Imagine layers of tender pasta, creamy sauce, and succulent seafood all coming together to create a dish that’s as comforting as it is indulgent. Creamy Seafood Lasagna combines the rich flavors of shrimp, crab, and lobster with a velvety white sauce and gooey mozzarella cheese for a show-stopping meal that’s perfect for special occasions or a luxurious dinner at home.
If you’ve ever wanted to bring the elegance of restaurant-quality seafood lasagna to your own kitchen, this recipe is here to guide you every step of the way.
Why Creamy Seafood Lasagna Is Worth Making
Seafood lasagna is the ultimate comfort food with a sophisticated twist. It’s hearty, satisfying, and packed with flavors that will transport you to a coastal Italian trattoria. This dish is ideal for celebrations, family gatherings, or anytime you want to impress your guests—or yourself!
Ingredients for Creamy Seafood Lasagna
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this decadent lasagna:
Cream Sauce | Seafood and Pasta Layers |
4 tablespoons unsalted butter | 1 pound dried lasagna noodles |
¼ cup all-purpose flour | Olive oil |
1 (8-ounce) bottle clam juice | ½ bunch fresh parsley (¼ cup chopped for sauce, 1 tbsp for garnish) |
3 cups whole milk | ½ medium lemon (1 tbsp juice) |
1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt | 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped |
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper | 4 tablespoons unsalted butter |
½ cup dry white wine | |
1 pound tiny raw shrimp (70–90 count) | |
8 ounces lump crab meat | |
8 ounces cooked lobster meat, chopped | |
3 cups part-skim ricotta cheese | |
1 ½ ounces Parmesan cheese, grated | |
1 pound low-moisture mozzarella cheese, shredded |
This carefully curated list of ingredients ensures every layer of your lasagna is brimming with flavor.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Creamy Seafood Lasagna
1. Prepare the Cream Sauce
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the flour and whisk constantly for 2 minutes, until lightly toasted.
- Gradually pour in the clam juice while whisking, followed by the whole milk.
- Season with salt and black pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until thickened, about 8-10 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
2. Cook the Lasagna Noodles
- Boil the noodles in salted water according to package directions until al dente.
- Drain, rinse under cool water, and lay them out on a baking sheet coated with olive oil to prevent sticking.
3. Sauté the Seafood
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped garlic and cook until golden, about 3 minutes.
- Pour in the white wine and boil until almost evaporated, about 3 minutes.
- Add the shrimp and cook until pink and cooked through, about 4 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in parsley, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.
4. Mix the Ricotta Filling
- Combine ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl.
- Stir until smooth and taste to adjust seasoning if necessary.
Assembling the Lasagna
1. Layer the Ingredients
- Spread ½ cup of cream sauce across the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Add a layer of lasagna noodles, overlapping slightly.
- Spread half the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by half the shrimp, crab, and lobster.
- Sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella cheese and dollop 1 cup of cream sauce over the top.
2. Repeat the Layers
- Add another layer of noodles, followed by the remaining ricotta mixture, seafood, mozzarella, and cream sauce.
3. Top the Lasagna
- Finish with a final layer of noodles, the remaining cream sauce, and 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese.
4. Bake the Lasagna
- Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil coated with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
5. Let It Rest
- Allow the lasagna to cool for 15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
Why This Recipe Works
1. Perfectly Balanced Flavors
The combination of creamy sauce, delicate seafood, and tangy ricotta creates a symphony of flavors in every bite.
2. Restaurant-Quality Texture
Cooking the shrimp separately ensures it stays tender, while the layered assembly creates a satisfying structure.
3. Foolproof Cream Sauce
The clam juice adds a subtle brininess that complements the seafood without overpowering the dish.
Tips for the Best Seafood Lasagna
1. Use Fresh Ingredients
High-quality seafood, fresh parsley, and good cheese make all the difference.
2. Prevent Soggy Lasagna
Drain the cooked noodles thoroughly and avoid overloading the lasagna with sauce.
3. Customize the Seafood
Add scallops, mussels, or your favorite seafood to make this dish your own.
4. Let It Rest
Resting the lasagna allows the layers to set, making it easier to slice and serve.
Serving Suggestions for Seafood Lasagna
1. With a Side Salad
Serve alongside a crisp Caesar or arugula salad for a refreshing contrast.
2. Garlic Bread
Pair with buttery garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
3. A Light Dessert
Finish the meal with a zesty lemon sorbet or fresh berries.
Nutritional Information
Nutrient | Per Serving (1 Slice) |
Calories | 520 |
Protein | 38g |
Fat | 25g |
Carbohydrates | 36g |
Sodium | 880mg |
This dish is hearty and satisfying, offering a well-balanced meal that’s perfect for seafood lovers.
FAQs About Creamy Seafood Lasagna
1. Can I use frozen seafood?
Yes, but thaw it thoroughly and pat it dry before cooking to avoid excess water.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the lasagna and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
3. Can I freeze seafood lasagna?
Yes, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
4. What’s the best wine to use?
A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works well.
5. How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
6. Can I substitute the clam juice?
You can use fish stock, chicken broth, or even vegetable broth if clam juice isn’t available.
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Try Creamy Seafood Lasagna
Creamy Seafood Lasagna is a dish that combines comfort and sophistication in every bite. With its layers of creamy sauce, delicate seafood, and melty cheese, it’s a recipe that’s sure to impress your guests and become a family favorite.
So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and treat yourself to a culinary masterpiece that’s as rewarding to make as it is to eat.
PrintCreamy Seafood Lasagna: An Elegant Dish for Every Occasion
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Indulge in the elegance of Creamy Seafood Lasagna, a decadent dish featuring tender pasta layered with rich cream sauce, succulent shrimp, crab, and lobster, and topped with gooey mozzarella cheese. Perfect for special occasions or a luxurious dinner at home, this recipe is a showstopper that combines comfort and sophistication.
Ingredients
For the Cream Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 (8-ounce) bottle clam juice
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
For the Seafood and Pasta Layers:
- 1 pound dried lasagna noodles
- Olive oil (for noodles)
- ½ bunch fresh parsley (¼ cup chopped for sauce, 1 tablespoon for garnish)
- ½ medium lemon (1 tablespoon juice)
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 1 pound tiny raw shrimp (70–90 count)
- 8 ounces lump crab meat
- 8 ounces cooked lobster meat, chopped
For the Ricotta Filling and Topping:
- 3 cups part-skim ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ ounces Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 pound low-moisture mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Sauce:
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the flour and whisk constantly for 2 minutes until lightly toasted.
- Gradually pour in the clam juice, followed by the whole milk, whisking continuously.
- Season with salt and black pepper.
- Bring to a boil, stirring frequently, then reduce heat to medium and simmer for 8-10 minutes until thickened. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Cook the Lasagna Noodles:
- Boil the noodles in salted water according to package directions until al dente.
- Drain, rinse under cool water, and lay them on a baking sheet coated with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Sauté the Seafood:
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped garlic and cook until golden, about 3 minutes.
- Pour in the white wine and boil until almost evaporated, about 3 minutes.
- Add the shrimp and cook until pink and cooked through, about 4 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in parsley, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.
- Mix the Ricotta Filling:
- In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and adjust seasoning as necessary.
- Assemble the Lasagna:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread ½ cup of cream sauce across the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Add a layer of lasagna noodles, overlapping slightly.
- Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by half the shrimp, crab, and lobster.
- Sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella cheese and dollop 1 cup of cream sauce over the top.
- Repeat the layering process, finishing with a final layer of noodles, remaining cream sauce, and 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake the Lasagna:
- Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil coated with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let It Rest:
- Allow the lasagna to cool for 15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
Notes
- Seafood Variations: Add scallops, mussels, or your favorite seafood to customize the recipe.
- Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly in aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American