Creamy Seafood Lasagna Shrimp Crab

Craving a fresh twist on comfort food Lasagna gets a seaside makeover in this creamy seafood version packed with tender shrimp and sweet crab hugged in layers of pasta and decadent three-cheese Alfredo sauce. It is the dish I break out for celebrations and those evenings when I want to wow the family but still keep the work manageable.

I first whipped up this seafood lasagna for my parents' anniversary dinner and everyone went back for seconds I always think of that meal and how it instantly became a family favorite

Ingredients

• Lasagna noodles: The classic foundation of any lasagna Select noodles that hold up well after boiling so they stay firm with all the creamy layers
• Shrimp peeled and deveined: Look for medium to large shrimp with a sweet ocean scent and firm texture Fresh or flash frozen both work well
• Lump crab meat: Skip imitation if possible for natural sweetness and delicate flavor Fresh canned or refrigerated lump crab all shine here
• Whole milk ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild This keeps the filling rich and tender Go for a good-quality brand with minimal fillers
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Divided for both filling and topping Freshly shredded gives the best melt and richness
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Nutty and salty This adds depth Try to buy a wedge to grate yourself for maximum flavor
• Good quality Alfredo sauce: Creamy base that ties the seafood filling together Choose a jarred version with real cream and parmesan or make your own
• Heavy cream: Gives extra silkiness to the ricotta filling Look for cream with no additives
• Garlic minced: A hit of savory aroma Fresh cloves are key for real flavor
• Olive oil: For sautéing the seafood Use a mild oil so it does not overpower the other flavors
• Fresh parsley chopped: Brightens the whole casserole Opt for flat-leaf parsley for more taste
• Salt: To enhance all the flavors Use sea salt if possible
• Black pepper: For balance in the filling Freshly cracked has the most aroma
• Red pepper flakes optional: For a gentle hint of heat Add based on your preference
• Breadcrumbs: For a golden crispy top Use fresh bread processed into crumbs or panko for crunch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Noodles:

Boil lasagna noodles in salted water until just al dente which should take about ten minutes Drain and lay them flat on parchment paper so they do not stick together

Cook the Seafood:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat Sauté minced garlic for one minute until fragrant Add shrimp and cook for three to four minutes until pink and just cooked through Stir in the crab meat along with salt black pepper and red pepper flakes if using Gently combine for another two minutes then take off the heat

Mix the Cheese Filling:

In a medium bowl stir together ricotta one cup of mozzarella half a cup of parmesan heavy cream and chopped parsley Make sure the texture is creamy and the parsley is well distributed

Make the Layer Base:

Spoon a thin layer of Alfredo sauce across the bottom of your baking dish This keeps noodles from sticking and gives the bottom a creamy start

Layer the Lasagna:

Place one layer of noodles on the sauce Top with one third of the ricotta mixture dollop evenly across the noodles Sprinkle one third of the seafood mixture over the ricotta Drizzle some Alfredo sauce Repeat this sequence for two more full layers Finish with one last noodle layer and pour the rest of the Alfredo sauce over the top

Add Topping and Bake:

Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese evenly over the top Scatter breadcrumbs for a crispy golden finish Cover with foil and bake for twenty five minutes Take off the foil and bake another fifteen minutes until bubbling and beautifully browned

Rest and Serve:

Let the baked lasagna sit for ten minutes after baking This resting time firms up the layers and makes for clean slices when serving

Pin it

My favorite part is the crispy cheesy top That first scoop out of the dish was always a big treat at our table because everyone hoped to snag the crunchiest corner My kids especially love to help sprinkle the breadcrumbs on top before baking turning dinner into a hands on kitchen party

Storage Tips

Store leftover seafood lasagna tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to two days The flavors deepen overnight making it even more delicious Gently reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake covered at low heat to avoid drying Meals like this also freeze surprisingly well just slice and wrap tightly for a quick meal down the line

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find crab try using bay scallops or chopped firm white fish to keep the seafood flair without breaking the bank Cottage cheese swaps easily for ricotta if you prefer a milder bite and a little extra protein For Alfredo sauce go homemade if you have time as it brings a richer finish but quality store bought varieties do the trick

Serving Suggestions

Serve big square portions with a squeeze of lemon and a dusting of extra parsley Garlic bread on the side is a comfort food classic For a lighter meal add a simple arugula salad or lightly roasted asparagus The creamy seafood and cheese flavors call for something green and vibrant at the table

Cultural Context

Seafood lasagna is a festive Italian American twist that borrows from coastal seafood bakes and traditional ricotta lasagna It is especially popular for holidays like Christmas Eve in families who honor the Feast of the Seven Fishes but I think it deserves a place on the everyday dinner table too

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use other seafood besides shrimp and crab?

Yes, bay scallops or even chunks of white fish can be used for variety. Be sure to drain excess moisture before layering.

→ How do I keep my lasagna from getting watery?

Drain all cooked seafood thoroughly and let the lasagna rest after baking to help set the layers and reduce moisture.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Assemble up to one day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for best results.

→ Can I substitute ricotta cheese?

Full-fat cottage cheese makes a great alternative if you prefer a slightly different texture or taste.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store cooled portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently before serving.