A Rich, Creamy Seafood Lasagna You’ll Want to Make Again and Again
If you’re looking for a showstopping dinner that feels indulgent and comforting, this Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab is exactly what you need. A luxurious twist on the classic Italian dish, this lasagna is layered with tender pasta, creamy ricotta cheese, succulent shrimp, sweet crab meat, and a silky Alfredo sauce. Whether you’re serving this for a family dinner or a holiday gathering, it’s guaranteed to impress.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step, provide success tips, and answer common questions to help you make the best seafood lasagna possible.
Try This Crowd-Pleasing Seafood Lasagna Tonight
Looking for a unique dish that’s creamy, savory, and full of flavor? This seafood lasagna is packed with protein-rich shrimp and crab and layered with smooth, cheesy filling. The Alfredo sauce ties everything together, making each bite melt in your mouth. Don’t wait for a special occasion—treat yourself and your guests to this satisfying comfort food with a gourmet twist.
Tools You’ll Need, Servings, and Cooking Time
Kitchen Tools
- Large pot for noodles
- Skillet for seafood
- Mixing bowls
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Foil
- Spatula or spoon
- Whisk
Recipe Yield: 8 servings
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
This dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even meal prep. Leftovers reheat beautifully!
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
For the Seafood Filling
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- 8 oz lump crab meat (real or imitation)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)
For the Cheese Mixture
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional)
For the Sauce
- 3 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- ¼ cup heavy cream (optional, for added richness)
For the Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Boil the Noodles
Boil lasagna noodles in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Drain and lay flat on parchment paper or a baking sheet to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cook the Seafood
In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add chopped shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and Old Bay seasoning if using. Cook for 2–3 minutes until shrimp turns pink. Stir in crab meat and cook for 1 additional minute. Set aside to cool.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, and lemon zest. Stir until smooth and well combined. This mixture will add creaminess and structure to the lasagna layers.
Step 4: Warm the Alfredo Sauce
If using homemade sauce, warm it on the stove. Add heavy cream to make it extra rich. If using store-bought, heat gently and whisk in cream if desired.
Step 5: Assemble the Lasagna
Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Begin layering:
- Spread ½ cup of Alfredo sauce on the bottom.
- Add a layer of noodles.
- Spread ⅓ of the ricotta mixture.
- Spoon over ⅓ of the seafood mixture.
- Pour ⅓ of the Alfredo sauce on top.
Repeat two more times. Finish with noodles and the remaining Alfredo sauce.
Step 6: Add Cheese Topping
Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly across the top layer. This will create a bubbly, golden crust during baking.
Step 7: Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15–20 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
Step 8: Let It Rest and Serve
Let the lasagna rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives. Serve warm.
Recipe Tips for Success
1. Don’t Overcook the Seafood
Shrimp cooks fast. Only sauté until just pink to avoid a rubbery texture, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
2. Use High-Quality Alfredo
A good Alfredo sauce makes a huge difference. Homemade is ideal, but store-bought will work with a bit of added cream or cheese.
3. Layer Evenly
Distribute the cheese and seafood mixtures evenly to ensure consistent flavor and texture throughout.
4. Use Real Crab (If Possible)
While imitation crab works fine, real lump crab meat adds more sweetness and richness to the dish.
5. Let It Rest Before Serving
Letting the lasagna sit after baking helps the layers firm up for clean slicing and enhanced flavor blending.
Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips
What to Serve With Seafood Lasagna
- Garlic bread or crusty French baguette
- A light arugula or mixed greens salad
- Roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli
- A chilled glass of white wine such as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Bake at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual slices.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen shrimp or crab?
Yes, just thaw them completely and drain any excess moisture before cooking to avoid a watery filling.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the lasagna a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, increase the baking time by 10–15 minutes.
3. What if I don’t like ricotta cheese?
You can substitute cottage cheese or even a béchamel layer if preferred. Just keep in mind it may slightly change the texture.
4. Can I add vegetables?
Yes! Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini make great additions to the layers.
5. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, especially if you skip the Old Bay and lemon zest for a more neutral flavor. Kids love the creamy texture and cheesy top.
Conclusion
Seafood lasagna is a decadent, unforgettable dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. With layers of creamy ricotta, sweet shrimp and crab, and velvety Alfredo sauce, it transforms simple ingredients into something spectacular. Whether it’s for a holiday feast or a casual family dinner, this lasagna will win hearts and satisfy cravings.
Try this recipe once, and it just might become your new go-to for seafood night. Serve it with a salad, a loaf of warm bread, and your favorite wine, and you’ve got a restaurant-worthy meal right at home.
