Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab Recipe

If you’re looking to dazzle at your next family gathering, look no further than this irresistible Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab. Layer upon layer of tender pasta, succulent shrimp, sweet crab, creamy ricotta, and a luscious white sauce come together in pure harmony. Every bite is rich yet bright, with a hint of lemon and fresh herbs tying it all together. This dish is a celebration of coastal flavors and classic comfort that instantly becomes the star of any meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab is simple but essential, working together to build mouthwatering flavor, texture, and color. Let’s take a closer look at why every element matters for the perfect bite!

Olive oil or butter: A fragrant base for sautéing onions and garlic, adding silkiness to the seafood filling.
Onion: Finely chopped for a hint of sweetness and depth.
Garlic: Freshly minced for that classic aromatic backbone.
Shrimp: Chopped and briefly cooked; offers juicy, briny flavor and a gorgeous bite.
Crab meat: Use lump crab for sweet seafood notes and a melt-in-the-mouth texture.
Salt, pepper, and chili flakes: Essential for seasoning, chili flakes add gentle heat if you like.
Lemon juice: Brightens the seafood and keeps things lively.
Parsley or fresh basil: Adds pops of freshness and green throughout your lasagna.
Ricotta cheese: The creamy heart of your cheese mixture, giving every layer irresistible richness.
Parmesan cheese: Nutty and salty, it’s the savory powerhouse for the creamy cheese layer and topping.
Egg: Helps bind the cheese layer together for perfect slices.
Lemon zest: Offers a aromatic, citrusy lift that flatters all the other flavors.
Butter: The key to a velvety béchamel sauce.
All-purpose flour: Thickens your white sauce for silky layering.
Milk: Warmed before adding to the roux for a smooth, lump-free béchamel.
Nutmeg: A pinch is traditional in béchamel—just enough to add subtle warmth.
Shredded mozzarella or Gruyère (optional): For extra melty, gooey richness in the sauce layers.
Lasagna noodles: Oven-ready or pre-cooked, they’re the foundation that brings everything together.
Shredded mozzarella: Blankets the top with bubbling, golden deliciousness.
Extra Parmesan: That irresistible, cheesy finish you’ll crave in every forkful.

How to Make Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab

Step 1: Prepare the Seafood Filling

Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion until it softens and turns translucent, then stir in the garlic for just a minute until fragrant. Add in your chopped shrimp and cook until they turn pink—only a couple of minutes! Fold in the crab meat, season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes if you’d like a hint of heat. Finish with a generous squeeze of lemon juice and a handful of fresh parsley or basil. Transfer this mixture to a bowl and set aside. These flavors are the soul of your Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, grated Parmesan, egg, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Blend together until smooth and creamy. This luscious cheese layer adds a velvety richness to your Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab and helps balance the vibrant seafood with gentle decadence.

Step 3: Make the White Sauce (Béchamel)

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to make a roux—cook it for a minute or two, just until it smells ever so slightly nutty. Slowly pour in the warm milk in a steady stream, whisking constantly so it thickens smoothly with no lumps. Season with salt, pepper, and a dash of nutmeg, then, if you’re up for extra decadence, stir in mozzarella or Gruyère. Remove from heat. This silky béchamel will bring all the elements of your Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab together into one glorious, creamy experience.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a 9×13″ baking dish. Spread just a bit of béchamel on the base to prevent sticking. Lay down 3 noodles, then half the ricotta mixture, half the seafood, a drizzle of béchamel, and a sprinkle of mozzarella. Layer again: noodles, the rest of the ricotta, remaining seafood, more béchamel, and mozzarella. Finish with your last layer of noodles, all the remaining béchamel, then top with plenty of mozzarella and a snowfall of Parmesan. It’s hard not to get excited about this assembly—it practically guarantees a showstopping Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab!

Step 5: Bake

Cover your dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This final step is crucial; that little pause ensures clean slices and allows all the flavors of your Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab to set and shine.

How to Serve Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab

Garnishes

When your Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab emerges from the oven, a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil is all you need for color and a pop of herbal brightness. If you’re feeling extra, a zest of fresh lemon right before serving awakens all those layered flavors, making every bite taste as vibrant as it looks.

Side Dishes

Hearty garlic bread or a lemon-herb focaccia make ideal companions, perfect for soaking up any creamy sauce that lingers on your plate. For freshness, serve with a peppery arugula salad or a classic Caesar with crunchy croutons and shaved Parmesan. Pour a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, and you have a full, elegantly balanced meal to showcase your Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab.

Creative Ways to Present

For a family-style dinner, bring the bubbling pan straight to the table and let everyone dig in. Or, for a more upscale dinner party feel, slice the lasagna into neat squares and arrange on pre-warmed plates, garnished individually. Mini lasagna rolls or ramekin-sized portions also turn this favorite Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab into an unforgettable starter for special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer individual portions into airtight containers to help preserve the delicate flavor and textures.

Freezing

To freeze, let your Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab cool completely, then wrap it tightly in a double layer of foil. You can freeze an entire pan or individual servings for up to two months—ideal for quick, delicious meals on busy nights. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Warm leftovers in a 180°C (350°F) oven covered with foil until heated through, about 20–25 minutes for a whole pan or 10–15 minutes for individual pieces. For a quick lunch, microwave a slice, covered, in 1-minute increments. Just be sure to heat gently to keep the seafood tender and the sauce creamy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp and crab?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and drain any excess liquid from the crab before cooking. This helps prevent extra moisture from making the Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab watery.

What’s the best crab meat for this recipe?

Lump crab meat, whether fresh or high-quality canned, is ideal for both flavor and texture in your Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab. Avoid imitation crab if you can, as it won’t lend the same natural sweetness.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Definitely! Assemble the entire Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab, cover, and refrigerate up to a day ahead. Bake fresh before serving for the very best taste and texture.

Is it okay to skip the béchamel or change the cheese?

The béchamel is classic and adds irresistibly creamy layers, but you can swap in a light Alfredo or cream sauce if you like. Likewise, feel free to play with cheese types—Gruyère, fontina, or even a touch of gouda can bring a new dimension to your Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab.

Can I add other seafood or vegetables?

Absolutely! You can fold in scallops, diced cooked lobster, or even sautéed spinach or mushrooms for variety. Just make sure your fillings are cooked and well-drained before layering into your Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something special, this Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings comfort and a taste of the sea to your table. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a recipe you reach for again and again—give it a try, and let every luscious, cheesy, seafood-packed layer speak for itself!