Imagine layers of tender pasta, succulent seafood, and a rich, creamy sauce, all baked to perfection and crowned with a golden, bubbly cheese topping. This seafood lasagna recipe is not just a dish – it’s a culinary adventure that will transport your taste buds to a seaside escape.
Crafted with care and attention to detail, this quick and delectable lasagna is a surefire crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking to impress your family on a weeknight or wow your guests at a dinner party, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
Dive in and let the flavors of the sea and the comfort of classic lasagna meld together in a harmonious symphony of taste and texture. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will leave you craving more.
🥰 Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe
This seafood lasagna is not your average pasta bake. From the moment you take the first bite, you’ll be captivated by the layers of flavor and texture. The creamy, seafood-infused béchamel sauce serves as the perfect complement to the tender pasta and the succulent blend of shrimp, scallops, and crab. The rich, melted cheese on top adds a decadent finishing touch that will have you reaching for seconds.
Beyond the flavor profile, this recipe is also incredibly easy to prepare, making it a great option for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. With a few simple steps and minimal hands-on time, you can have a restaurant-quality seafood lasagna on the table in no time. It’s the perfect balance of gourmet taste and fuss-free convenience.
🥕 A Look at What Goes Into This Dish
• 1 pound (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 pound (450g) scallops, cut in half
• 8 ounces (225g) lump crabmeat, picked over for shells
• 3 tablespoons (45ml) olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tablespoons (45g) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (475ml) milk
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) ground nutmeg
• 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
The star ingredients in this seafood lasagna are the trio of shrimp, scallops, and crab. These succulent, briny seafood elements come together to create a truly exceptional flavor profile. The béchamel sauce, made with a roux, milk, and heavy cream, provides a rich, creamy base that coats the noodles and seafood. The blend of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses adds a decadent, melty topping that ties the whole dish together.
📖 Follow These Steps for Flawless Results
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles and lay them flat on a baking sheet to prevent sticking.
- Sauté the Seafood: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and scallops and sauté until they just begin to turn opaque, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the seafood from the pan and set aside. In the same pan, sauté the diced onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Make the Béchamel Sauce: In the same skillet, sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the onion and garlic mixture. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, and continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the dried thyme, oregano, nutmeg, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper.
- Assemble the Lasagna: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of the béchamel sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce. Top with half of the sautéed seafood, followed by a layer of the béchamel sauce. Sprinkle with 1/3 of the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Repeat the layers of noodles, seafood, sauce, and cheese two more times, ending with the remaining cheese.
- Bake and Serve: Cover the lasagna with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. Allow the lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cook time: 50-60 minutes
• Total time: 80-90 minutes
📊 Estimated Nutritional Profile
Nutritional information is an estimate per serving, based on 8 servings.
• Protein: 39 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fat: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
🎨 Make It Your Own: Substitutions & Ideas
• To Make it Vegan: Substitute the seafood with sautéed mushrooms, diced tofu, or a plant-based protein of your choice. Use a non-dairy milk and cream, and replace the cheese with a vegan cheese alternative.
• To Add a Spicy Kick: Stir in a tablespoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the béchamel sauce. You can also top the lasagna with sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of sriracha for an extra burst of heat.
🍽️ Plating and Presentation Tips
• Garnish Suggestions: Garnish the top of the lasagna with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, a dollop of pesto, or a drizzle of lemon-garlic aioli.
• Beverage Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp, unoaked Chardonnay or a light, citrusy Sauvignon Blanc. For a non-alcoholic option, a refreshing sparkling water or lemonade would also be a great accompaniment.
❗ Pro Tips for a Perfect Outcome Every Time
• Mistake 2 – Using Cold Ingredients: Make sure all of your ingredients, especially the milk and cream for the béchamel sauce, are at room temperature before you begin. This will help the sauce come together more smoothly and prevent any lumps from forming.
• Mistake 3 – Not Preheating the Oven: Ensure your oven is fully preheated to the correct temperature before you put the lasagna in to bake. This will help the dish cook evenly and develop a beautifully golden, bubbly top.
🧊 Storing, Freezing, and Reheating
• Freezing: This seafood lasagna can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow the dish to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: To reheat the lasagna, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap and foil, cover the dish with a new layer of foil, and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
❓ FAQs
Can I use a different type of seafood in this recipe?
Absolutely! The beauty of this seafood lasagna is that you can mix and match your favorite types of seafood. Feel free to substitute the shrimp, scallops, and crab with other options like cod, salmon, or lobster. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times as needed for the specific seafood you choose.
How can I make this lasagna gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version of this seafood lasagna, simply replace the all-purpose flour in the béchamel sauce with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. You’ll also need to use gluten-free lasagna noodles. Adjust the liquid ratios as needed to achieve the desired consistency for the sauce. With these simple swaps, you can enjoy this delicious dish without the gluten.
Can I prepare this lasagna in advance?
Yes, you can absolutely make this seafood lasagna ahead of time. Assemble the entire dish, cover it with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. When ready to serve, remove the lasagna from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, and then bake as directed. This makes it a great option for entertaining or meal prepping.
How do I know when the lasagna is done?
The lasagna is ready when the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. You can also use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C). The pasta should be tender, and the seafood should be cooked through. If the top is browning too quickly, simply cover it with foil until the center is heated through.
Can I freeze leftover seafood lasagna?
Yes, you can freeze any leftover seafood lasagna. Allow the dish to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. The lasagna can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven.
🎉 Your Culinary Adventure Awaits!
With this quick and delicious seafood lasagna recipe, you can bring the flavors of the sea to your kitchen and impress your loved ones with a truly gourmet meal. The rich, creamy béchamel sauce, the tender pasta, and the succulent seafood come together in a harmonious blend that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, prepare your taste buds, and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will transport you to a seaside oasis, all from the comfort of your own home. Bon appétit!
PrintQuick and Delicious Seafood Lasagna Recipe
- Total Time: 80-90 minutes
Ingredients
• 12 ounces (340g) lasagna noodles
• 1 pound (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 pound (450g) scallops, cut in half
• 8 ounces (225g) lump crabmeat, picked over for shells
• 3 tablespoons (45ml) olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tablespoons (45g) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (475ml) milk
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) ground nutmeg
• 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles and lay them flat on a baking sheet to prevent sticking.
- Sauté the Seafood: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and scallops and sauté until they just begin to turn opaque, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the seafood from the pan and set aside. In the same pan, sauté the diced onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Make the Béchamel Sauce: In the same skillet, sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the onion and garlic mixture. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, and continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the dried thyme, oregano, nutmeg, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper.
- Assemble the Lasagna: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of the béchamel sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce. Top with half of the sautéed seafood, followed by a layer of the béchamel sauce. Sprinkle with 1/3 of the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Repeat the layers of noodles, seafood, sauce, and cheese two more times, ending with the remaining cheese.
- Bake and Serve: Cover the lasagna with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. Allow the lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Americans
Keywords: Quick and Delicious Seafood Lasagna Recipe