If you’re searching for a show-stopping comfort food recipe with a deliciously decadent twist, look no further than Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna. This dish takes all the garlicky, buttery goodness you adore in scampi and layers it between tender pasta, creamy cheeses, and juicy shrimp for an irresistible meal that brings both elegance and pure, homey satisfaction. Whether you’re feeding family or entertaining friends, Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna is the kind of dinner that instantly becomes a new favorite from the very first bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is how a handful of thoughtfully chosen, easy-to-find ingredients come together to create something really special. Each component of Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna serves a purpose, from the plush noodles to the fragrant butter sauce—so let’s break down what you’ll need and why it matters.
- Lasagna noodles: The essential base; choose sturdy pasta that will hold up to all the luscious layers and bake to fork-tender perfection.
- Large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Opt for big, plump shrimp that stay juicy and add irresistible seafood flavor to every layer.
- Unsalted butter: This is the secret to that rich, velvety sauce that defines a classic shrimp scampi.
- Garlic, minced: Heart and soul of the dish—fresh, aromatic garlic infuses every bite with savory depth.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For a subtle, lively heat that never overwhelms the delicate shrimp.
- Dry white wine or chicken broth: Adds brightness and complexity; wine offers acidity, while broth keeps it family-friendly.
- Lemon juice: Just a splash lifts all the flavors and keeps the dish tasting light, not heavy.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: Vibrant color and fresh herbaceous notes cut through the richness.
- Salt and black pepper: Fundamental for seasoning and balancing every layer just right.
- Ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, it creates a luscious, slightly tangy layer that feels luxurious but not too heavy.
- Large egg: Helps bind the ricotta mixture and gives the lasagna beautiful structure.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Sharp and nutty, Parmesan adds a layer of savory depth and that classic cheesy finish on top.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts to gooey, stretchy perfection—absolutely essential in any memorable lasagna.
- Olive oil: Adds extra richness and helps the shrimp sear perfectly without sticking.
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna
Step 1: Sauté the Shrimp
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your peeled and deveined shrimp in a single layer, giving them enough space to get that irresistible golden sear. Sauté for 2-3 minutes per side—just until they turn pink and opaque. A quick cook keeps them succulent, not rubbery. Transfer your perfectly cooked shrimp to a plate and set them aside while you move on to that glorious sauce.
Step 2: Build the Garlic Butter Scampi Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the minced garlic, letting it sizzle and bloom for about a minute. If you’re after a subtle kick, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes here. Pour in your white wine or chicken broth and the lemon juice, giving the pan a good scrape to release all the flavorful bits. Let this magical mixture simmer until it reduces slightly, turning silky and fragrant. Toss your cooked shrimp back in, allowing them to soak up every last drop of the scampi sauce, then take the skillet off the heat.
Step 3: Prepare the Ricotta Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with a large egg, half of your Parmesan, the parsley, and a hit of salt and black pepper. This luscious mixture becomes the creamy, herby backbone of every cheesy bite. The egg helps it set during baking, so your lasagna slices perfectly every time.
Step 4: Assemble the Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna
To assemble, grab your trusty 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread a thin layer of the garlic butter scampi sauce at the bottom—it infuses the noodles right from the start. Layer three cooked lasagna noodles, a generous spread of the ricotta mixture, a third of the shrimp with their sauce, and a blanket of mozzarella. Repeat these layers twice more, finishing with the rest of the mozzarella and a generous handful of Parmesan right on top for that golden, bubbling finish.
Step 5: Bake to Bubbly Perfection
Cover your assembled lasagna tightly with foil to keep everything moist and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for 10-15 minutes more, until the top is gorgeously browned and bubbling. Let the finished dish rest for at least 10 minutes—this magical pause helps everything set up for mess-free slicing and the best flavor payoff.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna
Garnishes
A final sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley and perhaps a little extra Parmesan make for a beautiful and aromatic finish. A light dusting of lemon zest can also add a burst of fresh citrus notes, making each serving of Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna even more inviting.
Side Dishes
Pair this luscious lasagna with a crisp green salad—something peppery like arugula or a simple mixed green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette is perfect. Garlic bread or warm, crusty sourdough make ideal tools for mopping up every last bit of sauce, ensuring nothing goes to waste.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna into neat, generous squares and serve each one atop a swirl of extra sauce or a bed of sautéed spinach for a restaurant-worthy touch. For special occasions, top each slice with a whole sautéed shrimp and a lemon wedge. Presentation matters, and this dish absolutely deserves to shine at your table!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna tightly covered in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to three days, making it an ideal make-ahead meal for busy weeknights or easy lunches.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the lasagna, assemble it fully but stop before baking. Wrap it tightly in both plastic wrap and foil, then freeze up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to ensure it’s heated through.
Reheating
To reheat individual slices, use the microwave and cover loosely to retain moisture; for the whole dish, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly. Add a splash of broth or water to keep the pasta moist, and garnish with fresh parsley for that just-baked appeal.
FAQs
Can I use precooked shrimp?
For best results, stick with raw shrimp. Precooked shrimp can turn rubbery when baked, while raw shrimp stay juicy and soak up all that wonderful garlic butter flavor as the lasagna cooks.
Is there a good substitute for wine?
Absolutely! If you prefer not to use wine, chicken broth is a fantastic stand-in that still gives plenty of depth to the sauce, especially when you opt for low-sodium broth to control the seasoning.
Can I add vegetables to this lasagna?
Definitely—feel free to layer in some baby spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or even thinly sliced zucchini between the noodles and ricotta. These veggies add color, flavor, and a nutritional boost without overwhelming the delicate seafood.
How do I keep my lasagna from getting watery?
The key is to let the sauce reduce well and let the cooked lasagna rest before slicing. This helps the ricotta filling set and excess moisture to absorb, resulting in perfectly stackable, hearty squares every time.
Can I make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna ahead of time?
Yes! You can fully assemble the lasagna a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake as directed when ready to serve—just add a few extra minutes if it’s going straight from fridge to oven.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to take your love for lasagna to the next level, you’ve got to give Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna a try. It’s that magical blend of comfort and sophistication, bursting with flavor and guaranteed to impress. Don’t be surprised if it’s requested again and again—this recipe truly celebrates the joy of good food shared at the table.
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Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate fusion of flavors with this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna. Layers of succulent shrimp, rich garlic butter sauce, and creamy cheeses come together in a comforting and satisfying dish that is sure to impress your family and guests.
Ingredients
Lasagna Noodles:
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
Shrimp:
- 1 ½ pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Cheese Mixture:
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the shrimp: In a skillet, cook the shrimp until pink, then set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, make a garlic butter sauce with wine, lemon juice, and seasonings.
- Combine cheese mixture: Mix ricotta, egg, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and parsley in a bowl.
- Layer the lasagna: In a baking dish, layer noodles, ricotta mixture, shrimp, sauce, and mozzarella. Repeat layers.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake, then uncover and bake until golden.
- Rest and serve: Let the lasagna rest before serving.
Notes
- Use low-sodium broth if substituting for wine.
- You can chop shrimp for smaller bites.
- Add spinach or mushrooms between layers for extra veggies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
