There’s something truly special about this Creamy Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab — it’s indulgent, elegant, and surprisingly easy to make. Imagine layers of tender lasagna noodles, succulent shrimp, sweet crab meat, and a luscious cream sauce infused with garlic, Parmesan, and herbs. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a restaurant treat but comes straight from your own kitchen.
Unlike traditional lasagna, this one skips the red sauce entirely. Instead, it’s built around a luxurious, velvety white sauce that perfectly complements the delicate seafood. Every bite is creamy, cheesy, and deeply comforting — the perfect dish for special dinners, holidays, or when you simply want to spoil yourself with something spectacular.
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🦀 Elegant & comforting: A creamy twist on classic lasagna, filled with fresh seafood.
- 🍤 Rich and flavorful: The shrimp and crab add sweetness that balances the creamy sauce.
- 🧀 Ultra cheesy: Layers of mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan create the perfect texture.
- 🍋 Bright & balanced: Lemon zest and garlic bring freshness to every bite.
- 🍽️ Perfect for gatherings: Feeds a crowd and reheats beautifully.
🧂 Ingredients
For the Seafood Filling:
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup lump crab meat (fresh or canned, drained)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 4 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk (warm)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp white pepper
- ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 1½ cups ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
For the Lasagna Layers:
- 9 lasagna noodles (cooked and drained)
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella (for topping)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Seafood
In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Add shrimp, salt, pepper, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Cook for 2–3 minutes, until shrimp are just pink. Stir in crab meat and cook for another minute. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tbsp butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly add warm milk, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened (about 5 minutes). Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce coats the back of a spoon.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Filling
In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, mozzarella, Parmesan, and parsley until creamy and combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread a thin layer of the creamy sauce on the bottom.
- Layer 1: 3 lasagna noodles, half of the cheese mixture, half of the seafood mixture, and a drizzle of sauce.
- Layer 2: 3 noodles, remaining cheese mixture, remaining seafood, and more sauce.
- Layer 3: Final 3 noodles, remaining sauce, and top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes, until golden and bubbly. Let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
💡 Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the seafood. Shrimp will continue to cook in the oven, so slightly undercooked is perfect.
- Use fresh Parmesan — it melts better and gives a richer flavor.
- Make ahead: Assemble up to a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Freeze for later: Wrap tightly in foil before baking; freeze up to 2 months.
- Add vegetables: Spinach or sautéed mushrooms pair beautifully with the sauce.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- Serve with garlic bread or cheesy pull-apart rolls to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Add a side of lemony arugula salad or roasted asparagus for a light contrast.
- Finish with a glass of crisp white wine or sparkling lemonade for balance.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers covered for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave or oven at 350°F with a splash of cream to keep it moist.
- Freeze: Cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap before freezing.
✨ Why This Recipe Works
This creamy seafood lasagna is pure comfort with a coastal twist. The delicate shrimp and crab balance beautifully with the rich, velvety sauce. The layers of ricotta and mozzarella make it indulgent but not heavy — and the hint of lemon and garlic keeps it fresh and vibrant. Every layer builds on the next, creating a luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth experience that will impress anyone who takes a bite.
It’s not just dinner — it’s a statement dish. Perfect for holidays, date nights, or when you want to serve something unforgettable.
