There’s something undeniably special about a bubbling pan of Seafood Lasagna hitting the center of the table—a dish that effortlessly blends creamy Italian comfort with the fresh, briny treasures of the sea. Layers of tender noodles, a trio of succulent shrimp, crab, and scallops, and a luxuriously silky sauce come together to make every bite a celebration of flavor and texture. Whether you’re looking to wow guests or create a standout family meal, this Seafood Lasagna promises all the heartiness you crave with an unexpected, elegant twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Pulling off an unforgettable Seafood Lasagna starts with well-chosen, simple ingredients that each play a starring role—think creamy cheeses, the freshest seafood, and aromatic herbs. As you gather everything, you’ll see just how much each piece adds its own magic to the final dish’s taste, texture, and colorful layers.
- Lasagna noodles: The sturdy foundation for each luscious layer; cook these just until tender for the best bite.
- Olive oil: Gives a rich, Mediterranean base flavor and helps the vegetables and seafood cook evenly.
- Onion (finely chopped): Brings subtle sweetness and savory depth, melding beautifully with the seafood.
- Garlic (minced): Adds aromatic warmth and a fragrant kick that permeates the whole lasagna.
- Raw shrimp (peeled, deveined, and chopped): These become juicy, bite-sized morsels throughout the casserole.
- Sea scallops (cut if large): Soft and sweet, scallops offer a luxurious texture that pairs wonderfully with the other seafood.
- Lump crab meat: Its delicate flavor brings a decadent, slightly sweet lift to every layer.
- All-purpose flour: Essential for thickening the sauce to a dreamy, velvety consistency.
- Whole milk: Adds body and a creamy base that makes the white sauce silkier.
- Heavy cream: Kicks up the richness so the sauce feels indulgent and satisfying.
- Parmesan cheese (grated): Delivers nutty, savory sharpness and a gorgeous golden top crust.
- Nutmeg: Just a hint highlights the creaminess and adds gentle warmth to the sauce.
- Salt & black pepper: Balances flavors and lets the natural seafood notes shine.
- Fresh parsley (chopped): Sprinkled in for brightness and a vibrant pop of color.
- Fresh basil (chopped): Gives each forkful a sweet, herbaceous hint that’s unmistakably Italian.
- Ricotta cheese: Offers fluffy richness and structure within the creamy layers.
- Egg: Helps the ricotta mixture set and hold its shape as the lasagna bakes.
- Mozzarella cheese (shredded): Melts into ooey-gooey perfection, blanketing the top in stretchy goodness.
- Extra Parmesan for topping: Sprinkles on top, creating a beautiful, savory gratin finish.
How to Make Seafood Lasagna
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Start things off by boiling your lasagna noodles just until al dente, following the package directions. You want them tender but still with a bit of bite, so they hold up during baking. Once done, drain them and let them cool—laying them out on a towel or parchment can help prevent sticking.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Seafood
Heat up a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the finely chopped onion until it’s translucent and just starting to sweeten, then stir in the garlic for that irresistible aroma. Next, add the chopped shrimp and scallops, letting them cook until they’re just opaque and juicy (about 3-4 minutes). Gently stir in the crab meat at the very end, so it doesn’t break up too much, and remove the pan from the heat.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Now, for the moment that brings it all together—a silky béchamel. In a medium saucepan, melt some butter over medium heat and whisk in the all-purpose flour, letting it bubble for a minute or two. Slowly add the milk and cream, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens, about five to six minutes. Finish it off by stirring in Parmesan, a touch of nutmeg, salt, and pepper. The result: an utterly luscious sauce that’s rich yet never heavy.
Step 4: Mix the Ricotta Filling
Grab a small bowl and mix together the ricotta cheese with one egg, fresh parsley, and chopped basil. This simple combo makes for an airy, herby layer that fits perfectly between the pasta and seafood.
Step 5: Assemble the Seafood Lasagna
Lightly oil a 9×13-inch baking dish, then spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom—this stops sticking and adds extra moisture. Lay down three noodles, then dollop on half the ricotta mixture, followed by half of your seafood medley, and a generous drizzle of sauce. Repeat with another layer of noodles, the remaining ricotta, seafood, and more sauce. Finish with the last three noodles, the remaining sauce, and blanket everything with mozzarella plus extra Parmesan for a drool-worthy, golden top.
Step 6: Bake and Rest
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), cover the lasagna tightly with foil, and bake for 25 minutes. Take off the foil for the final 15-20 minutes so the top becomes beautifully golden and bubbly. Once out of the oven, let your Seafood Lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes—this makes slicing much neater and lets flavors meld together to perfection.
How to Serve Seafood Lasagna
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil right before serving brings out the vibrant freshness of the herbs and brightens up each slice of Seafood Lasagna. For something extra-special, a fine grating of lemon zest can really lift the seafood flavors and add a lovely pop of color.
Side Dishes
Pair your Seafood Lasagna with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette, or roasted asparagus for a touch of spring color. A loaf of warm, crusty bread is always welcome to soak up that dreamy sauce, while a glass of chilled white wine makes the whole meal feel like a seaside celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try slicing your Seafood Lasagna into smaller squares and serving it as an elegant appetizer at your next gathering. Baking it in individual ramekins creates stunning single servings, or you can layer it in a deep skillet and serve family-style for cozy dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store slices of Seafood Lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps beautifully for up to three days, and the flavors only get better as they mingle and deepen.
Freezing
Thinking ahead? You can freeze your Seafood Lasagna either before or after baking. Wrap tightly in foil and plastic, and it’ll be good in the freezer for up to two months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring leftover Seafood Lasagna back to life, cover with foil and heat in a 350°F oven until warmed through (about 20-25 minutes). Add a splash of milk or cream before reheating to keep everything moist and creamy, or microwave individual portions for super quick meals.
FAQs
Can I use different types of seafood?
Absolutely! Seafood Lasagna is incredibly versatile—if you prefer lobster, white fish, or only one type Main Course.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten free?
Yes! Just use gluten-free lasagna noodles and substitute rice or another gluten-free flour for thickening the sauce. You’ll enjoy all the creamy, briny goodness without any compromise.
Can I prepare Seafood Lasagna ahead of time?
You bet. Assemble your lasagna up to a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. This not only saves time but lets the flavors meld beautifully.
What’s the best way to avoid a watery lasagna?
Be sure to drain your seafood well and limit any extra moisture. Letting the lasagna rest after baking helps, too—it firms up the layers and keeps everything perfectly sliceable (and never soggy).
Do I need to cook the seafood completely before assembling?
Partially cooking the shrimp and scallops before layering helps release excess liquid and ensures perfectly tender bites. The final bake finishes cooking all the seafood, so it stays plump and juicy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dish that’s as comforting as it is show-stopping, give this Seafood Lasagna a place at your table. The blend of ocean-fresh flavors and creamy, cheesy layers is sure to win hearts, whether it’s a cozy night in or an all-out celebration. Go on—dive in and enjoy every forkful!
Print
Seafood Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of this seafood lasagna, a decadent twist on the classic Italian favorite. Layers of tender shrimp, succulent scallops, and sweet crab meat, nestled between lasagna noodles and a luscious blend of cheeses, make this dish a showstopper at any gathering.
Ingredients
Lasagna Noodles:
- 9 lasagna noodles
Seafood Mixture:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 pound raw shrimp (peeled, deveined, and chopped)
- 1/2 pound sea scallops (cut in halves or quarters if large)
- 1/2 pound lump crab meat (picked over for shells)
Creamy Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Layer:
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped)
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Extra Parmesan for topping
Instructions
- Cook the Lasagna Noodles: Prepare the noodles according to package directions. Set aside.
- Prepare Seafood Mixture: Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil. Add shrimp, scallops, and crab. Cook until just opaque. Set aside.
- Make Creamy Sauce: Whisk flour into melted butter, then gradually add milk and cream. Stir in Parmesan, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
- Prepare Cheese Layer: Mix ricotta with egg, parsley, and basil.
- Assemble: Layer noodles, ricotta mixture, seafood, and sauce in a baking dish. Repeat layers. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake covered, then uncovered, until golden.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the lasagna to rest before serving.
Notes
- You can customize the seafood selection based on preference or availability.
- Enhance the dish with optional additions like crushed red pepper or spinach.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
