Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp and Crab – Creamy, Savory, and Elegant

If you love lasagna and you love seafood, get ready for a dish that elevates both to an indulgent, elegant level — Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp and Crab. This decadent twist on the classic Italian casserole layers tender pasta sheets with a rich, creamy seafood filling, fresh herbs, and melted cheese, creating a flavorful masterpiece that’s perfect for special occasions or a memorable weeknight dinner.

With tender shrimp, sweet crab meat, and a luscious béchamel sauce, this seafood lasagna is both impressive to serve and comforting to eat. It’s a dish that combines the elegance of fine dining with the familiar, homey appeal of baked pasta.

In this article, we’ll explore why this lasagna is so irresistible, provide step-by-step instructions for making it, and share ideas for customizing and serving this seafood delight.

Why You’ll Love Seafood Lasagna

Seafood lasagna offers a luxurious alternative to traditional beef or vegetable lasagna, featuring layers of delicate flavors and creamy textures. Here’s what makes it special:

1. Gourmet Flavor: Succulent shrimp and sweet crab meat paired with a velvety cheese sauce make every bite extraordinary.

2. Elegant Presentation: Sliced into neat portions, this lasagna is perfect for dinner parties or festive meals.

3. Versatile: Serve it with a crisp salad or garlic bread, or enjoy it as a standalone indulgent entrée.

4. Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble in advance and bake when ready, making entertaining easier.

Ingredients

• 9–12 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup lump crab meat, picked over for shells
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ cups whole milk
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Optional: ½ cup grated Gruyère or fontina for extra richness

Prep and Cook Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with butter.

2. Cook the Seafood
In a skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add shrimp and cook until pink and just opaque, about 2–3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside. Fold in the crab meat gently.

3. Make the Béchamel Sauce
In a saucepan, melt remaining butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth and thickened. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir in half of the Parmesan cheese and half of the parsley.

4. Assemble the Lasagna
Spread a thin layer of béchamel on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer noodles on top, then half of the shrimp and crab mixture, followed by a third of the remaining béchamel and a third of the mozzarella. Repeat layers, ending with noodles, remaining béchamel, mozzarella, and remaining Parmesan cheese.

5. Bake
Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Presentation and Serving Suggestions

Classic Style: Serve slices with a drizzle of extra béchamel and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Elevated Dinner: Pair with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, and a simple arugula salad.

Family Feast: Serve alongside garlic bread or roasted vegetables for a complete, comforting meal.

Variations and Customizations

• Spicy Seafood Lasagna: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the béchamel for subtle heat.
• Mixed Seafood: Include scallops or lobster for a more decadent dish.
• Herb-Infused: Incorporate fresh dill or tarragon for a fragrant twist.
• Cheese Lovers’ Version: Mix in fontina or Gruyère for a richer, creamier top layer.

Tips for Perfect Seafood Lasagna

• Don’t Overcook the Seafood: Shrimp and crab cook quickly; undercooked seafood can become rubbery.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the lasagna to sit for 10–15 minutes after baking helps it hold its shape when sliced.
• Use Fresh Seafood: Fresh, high-quality seafood makes all the difference in flavor.

Why Seafood Lasagna Belongs on Your Table

Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp and Crab is a luxurious, flavorful alternative to traditional lasagna, combining creamy textures, delicate seafood, and rich cheese. It’s elegant enough for special occasions yet approachable enough for a cozy dinner at home.

Whether you’re entertaining guests, celebrating a holiday, or just craving a decadent pasta dish, this seafood lasagna is a guaranteed showstopper. The layers of flavor, the comforting richness, and the satisfying presentation make it a dish to remember.e than you’d expect.