Indulgent Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp and Crab Recipe
Indulge in this rich and creamy Seafood Lasagna featuring succulent shrimp and lump crab meat layered with a luscious ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese blend, all smothered in a decadent Alfredo sauce. Baked to golden perfection with a crispy breadcrumb topping, this dish promises a luxurious dining experience perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.
- Author: Cara
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Seafood
- 1 lb Shrimp (Fresh or frozen, thawed and patted dry)
- 1 lb Crab Meat (Opt for lump crab for richness; imitation crab is a budget alternative)
Pasta
- 12 oz Lasagna Noodles (Cook until al dente)
Cheese & Dairy
- 15 oz Ricotta Cheese
- 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese (Divided)
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
Sauce
- 2 cups Alfredo Sauce (Homemade or store-bought)
Other Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 3 cloves Garlic (Minced)
- 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley (Chopped)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
- to taste Red Pepper Flakes
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the lasagna later.
- Cook Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook lasagna noodles until al dente, about 8-10 minutes, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook Seafood: Add shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn pink and opaque, approximately 3-4 minutes. Incorporate crab meat, season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to combine flavors.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, half the mozzarella, Parmesan, heavy cream, and fresh parsley. Stir until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency perfect for layering.
- Assemble Lasagna: In a baking dish, spread a layer of Alfredo sauce at the bottom. Add a layer of noodles, followed by the cheese mixture, then the seafood mixture, and another layer of Alfredo sauce. Repeat these layers twice more to build a hearty lasagna.
- Top Layers: Finish with a final layer of noodles and Alfredo sauce. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs evenly on top for a golden crust.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with foil to prevent excessive browning and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and ingredients to blend.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly, indicating a perfectly cooked lasagna.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes after baking. This helps the layers set, making it easier to cut and serve while ensuring optimal texture and flavor.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh lump crab meat rather than imitation crab for a richer flavor.
- If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry to avoid excess moisture in the dish.
- Homemade Alfredo sauce can elevate the lasagna’s flavor, but quality store-bought sauce works well in a pinch.
- Allowing the lasagna to rest after baking helps maintain the integrity of the layers when slicing.
- You can customize the heat level by adjusting the red pepper flakes to your preference.
- Breadcrumbs add a crispy topping but can be omitted or replaced with crushed nuts for a gluten-free option.
Keywords: seafood lasagna, shrimp lasagna, crab lasagna, creamy lasagna, baked pasta, Italian seafood, Alfredo sauce lasagna, layered lasagna