Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab

If you’re looking to impress at your next dinner party or create a special meal that feels luxurious and comforting, this Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab is the answer. It’s rich, creamy, cheesy, and layered with tender lasagna noodles, succulent shrimp, sweet lump crab, and a decadent white sauce you’ll want to eat by the spoonful.

Seriously—this isn’t just lasagna. It’s a seafood celebration tucked into every bite. Whether you’re hosting a holiday meal or just indulging in something extra, this dish is elegant, satisfying, and surprisingly simple to make.

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What Is Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab?

This dish is a creamy, savory twist on traditional lasagna. Instead of marinara and ground beef, we’re layering butter-poached shrimp, sweet crabmeat, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and a rich white béchamel sauce flavored with garlic, herbs, and a hint of lemon.

It’s baked until bubbly and golden, and each slice is a luxurious, flavorful bite that’s perfect for seafood lovers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Elegant yet comforting
• Packed with real seafood flavor—no fillers
• Perfect for special occasions, holidays, or Sunday dinners
• Freezes beautifully
• Easily customizable with different seafood or cheeses

What Does It Taste Like?

Each bite of this seafood lasagna is creamy, garlicky, and packed with fresh ocean flavor. The shrimp and crab bring a subtle sweetness, balanced by the richness of the cheese and white sauce. It’s indulgent without being heavy, and the textures—from the tender pasta to the melt-in-your-mouth seafood—make every forkful totally satisfying.

Think seafood Alfredo meets lasagna… and falls in love.

Benefits of This Recipe

• High-protein, low-sugar, and deeply satisfying
• Feels like a restaurant-quality meal at home
• Great way to use frozen or canned crab
• Can be made ahead and baked when ready
• Pairs well with light salads, garlic bread, or a crisp white wine

Ingredients for Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab

For the béchamel sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional, but adds brightness)

For the seafood:

• 1/2 lb raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
• 1/2 lb lump crabmeat (fresh, canned, or imitation)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

For the cheese filling:

• 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley or basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Other:

• 9 lasagna noodles (boiled and drained, or use no-boil)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Extra parsley and Parmesan for garnish

Tools You’ll Need

• Large saucepan or skillet
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Whisk and spatula
• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet (for easy cleanup)
• Aluminum foil

Ingredient Additions & Substitutions

• Add scallops or lobster for an even fancier version
• Use cottage cheese instead of ricotta if you prefer
• Add spinach or sautéed mushrooms for more veggies
• Use gluten-free noodles or flour to make it GF
• Swap Gruyère or fontina in for mozzarella for added richness

How to Make Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab

Step 1: Cook the seafood

In a skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until just pink—about 2–3 minutes. Stir in crab and red pepper flakes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Make the béchamel sauce

In a saucepan, melt 4 tbsp butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened—about 5–7 minutes. Stir in Parmesan, garlic powder, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Make the cheese filling

In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, Parmesan, herbs, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 4: Assemble the lasagna

In a greased 9×13 dish, spread a thin layer of béchamel on the bottom. Then layer as follows:

1. 3 lasagna noodles
2. Half the ricotta mixture
3. Half the seafood mixture
4. 1/3 of béchamel
5. Sprinkle of mozzarella

Repeat layers, then top with last 3 noodles, remaining béchamel, and remaining mozzarella.

Step 5: Bake

Cover loosely with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake another 10–15 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Rest and serve

Let lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley and more Parmesan if desired.

What to Serve with Seafood Lasagna

Since this dish is rich and creamy, pair it with something light and fresh:

• Garlic bread or crusty baguette
• Arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Roasted asparagus or green beans
• Crisp white wine (Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc)
• Sparkling water with lemon or cucumber

Tips for the Best Seafood Lasagna

• Don’t overcook the shrimp—they’ll finish in the oven
• Add a little lemon juice or zest to brighten the rich sauce
• Let the lasagna rest before cutting to avoid a runny mess
• Use high-quality crab for best flavor—fresh or canned lump is best
• Make ahead and refrigerate overnight for even better flavor

Storage Instructions

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking
• Reheat: Bake at 350°F covered with foil until hot, or microwave individual slices

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

Yes, but add them at the very end of the sauté step just to warm through, so they don’t overcook in the oven.

What kind of crab should I use?

Lump crabmeat (fresh or canned) is best. Imitation crab can be used in a pinch, but it won’t have the same texture or flavor.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Definitely! Assemble it up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Bake as directed, adding 5–10 extra minutes if starting cold.

Is this dish fishy?

Not at all! The flavor is mild, creamy, and balanced—more like a seafood Alfredo than a fishy casserole.

Conclusion

This Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab is everything a special meal should be: comforting, impressive, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re serving guests or just treating yourself to something decadent, this dish hits every note—cheesy, creamy, ocean-fresh, and totally unforgettable.

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