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Creamy Seafood Lasagna is my go-to when I want something extra special for a cozy gathering or holiday dinner. Tender noodles cradle juicy shrimp and sweet, delicate crab between layers of melty mozzarella, rich ricotta, and sharp Parmesan all wrapped in a blanket of creamy Alfredo sauce. A topping of golden breadcrumbs brings just the right final crunch. This dish turns any meal into an occasion and always draws a chorus of second-helpings.
I first made this dish for a New Year’s Eve family dinner. Everyone kept raving all night and now it is the one recipe my best friend requests every birthday.
Ingredients
- Lasagna noodles: These create perfect structured layers holding all your fillings together Choose traditional dry noodles for reliable texture in baking
- Shrimp: Fresh or frozen both work Aim for medium size so pieces stay juicy without getting lost
- Crab meat: Brings delicate sweetness and plush texture Lump crab will give you tender bites throughout the dish
- Ricotta cheese: Delivers creamy richness Use full fat for the most flavor and a smooth filling
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey ribbons of cheese Pick whole milk mozzarella for fullness
- Parmesan cheese: Sharp and nutty Freshly grate for the best punch of flavor and texture
- Alfredo sauce: Bathes everything in velvet creaminess Store bought works well or make your own for a personal touch
- Heavy cream: Enhances the filling’s silkiness just a splash makes a difference
- Garlic: Infuses savory depth Go for fresh cloves and mince just before cooking
- Olive oil: Gives body and aroma to sautéed elements Choose extra virgin for best results
- Fresh parsley: Brightens every bite Pick flat leaf for its clean pure flavor
- Salt and black pepper: Essential balance to all the creamy richness Sea salt and cracked black pepper add snap
- Red pepper flakes: A gentle touch of heat Start sparingly and add more to taste
- Breadcrumbs: The final golden crunch Plain or Italian style both work beautifully
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Boil the Noodles:
- Cook the lasagna noodles in a large pot of salted water Stir gently every couple of minutes until they are just al dente then drain and arrange the noodles flat on a clean kitchen towel This keeps them from sticking and tearing while you prepare the other ingredients
- Sauté the Seafood:
- Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat Add garlic and stir for one minute letting the fragrance bloom Add shrimp and cook until just pink and barely firm Stir in crab meat followed by salt black pepper and a small pinch of red pepper flakes Toss gently and cook for only two more minutes so everything holds its tender texture Remove the skillet from heat so seafood does not overcook
- Mix the Cheese Filling:
- In a mixing bowl combine ricotta one cup of mozzarella half a cup of Parmesan heavy cream and two tablespoons of chopped parsley Stir together until thick creamy and evenly blended The mixture should be dense enough to hold its shape
- Assemble the Lasagna:
- Spread a few spoonfuls of Alfredo sauce on the bottom of your baking dish Lay out one layer of noodles Cover with half the cheese filling Spoon on half the seafood mixture and drizzle with more Alfredo sauce Repeat these layers a second time then top with a final layer of noodles and a thick spread of remaining Alfredo sauce
- Add Toppings and Bake:
- Scatter with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan Finish with an even coating of breadcrumbs Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and cook at 375 degrees for twenty five minutes Remove foil and bake for another fifteen minutes until the top is golden and bubbling
- Rest and Serve:
- Take it out of the oven and make yourself wait at least ten minutes before slicing so every layer stays in place and pieces look beautiful on the plate
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I always look forward to adding extra crab meat because it brings a sweet ocean flavor that my niece loves so much We had a family night where everyone helped layer the lasagna together and it became a new tradition for any special dinner
Storage Tips
Wrap leftovers tightly and store in the fridge for up to three days For reheating cover slices with foil in the oven to keep them moist For longer storage freeze individual portions up to one month and thaw overnight in the fridge before gently reheating
Ingredient Substitutions
If crab is unavailable swap in chopped cooked scallops or flaked salmon instead For a lighter version switch heavy cream for half and half or whole milk Gluten free lasagna noodles work well without changing the structure of the dish
Serving Suggestions
Serve each slice hot with fresh lemon wedges and extra parsley on top A crisp green salad makes a perfect partner Garlic bread or even a drizzle of chili oil is excellent for those who want a contrast to the creamy richness
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The Story of Seafood Lasagna
Lasagna holds a special place in many Italian American kitchens and swapping in seafood with Alfredo sauce gives the dish an elegant coastal feel I first tasted it at a seaside restaurant and after many family tweaks it became the dish I serve when the occasion calls for a memorable dinner
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What kinds of seafood can I use?
Besides shrimp and crab, scallops or lobster may be substituted. Chopped cooked salmon also works well and brings a new flavor dimension.
- → How can I keep the noodles from drying out?
Always make sure the noodles are covered completely with sauce before baking. Cover the dish with foil for the first part of baking to retain moisture.
- → Can this lasagna be made ahead?
Yes, you can assemble it ahead and refrigerate, then bake when you are ready to serve. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting cold.
- → Which cheese work best for creaminess?
Using ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan together gives a balance of creaminess, stretch, and nutty flavor in each layer.
- → How can I keep the seafood tender?
Cook shrimp just until pink and crab until heated through, avoiding overcooking to preserve delicate texture.
- → Are there substitutions for crab meat?
Chopped cooked scallops or flaked cooked salmon can be used if crab is unavailable, offering a different but delicious result.