Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab: The Ultimate Creamy Baked Pasta for Seafood Lovers
When you think of lasagna, your mind might go to layers of red sauce, ground beef, and mozzarella. But let’s take a delicious detour. This creamy seafood lasagna with shrimp and crab is indulgent, flavorful, and elegant enough for special occasions while still being easy enough for a family weekend dinner. If you’re a seafood enthusiast, prepare to fall in love.
This recipe layers tender lasagna noodles with a rich, homemade Alfredo sauce, succulent shrimp, sweet crabmeat, and a trio of creamy cheeses. It’s comfort food elevated to another level. Every bite is packed with coastal flavor, cheesy goodness, and that irresistible creamy texture that defines the best lasagna dishes.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, planning a seafood-themed holiday, or simply want a new twist on classic lasagna, this seafood version is one for the books. Let’s dive in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Lasagna Base
12 lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt for boiling water
Seafood Filling
1 pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
1/2 pound lump crab meat (real crab preferred)
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
Cheese Layer
1 container (15 oz) ricotta cheese
1 large egg
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
2 tablespoons fresh parsley or 1 tsp dried
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Alfredo Sauce
4 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and white pepper to taste
Toppings
2 cups shredded mozzarella
1/2 cup shredded Italian blend or Monterey Jack
Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Optional Add-ins
Sautéed spinach
Sliced mushrooms
Red pepper flakes for heat
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles
Boil lasagna noodles in salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside on a lightly oiled tray or parchment paper to prevent sticking. If using oven-ready noodles, you can skip this step.
Step 2: Cook the Seafood
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and paprika, and cook until just pink, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in crab meat. Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Make the Ricotta Cheese Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth. This will be your creamy cheese layer.
Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly whisk in milk and cream. Cook over medium heat, whisking continuously, until thickened (about 5–7 minutes). Stir in Parmesan cheese and season with salt and white pepper to taste. Let it cool slightly.
Step 5: Assemble the Lasagna
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of Alfredo sauce to coat the bottom. Add a layer of noodles, then half the ricotta mixture, followed by half the seafood, a ladle of Alfredo sauce, and a sprinkle of mozzarella. Repeat the layers. Finish with a final layer of noodles, remaining Alfredo sauce, and top with mozzarella and Italian cheese blend.
Step 6: Bake the Lasagna
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 15–20 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top. Let rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley or basil.
Why This Seafood Lasagna Works
The balance of flavors in this dish is perfect. The shrimp and crab give you a mild sweetness that pairs beautifully with the rich Alfredo and cheeses. The ricotta mixture adds depth and creaminess without being too heavy. Homemade Alfredo sauce beats store-bought every time—it’s smooth, silky, and packed with fresh garlic flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Garlic bread or focaccia
Steamed asparagus or broccoli
Mixed greens with lemon vinaigrette
White wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio
Sparkling water with lemon slices
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Make-Ahead: Assemble the entire lasagna a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate. Let it come to room temperature before baking or bake longer if chilled.
Freeze: Freeze unbaked lasagna tightly wrapped in foil. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 1 hour covered, then 15 minutes uncovered.
Store Leftovers: Refrigerate slices in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Recipe Variations
Lobster Lasagna: Swap crab for cooked lobster meat for a decadent twist.
Cajun Seafood Lasagna: Add Cajun seasoning to the shrimp and Alfredo sauce for spicy Southern flair.
Spinach Alfredo Lasagna: Add a layer of sautéed spinach between noodles and cheese.
Zucchini Lasagna: Replace noodles with thin-sliced zucchini for a low-carb version.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free noodles and thicken the sauce with cornstarch instead of flour.
Common Questions
Can I use imitation crab?
Yes, although real crab offers better flavor and texture. Imitation crab is more affordable and still works well in the dish.
Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?
Yes, but homemade gives the dish a fresher, richer taste.
What kind of shrimp should I use?
Medium to large shrimp work well. Make sure they are peeled, deveined, and chopped for even distribution.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or even diced tomatoes work beautifully.
Is it better to use fresh or frozen seafood?
Both work. If using frozen, thaw completely and pat dry to prevent a watery filling.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
Calories: 520
Protein: 28g
Fat: 31g
Carbs: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 740mg
Perfect for Special Occasions
Seafood lasagna is ideal for hosting. It looks elegant on the plate, smells heavenly, and delivers impressive flavor without complicated prep. Serve it at:
Holiday dinners (Christmas Eve, Easter, New Year’s Eve)
Romantic date nights at home
Birthday celebrations
Dinner parties
Potluck gatherings
How to Slice and Serve
Let the lasagna rest before cutting to help the layers set. Use a sharp serrated knife and a wide spatula to lift pieces neatly. Wipe the knife clean between slices for clean presentation.
Presentation Tips
Garnish with chopped herbs or lemon zest
Serve on white plates for contrast
Add a drizzle of olive oil or balsamic glaze for flair
Use fresh seafood shells as garnish on the table setting
Final Thoughts
Seafood lasagna with shrimp and crab is the kind of dish that elevates comfort food to gourmet levels. It’s creamy, savory, rich in seafood flavor, and endlessly satisfying. Whether you’re new to seafood-based pastas or already a fan, this lasagna is a must-try. Make it once, and it’ll earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.
Want a version with lobster? A dairy-free Alfredo twist? Or captions and hashtags for Facebook and Pinterest? Let me know, Nora — I’ve got your content covered!