If you’re looking to impress your family or friends with something truly special, this Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp and Crab Recipe is exactly what you need. It beautifully combines tender pasta layers with rich, creamy sauce and the fresh, briny flavors of shrimp and lump crab meat. Every bite is comfort food elevated with a touch of ocean magic, making it perfect for cozy dinners or celebratory feasts. Trust me, once you make this dish, it’ll become one of your go-to recipes whenever you want something deliciously different yet timeless.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this recipe are refreshingly straightforward but essential to creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Each element, from the creamy cheeses to the fresh seafood, plays a vital role in building those layers of deliciousness.
- 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter: Used to create a silky base for the sauce that adds richness without overpowering.
- 3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to a perfect creamy consistency.
- 2 cups heavy cream: Brings luscious creaminess that carries the herbs and spices beautifully.
- 1 cup clam juice: Adds a subtle briny depth enhancing the seafood flavor naturally.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses gentle garlic warmth without being too intense.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Complements the garlic and fresh onions for a layered savory flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional): Just a dash for a hint of warming, unexpected flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant herb blend that ties the sauce together.
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese: Adds nuttiness and umami depth throughout the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Gives a mild peppery kick for complexity.
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing the onions and shrimp to perfection.
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped): Provides sweetness and texture when softened.
- 8 ounces small shrimp (peeled, deveined, and tail off): Tender, juicy, and a star ingredient in the seafood mix.
- 8 ounces lump crab meat: Offers delicate flakes and mild sweetness that elevates the entire dish.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish): Adds freshness and color alongside a slight herbaceous note.
- 9-12 oven-ready lasagna noodles: Convenient and perfect for layering without boiling.
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, creating that irresistible gooey cheese pull.
How to Make Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp and Crab Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter so your beautiful lasagna won’t stick after baking. This simple preparation step ensures easy cleanup later and perfect slices every time.
Step 2: Crafting the Creamy Sauce
The sauce is truly where flavors melt together. Melt your butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in the flour until smooth—this creates a roux, the classic thickening base. Slowly add in the heavy cream and clam juice while whisking constantly. No lumps here, just silky goodness. After about 5-7 minutes of cooking, the sauce should thicken up nicely. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, nutmeg if you’re using it, Italian seasoning, and parmesan cheese for richness. Season with kosher salt and black pepper, then remove it from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Sautéing the Seafood Mixture
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat before adding the finely chopped onion. Softening the onions for 3-4 minutes unlocks their natural sweetness which pairs perfectly with seafood. Toss in the shrimp and cook just until they turn pink, about 2-3 minutes — overcooked shrimp can get rubbery, so watch carefully! Remove from heat, and gently fold in your lump crab meat and fresh chopped parsley, giving you a fresh and tender seafood filling ready for layering.
Step 4: Assembling the Layers
Begin by spreading a thin layer of that luscious sauce on the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Then, cover with a layer of oven-ready lasagna noodles, overlapping just slightly if needed. Add one-third of the seafood mixture, followed by one-third of the sauce, and sprinkle over a third of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Layering like this ensures every bite bursts with creamy, cheesy seafood goodness.
Step 5: Repeating the Layers
Repeat the layering process two more times — noodles, seafood, sauce, and mozzarella — building those scrumptiously stacked layers. Finish with a final pasta layer, pour over the remaining sauce, and crown your masterpiece with the last of the mozzarella.
Step 6: Baking to Perfection
Cover the lasagna tightly with aluminum foil, avoiding contact with the cheese to prevent sticking. Bake for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and the dish bubble. Then, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes to achieve that heavenly golden and bubbly cheese crust. Once out of the oven, allow it to rest for 10 minutes so the layers set beautifully before slicing and serving.
How to Serve Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp and Crab Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley sprinkled over the top adds inviting color and a bright herbaceous touch that complements the rich seafood flavors perfectly. For those who love a little zest, a light drizzle of lemon juice or some lemon zest can also add a refreshing layer that balances the creaminess beautifully.
Side Dishes
This seafood lasagna shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads—think mixed greens tossed in a light vinaigrette or a simple arugula salad with shaved parmesan. Steamed or roasted seasonal vegetables, like asparagus or green beans, add a nice contrast and keep the meal feeling balanced and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style dinner, serve the lasagna whole in a beautiful ceramic dish right from the oven for a rustic, inviting presentation. If you want to impress guests, consider plating individual portions with a small wedge of lemon and a sprinkle of parsley, creating a restaurant-quality feel at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your lasagna, wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days to maintain that fresh, flavorful quality.
Freezing
This Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp and Crab Recipe freezes well for up to 2 months. Freeze before baking for best results—wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes covered with foil to avoid drying out. Alternatively, microwave on medium power until warmed through, though oven reheating preserves the lasagna’s texture best.
FAQs
Can I use fresh lasagna noodles instead of oven-ready?
Absolutely! Just be sure to cook the fresh lasagna noodles according to package instructions before layering. Oven-ready noodles are just more convenient, but fresh noodles will work beautifully too.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Dairy-free versions can be made by swapping heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew cream and using dairy-free cheeses. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I substitute the shrimp and crab with other seafood?
Yes! You can use scallops, lobster, or even firm white fish. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to keep the seafood tender and avoid overcooking.
How spicy is this seafood lasagna?
This recipe is mild and creamy with no added heat. If you like a little spice, adding red pepper flakes to the sauce or seafood mixture is a great way to customize the kick.
Can I prepare this dish ahead for a party?
Definitely. Assemble the lasagna a day ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. When ready, simply bake as instructed. It’s a fantastic make-ahead option that saves time on the day of your event.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am for you to try this Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp and Crab Recipe. It’s a delightful twist on classic lasagna that brings the flavors of the sea directly to your table. Rich, creamy, and generously layered with shrimp and crab, it’s bound to become one of your favorite dishes to make and share. Happy cooking and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp and Crab Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This rich and creamy Seafood Lasagna features layers of tender lasagna noodles, a luscious white sauce infused with clam juice and spices, and a succulent seafood mixture of shrimp and lump crab meat. Topped with melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese, this elegant bake is perfect for special occasions or a comforting family dinner.
Ingredients
Sauce:
- 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup clam juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Seafood Mixture:
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 8 ounces small shrimp (peeled, deveined, and tail off)
- 8 ounces lump crab meat
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
Assembly:
- 9–12 oven-ready lasagna noodles
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Make the Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and whisk continuously until smooth. Cook this roux for about 1 minute, then slowly add the heavy cream and clam juice while whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Thicken the Sauce: Continue cooking the sauce for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, nutmeg if using, Italian seasoning, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Seafood Mixture: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn pink. Remove from heat and gently fold in the lump crab meat and chopped parsley.
- Layer the Lasagna – Base: Spread a thin layer of the prepared sauce evenly over the bottom of the baking dish. Arrange enough lasagna noodles to cover the base, overlapping slightly if needed.
- Add Layers: Spread one-third of the seafood mixture evenly over the noodles. Spoon one-third of the sauce on top of the seafood, then sprinkle with one-third of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process two more times, finishing with a final layer of noodles, the remaining sauce, and topping with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil, ensuring the foil does not touch the cheese. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Rest and Garnish: Allow the lasagna to rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Enjoy!
Notes
- Oven-ready lasagna noodles save time by eliminating the need to pre-cook noodles.
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- If clam juice is unavailable, a light seafood stock can be a substitute, but it will slightly alter the flavor.
- Covering the lasagna with foil during the initial bake prevents the cheese from burning.
- Letting the lasagna rest helps it set, making it easier to cut and serve.
