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If you’re a seafood lover who can’t decide between lasagna and shrimp scampi, what if I told you that you don’t have to choose? Introducing the luxurious, buttery, and garlicky fusion you didn’t know you needed: Shrimp Scampi Lasagna. This dish takes the best of two beloved classics – succulent garlic butter shrimp and rich, cheesy lasagna—and brings them together into one irresistible baked masterpiece.
With layers of creamy ricotta, fresh herbs, garlicky scampi sauce, and perfectly cooked lasagna noodles, this dish is comfort food with a gourmet twist. It’s perfect for impressing dinner guests, indulging in a weekend treat, or just elevating your weeknight meal game.
What makes this lasagna so special? It’s not just the layers—it’s the way the garlic butter shrimp scampi melds into the creamy sauce, infusing the entire dish with deep seafood flavor. One bite in, and you’ll be hooked!
Whether you’re already a shrimp scampi fan or a lasagna enthusiast looking to try something new, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite. Let’s dive into this savory, cheesy, and perfectly balanced Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna!
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make this decadent shrimp scampi lasagna from scratch:
For the Garlic Butter Shrimp:
- 1 pound raw shrimp (peeled and deveined) – The star of the dish; choose medium to large shrimp for the best texture.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter – Forms the base of your scampi sauce and adds richness.
- 4 garlic cloves, finely minced – Brings bold, aromatic flavor to the shrimp.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed) – Adds brightness and cuts through the richness.
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest – Intensifies the lemon flavor without extra liquid.
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste – Enhances the shrimp’s natural flavors.
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley – Adds freshness and color to the shrimp.
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese – Creates a creamy, mild base layer.
- 1 large egg – Helps bind the ricotta filling.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Brings sharp, nutty depth.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Adds gooey meltiness to the layers.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil – Infuses the cheese with herbaceous flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Adds an extra layer of savory goodness.
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter – Used to sauté shallots and garlic for the béchamel.
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped – Gives a subtle sweetness to the sauce.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced – Enhances the scampi flavor base.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – Thickens the sauce into a silky béchamel.
- 2 cups whole milk – Makes the sauce creamy and rich.
- ½ cup heavy cream – Adds extra decadence to the white sauce.
- Salt and white pepper to taste – Keeps the seasoning light and balanced.
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) – Adds a gentle kick of heat.
For Assembly:
- 9 lasagna noodles (cooked al dente) – Form the base layers of your lasagna.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping) – Creates that golden-bubbly crust.
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish) – Adds a pop of color and freshness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Shrimp Scampi
- In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Toss in the shrimp and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through.
- Add lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and parsley. Stir and remove from heat.
- Transfer shrimp to a plate and set aside. Reserve the garlic butter in the skillet.
Pro Tip: Do not overcook the shrimp. They will cook further in the oven during baking.
2. Make the Cheese Mixture
- In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, mozzarella, basil, and garlic powder.
- Mix until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Garlic Cream Sauce
- In the same skillet used for the shrimp, melt 2 tablespoons butter.
- Add the chopped shallots and garlic. Sauté until translucent, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, whisking continuously to create a roux.
- Slowly pour in milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Add cream and stir.
- Let the sauce simmer on low until thickened, about 5–7 minutes.
- Season with salt, white pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
4. Cook the Lasagna Noodles
- While the sauce simmers, cook lasagna noodles in salted boiling water until al dente.
- Drain and lay them flat on parchment paper or a baking sheet to prevent sticking.
5. Assemble the Lasagna
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread a thin layer of the garlic cream sauce on the bottom.
- Add 3 lasagna noodles in a single layer.
- Spread ⅓ of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles.
- Arrange ⅓ of the shrimp over the cheese layer.
- Drizzle with some garlic cream sauce.
- Repeat layers two more times: noodles, ricotta, shrimp, sauce.
- Finish with a final layer of noodles, remaining sauce, and shredded mozzarella on top.
6. Bake the Lasagna
- Cover the lasagna loosely with foil (don’t let it touch the cheese).
- Bake for 25 minutes covered, then uncover and bake for another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Pro Tip: Let the lasagna rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing to help it hold its shape.
Pro Tips for a Perfect Recipe of Shrimp Scampi Lasagna
- Use fresh shrimp when possible for the best flavor and texture. If using frozen, thaw completely and pat dry.
- Don’t skip the lemon zest—it brightens the richness of the butter and cheese beautifully.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the cream sauce for a subtle, warm undertone.
- Layer strategically: Make sure each noodle is covered edge-to-edge for even texture and flavor.
- Rest before serving: Like any lasagna, this one slices best after cooling slightly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna with:
- A crisp Caesar salad or arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
- Garlic bread or toasted baguette to soak up any leftover sauce.
- A glass of chilled Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio for the perfect seafood pairing.
Planning a seafood-themed dinner? Pair it with our creamy Crab and Shrimp Bisque or fresh Blue Raspberry Lemonade as a vibrant beverage option.
Recipe Variations & Customizations
- Make it spicy: Add extra crushed red pepper or a splash of hot sauce.
- Vegetable version: Add spinach or sautéed mushrooms between layers.
- No-boil noodles: Use oven-ready noodles to skip the boiling step.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and substitute rice flour in the sauce.
- Low-carb: Try layering with zucchini or eggplant slices instead of pasta.
- Vegan twist: Use vegan ricotta, cashew cream sauce, and plant-based shrimp substitutes.
FAQs
Can I make shrimp scampi lasagna ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the lasagna up to a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.
Can I freeze this lasagna?
Absolutely. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat at 350°F.
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but reduce their cooking time to avoid rubbery texture—just warm them in the garlic butter.
Can I make this dish with other seafood?
Definitely. Scallops, crab, or even a seafood mix can be delicious substitutes.
Is this lasagna good for a crowd?
It’s perfect for gatherings! This recipe serves 6–8 generous portions.
Substitutes & Ingredient Alternatives
- Ricotta cheese → Use cottage cheese or mascarpone for a slightly different texture.
- Parmesan cheese → Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano will also add sharpness.
- Shrimp → Try scallops, lobster chunks, or imitation crab for different seafood profiles.
- Whole milk → Use 2% or plant-based milk like oat milk for a lighter sauce.
- Heavy cream → Substitute with half-and-half or Greek yogurt for less fat.
Nutritional Information
Approximate per serving (based on 8 servings):
- Calories: ~520
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: ~670mg
Final Thoughts
Shrimp Scampi Lasagna is the ultimate seafood lover’s comfort food—rich, creamy, cheesy, and packed with garlic butter shrimp flavor. It’s a creative spin on traditional lasagna that turns dinner into a memorable occasion. Whether you’re celebrating something special or simply craving a cozy night in, this dish is guaranteed to impress.
Have you tried this recipe? What seafood variations would you try next? Drop your thoughts in the comments—we love hearing how you make it your own!
If you loved this, don’t miss our Honey Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli or Creamy Seafood Bisque!
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