There is nothing quite like the comforting layers and rich flavors of my Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp, Crab, and Creamy Alfredo Cheese Sauce Recipe to make any meal feel special. Imagine tender shrimp and delicate crab meat nestled between sheets of perfectly cooked lasagna noodles, smothered in a velvety Alfredo sauce infused with luscious ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. This dish is a celebration of seafood and cheese baked together into a golden, bubbling casserole that’s as impressive as it is delicious. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe promises a hearty, flavorful dish that melts in your mouth and fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, yet essential ingredients is the first step to creating a show-stopping seafood lasagna. Each item contributes its own unique texture, taste, or color to build the layers of this creamy, dreamy masterpiece.
- 12 lasagna noodles: These classic pasta sheets hold all the layers together and provide the perfect foundation.
- 1 kilogram shrimp, peeled and deveined: Tender and sweet, shrimp adds a succulent bite throughout the dish.
- 450 grams crab meat: Delicate and slightly sweet, crab balances the seafood mix beautifully.
- 480 milliliters ricotta cheese: This creamy cheese adds richness and smoothness to every layer.
- 200 grams shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella brings that irresistible gooey, melty texture.
- 80 grams grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty depth that enhances the flavors.
- 950 milliliters Alfredo sauce: The silky sauce ties every ingredient together in a dreamy embrace.
- 240 milliliters heavy cream: Heavy cream enriches the cheese mixture, adding luscious creaminess.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the seafood with subtle aromatic warmth.
- 30 milliliters olive oil: Olive oil is perfect for sautéing garlic and shrimp gently without overpowering.
- 15 milliliters fresh parsley, chopped: Fresh parsley brightens the dish with a pop of green and subtle herbal notes.
- 5 milliliters salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
- 5 milliliters black pepper: Black pepper brings a gentle heat and depth to the seafood.
- 2.5 milliliters red pepper flakes: Just a pinch adds a delightful kick without overshadowing the seafood’s subtle sweetness.
- 60 grams breadcrumbs: Topping the lasagna with breadcrumbs creates a crunchy, golden crust contrasted against the creamy filling.
How to Make Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp, Crab, and Creamy Alfredo Cheese Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles and Preheat Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 190°C (375°F) so it’s ready when your lasagna assembly is complete. While the oven warms up, cook your lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente—just tender enough to layer without breaking apart. Drain the noodles carefully and set them aside on a plate, separated, so they don’t stick together later.
Step 2: Sauté the Seafood Mixture
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to gently awaken its fruity notes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until it fills your kitchen with its fragrant aroma. Next, toss in the shrimp and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they turn pink and opaque—this marks perfectly cooked shrimp. Stir in the crab meat, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes while blending those fresh flavors. Once the seafood is just cooked, remove from heat to keep it tender and flavorful.
Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Cheese Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 100 grams of shredded mozzarella, 40 grams of grated Parmesan, heavy cream, and chopped parsley. Mixing this gently until smooth creates a rich, creamy filling that will complement the seafood beautifully with every luscious bite. The blend of cheeses gives the lasagna a gooey texture balanced by the fresh herbaceous notes of parsley.
Step 4: Layer Your Lasagna
Take a 33×23 centimeter baking dish and spread a thin layer of Alfredo sauce across the bottom to prevent sticking and infuse flavor. Layer the noodles on top, followed by one-third of your cheese mixture, then one-third of the seafood. Drizzle more Alfredo sauce over this layer to ensure moist, creamy perfection. Repeat these layers twice more, alternating noodles, cheese mixture, seafood, and sauce. Finish with a final top layer of noodles and a generous slather of Alfredo sauce. This layering trick locks in the flavors and textures for a stunning final result.
Step 5: Add Toppings and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses along with breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the lasagna. Cover the dish tightly with foil to keep moisture in and bake for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil to let the top become golden and crisp, baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until bubbling and perfectly browned. This finishing step gives a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the tender layers beneath.
Step 6: Let Your Lasagna Rest
Once out of the oven, allow the lasagna to rest for about 10 minutes. This short wait lets the filling set slightly, making it easier to slice and serve without losing any of those delicious layers. If you like, garnish with extra chopped parsley to add a fresh pop of color and a hint of herbaceous brightness.
How to Serve Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp, Crab, and Creamy Alfredo Cheese Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a light dusting of additional grated Parmesan provides a beautiful finishing touch, adding freshness and an enticing aroma that invites everyone to dig in.
Side Dishes
Light sides like a crisp Caesar salad, roasted asparagus, or garlic bread work wonderfully to balance the richness of the seafood lasagna. These accompaniments cleanse the palate and add contrasting textures making the meal complete.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve individual portions in mini baking dishes or ramekins, topped with a small parsley sprig. Another idea is layering this dish in a glass casserole so guests can admire the sea-to-cheese layers before serving. Presentation can elevate this beloved recipe from everyday to extraordinary.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After the meal, place any leftover seafood lasagna in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it a perfect make-ahead meal to enjoy again.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Wrap the cooled lasagna tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. Covering with foil during reheating helps retain moisture and prevents the top from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use other seafood in this recipe?
Absolutely! While shrimp and crab are classic here, you can substitute or add scallops, lobster, or even chunks of firm white fish to personalize your seafood lasagna.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, try using plant-based cheeses and a dairy-free Alfredo sauce alternative. Keep in mind the texture and flavor will be different but still tasty.
Can I assemble this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the entire lasagna up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it perfect for entertaining or busy days.
What’s the secret to perfect lasagna noodles?
Cook noodles just until al dente and rinse them with cool water immediately after boiling to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. This ensures they layer nicely without turning mushy in the oven.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Simply increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the seafood mixture. Adjust gradually to suit your heat preference while keeping the balance of flavors.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that feels indulgent yet approachable, my Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp, Crab, and Creamy Alfredo Cheese Sauce Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s packed with comforting layers, melt-in-your-mouth cheese, and delicious seafood that will have everyone asking for seconds. Once you taste it, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for special family dinners or when you want to impress guests effortlessly. So roll up your sleeves, gather those ingredients, and cozy up to a slice of pure Italian-inspired comfort!
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Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp, Crab, and Creamy Alfredo Cheese Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 35 Minutes
- Cook Time: 40 Minutes
- Total Time: 75 Minutes
- Yield: 8 Servings (1 large lasagna)
- Category: Pasta Dishes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A rich and creamy seafood lasagna featuring succulent shrimp and crab blended with a blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, layered with Alfredo sauce and baked to golden perfection. This Italian-inspired casserole is a comforting and satisfying meal, perfect for seafood lovers seeking a flavorful pasta dish.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 lasagna noodles
Seafood
- 1 kilogram shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 450 grams crab meat
Cheeses
- 480 milliliters ricotta cheese
- 200 grams shredded mozzarella cheese
- 80 grams grated Parmesan cheese
Sauces and Creams
- 950 milliliters Alfredo sauce
- 240 milliliters heavy cream
Seasonings
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 30 milliliters olive oil
- 15 milliliters fresh parsley, chopped
- 5 milliliters salt
- 5 milliliters black pepper
- 2.5 milliliters red pepper flakes
Toppings
- 60 grams breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Noodles: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to cool.
- Cook Seafood Mixture: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the shrimp and cook for 3–4 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Stir in the crab meat along with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, cooking for another 2–3 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 100 grams of shredded mozzarella, 40 grams grated Parmesan, heavy cream, and chopped parsley. Mix everything until smooth and well blended.
- Layer the Lasagna: Spread a thin layer of Alfredo sauce on the bottom of a 33×23 centimetre (13×9 inch) baking dish. Layer with lasagna noodles, then spread one-third of the cheese mixture over the noodles followed by one-third of the seafood mixture. Drizzle some Alfredo sauce over the top. Repeat these layers two more times. Finish with a final layer of noodles topped with remaining Alfredo sauce.
- Add Toppings and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top layer. Spread the breadcrumbs evenly on top. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes in the preheated oven.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the lasagna to rest for 10 minutes after baking to set. Garnish with extra fresh parsley if desired, then slice and serve warm.
Notes
- Ensure the shrimp is fully cooked but not overcooked to maintain tenderness.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
- If preferred, substitute crab meat with other seafood such as scallops or lobster.
- Breadcrumbs provide a delightful crunchy topping; you can use panko for extra crispness.
- Letting the lasagna rest before slicing helps it hold together better.
