual ramekins or small gratin dishes so each guest receives their own bubbling serving. Top with a whole shrimp or a little extra crab for a chef-worthy look. Plating each slice on a bed of sautéed spinach or arugula adds both color and a fresh, peppery note to balance the richness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab – The Ultimate Comfort Food keeps beautifully in the refrigerator. Once cool, cover your baking dish tightly or transfer slices to airtight containers, then refrigerate for up to 3 days. As the flavors meld, each reheated slice remains creamy and satisfying.
Freezing
This lasagna is a freezer star! After baking and cooling completely, cut it into individual portions and wrap them well in plastic and foil, or place in airtight containers. The seafood and sauce hold up perfectly for up to 2 months in the freezer—ideal for future cravings or a ready-made dinner on busy nights.
Reheating
For best results, thaw frozen slices overnight in the fridge. Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat covered in a 350°F (175°C) oven until piping hot. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a little extra cheese, and your Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab – The Ultimate Comfort Food is restored to its comforting, melty glory.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp or canned crab?
Absolutely! If using pre-cooked shrimp, add it to the skillet just long enough to warm through so it stays juicy. Canned crab can easily be swapped for fresh—just make sure it’s well-drained and checked for any bits of shell.
What kind of seafood can I substitute?
Feel free to get creative with your seafood blend! Scallops, cooked white fish flakes, or even a mix of lobster and crab all work deliciously in Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab – The Ultimate Comfort Food. Just be mindful of cook times so your seafood remains perfectly tender.
Is it possible to make this lasagna in advance?
Definitely! You can assemble the entire uncooked lasagna, wrap it tightly, and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the covered bake time. This makes entertaining (or just meal planning) a breeze.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free lasagna noodles and substitute an all-purpose gluten-free flour blend in your sauce. The results are still creamy, layered, and completely satisfying for anyone avoiding gluten.
How do I prevent the lasagna from being watery?
Drain seafood thoroughly and cook the sauce until it’s thick enough to coat a spoon before assembling. Letting the finished lasagna rest 10 minutes before slicing also helps the layers set, resulting in perfect slices every time!
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for an unforgettable meal that’s the perfect mix of homey and impressive, look no further than Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab – The Ultimate Comfort Food. Each bite is creamy, cheesy, and packed with seafood flavor—a dish you’ll want to share with everyone. Give it a try, and you might just find your new favorite comfort classic!
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Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab – The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this rich and creamy Seafood Lasagna featuring succulent shrimp and tender crab meat. Layers of lasagna noodles, seafood, ricotta, and mozzarella cheese come together in a decadent baked dish that’s perfect for a special dinner or gathering.
Ingredients
Lasagna Noodles:
- 9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
Seafood Mixture:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- 8 ounces lump crab meat (picked over for shells)
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Cheese Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Ricotta Mixture:
- 1½ cups ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
Additional:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, cook onion in olive oil, add garlic, shrimp, crab, Old Bay, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
- Make Cheese Sauce: Melt butter, whisk in flour, add milk, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
- Prepare Ricotta Mixture: Combine ricotta, egg, and parsley in a bowl.
- Assemble Lasagna: Layer noodles, ricotta mixture, seafood mixture, and cheese sauce in a baking dish. Repeat layers. Top with mozzarella.
- Bake: Cover and bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for 15 minutes until golden.
- Serve: Let rest, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen seafood for best results.
- Substitute scallops or white fish if desired.
- For a richer sauce, use half-and-half instead of milk.
- Lasagna freezes well—bake, cool, and freeze in portions.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
