Introduction
Creamy Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab is a luxurious twist on traditional lasagna, perfect for special occasions or when you want to elevate a home-cooked meal. Instead of tomato sauce, this version relies on a silky, cream-based sauce that highlights the delicate sweetness of seafood. The combination of tender shrimp, flaky crab, and layers of pasta creates a dish that feels restaurant-worthy yet approachable for home cooks. I first prepared this lasagna for a family celebration, and it quickly became the most requested dish at the table. The flavors are rich but balanced, with seafood taking center stage rather than being overwhelmed by cheese or seasoning. This recipe is ideal for make-ahead dinners, holiday meals, or anytime you want a comforting dish with a refined touch. Each slice is creamy, satisfying, and full of layered flavor.
Print
Creamy Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab (Rich, Elegant Comfort Food)
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A rich and comforting creamy seafood lasagna layered with tender shrimp, sweet crab meat, lasagna noodles, and a velvety white sauce baked until bubbly and golden.
Ingredients
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- 8 oz lump crab meat
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Add onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes until just pink.
- Gently fold in crab meat and remove from heat; set aside.
- In a saucepan, whisk flour into milk and cream over medium heat until thickened.
- Season sauce with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of sauce in a greased baking dish.
- Layer noodles, seafood mixture, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and sauce. Repeat layers.
- Finish with sauce and remaining cheese on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Uncover and bake an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
- Rest 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley and serve.
Notes
- Do not overcook shrimp before baking to keep it tender.
- Use fresh crab meat for best flavor.
- Let lasagna rest before slicing for clean layers.
- Pairs well with a green salad or garlic bread.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This seafood lasagna is creamy without being heavy, packed with high-quality protein, and perfect for entertaining. It can be assembled ahead of time, bakes beautifully, and slices cleanly. The shrimp and crab bring elegance, while the creamy sauce keeps it comforting and familiar.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Lasagna noodles
Lasagna noodles create the structure of the dish, holding the layers together while absorbing flavor from the sauce.
Shrimp
Shrimp add a tender, slightly sweet bite and cook quickly, making them ideal for layered pasta dishes.
Crab meat
Crab meat provides delicate flavor and a flaky texture that pairs beautifully with cream-based sauces.
Butter
Butter forms the base of the sauce, adding richness and depth.
Garlic
Garlic enhances the seafood without overpowering it, adding aromatic warmth.
All-purpose flour
Flour thickens the sauce, creating a smooth and stable cream base.
Heavy cream
Heavy cream delivers richness and a velvety texture essential to this dish.
Milk
Milk lightens the sauce slightly, preventing it from becoming overly heavy.
Parmesan cheese
Parmesan cheese adds sharpness and umami to balance the cream.
Mozzarella cheese
Mozzarella provides meltability and helps create beautiful layers.
Ricotta cheese
Ricotta adds creaminess and structure between the layers.
Salt
Salt enhances all the flavors and balances the richness.
Black pepper
Black pepper adds gentle heat and contrast.
Italian seasoning
Italian seasoning provides subtle herbal notes that complement the seafood.
Fresh parsley
Parsley adds freshness and color as a finishing touch.
Directions
Begin by cooking the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for about one minute to form a roux.
Gradually add the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Remove from heat.
Lightly sauté the shrimp in a separate pan until just opaque, then set aside.
In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of cream sauce on the bottom. Layer noodles, ricotta cheese, shrimp, crab meat, mozzarella, and sauce. Repeat layers, finishing with sauce and mozzarella on top.
Cover with foil and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden. Let rest before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 8 people. Preparation time is approximately 30 minutes, with a baking time of 40–45 minutes. Total time is about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Variations and Customizations
This seafood lasagna can be adapted easily. You may substitute lobster for crab for a more indulgent version or use scallops alongside shrimp. Spinach can be added between layers for freshness and color.
For extra richness, add a small amount of cream cheese to the sauce. If you prefer a lighter dish, replace part of the heavy cream with additional milk. Gluten-free lasagna noodles work well with this recipe, provided they are cooked properly.
You can also experiment with herbs such as dill or chives for a slightly different flavor profile. This dish is flexible while maintaining its elegant character.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
The following nutrition information is approximate and based on one serving.
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 kcal |
| Protein | 34 g |
| Carbs | 38 g |
| Fat | 28 g |
| Saturated fat | 15 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 760 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Do not overcook seafood
Shrimp should be just cooked before baking to avoid rubbery texture.
Rest before slicing
Letting the lasagna rest helps it hold its shape.
Use quality crab
Fresh or well-drained crab improves flavor significantly.
Season gradually
Taste the sauce before layering to adjust seasoning.
Cover while baking
This prevents drying and ensures even cooking.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat covered in the oven at low heat or gently in the microwave until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, assemble up to one day ahead and bake before serving.
Can I freeze seafood lasagna?
Freezing is possible, but texture may slightly change due to the cream sauce.
What type of crab works best?
Lump or claw meat both work well.
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but reduce sauté time to avoid overcooking.
Is this dish very rich?
It is creamy but balanced by seafood and seasoning.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, spinach or asparagus work well.
Do I need no-boil noodles?
Regular noodles are recommended for best texture.
Can I reduce the cheese?
Yes, but it may affect structure.
Conclusion
Creamy Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab is an elegant, comforting dish that combines rich sauce, tender seafood, and layered pasta into a memorable meal. Perfect for entertaining or special dinners, this recipe delivers impressive results while remaining approachable for home cooks.
Hungry for more? Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!