There is something utterly irresistible about diving into a rich, comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, and that’s exactly what my Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp, Crab, and Creamy Alfredo Sauce Recipe delivers. This dish perfectly balances tender shrimp and sweet crab meat layered with luscious ricotta, melted mozzarella, and the decadence of Alfredo sauce, all baked to a golden, bubbly perfection. Whether you’re planning a special dinner or just craving something luxurious yet homey, this seafood lasagna brings restaurant-quality flavors right to your kitchen with an ease that will have you hooked for life.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe has a role that enhances the harmony of flavors, textures, and colors in the seafood lasagna. From the tender pasta sheets to the flavorful seafood and creamy Alfredo sauce, these essentials come together simply yet beautifully.
- Lasagna noodles: Twelve noodles form the perfect layers to hold all the delicious fillings together.
- Shrimp (1 kilogram): Peeled and deveined for tender, juicy bites throughout.
- Crab meat (450 grams): Adds a sweet, delicate seafood flavor that pairs beautifully with shrimp.
- Ricotta cheese (480 milliliters): Provides creaminess and a mild tang that balances the seafood.
- Mozzarella cheese (200 grams shredded): Melts beautifully to give that classic lasagna stretch and gooey texture.
- Parmesan cheese (80 grams grated): Sprinkled for nutty, sharp depth in every bite.
- Alfredo sauce (950 milliliters): The luscious, creamy base that ties all elements into a velvety sauce.
- Heavy cream (240 milliliters): Enriches the cheese mixture, making each layer decadently smooth.
- Garlic (2 cloves minced): Sautéed to infuse the seafood with aromatic warmth.
- Olive oil (30 milliliters): For sautéing garlic and seafood to perfection.
- Fresh parsley (15 milliliters chopped): Adds a fresh, herbaceous pop of color and flavor.
- Salt (5 milliliters): Enhances every ingredient’s natural taste.
- Black pepper (5 milliliters): Provides subtle heat and spiciness.
- Red pepper flakes (2.5 milliliters): Adds a gentle kick that brightens the seafood flavors.
- Breadcrumbs (60 grams): Gives a delightful golden crunch to the top layer.
How to Make Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp, Crab, and Creamy Alfredo Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta and Preheat Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 190°C and cooking the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until perfectly al dente. Once cooked, drain and set them aside carefully so they don’t stick, ensuring tender layers that won’t fall apart once baked.
Step 2: Sauté Shrimp and Crab
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, then add minced garlic and sauté it until wonderfully fragrant for about one minute. Toss in the shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the crab meat, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, letting the flavors meld together for another 2 to 3 minutes. Once ready, take the skillet off the heat and set aside this heavenly seafood mixture.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Cheese Filling
Combine ricotta, 100 grams of shredded mozzarella, 40 grams of grated Parmesan, heavy cream, and chopped parsley in a bowl. Stir everything until silky smooth, creating a luscious cheese blend that will bring richness and moisture to every bite of your lasagna.
Step 4: Layer the Lasagna
Grab a 33×23 centimeter baking dish and spread a thin layer of Alfredo sauce at the bottom — this prevents sticking and infuses flavor from the very first base layer. Lay down a layer of noodles, then top with one-third of the cheese mixture, followed by one-third of the cooked shrimp and crab. Drizzle more Alfredo sauce on top, and repeat these layers two more times. Place the final layer of noodles and spread the remaining Alfredo sauce evenly across the top.
Step 5: Add Cheese Topping and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese generously over the lasagna, with a final sprinkle of breadcrumbs for a perfectly golden crust. Cover the dish with foil and pop it into the oven to bake for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the top is gorgeously golden and bubbly — that’s when you know it’s ready.
Step 6: Rest Before Serving
Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes after baking. This allows the layers to settle and makes slicing easier without losing that beautiful, rich filling. A final garnish of fresh parsley can add a lovely pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness to finish it off.
How to Serve Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp, Crab, and Creamy Alfredo Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
For a fresh and vibrant touch, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil leaves just before serving. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a dusting of finely grated Parmesan can also elevate each portion and add a subtle flavor boost.
Side Dishes
This seafood lasagna pairs beautifully with crisp, refreshing sides like a simple mixed green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables such as asparagus or zucchini. Garlic bread or a warm baguette are excellent companions to mop up any creamy sauce left on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual portions in mini ramekins for a dinner party or family gathering to impress your guests with a delicate presentation. Layer the lasagna in a clear glass dish so the vibrant layers are visible, creating a stunning centerpiece. For a lighter variation, try swapping some cheese layering with thinly sliced vegetables like zucchini ribbons or spinach leaves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover seafood lasagna to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 days and tastes just as delightful when warmed up the next day, with those creamy layers still perfectly intact.
Freezing
You can freeze the entire assembled lasagna before baking or freeze leftover portions after cooking. Wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn. Stored this way, it remains delicious for up to 3 months and is wonderfully convenient for busy nights.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen lasagna overnight in the fridge. Warm it covered with foil in a preheated oven at 175°C for about 20 to 30 minutes or until heated through. For refrigerated leftovers, microwave individual servings or use the oven to retain that freshly-baked texture and melt-in-your-mouth richness.
FAQs
Can I use frozen seafood for this recipe?
Absolutely! Thaw frozen shrimp and crab meat completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture, which can make the lasagna watery. Fresh seafood will give the best flavor, but good-quality frozen works just fine.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute regular lasagna noodles with gluten-free lasagna sheets. Many brands offer great alternatives that hold up beautifully during baking and taste just as delicious.
Can I prepare this lasagna ahead of time and bake it later?
Definitely! Assemble the entire lasagna and keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This can make your meal prep much easier on the day you want to serve it.
What can I substitute for Alfredo sauce if I want a lighter meal?
For a lighter variation, try using a béchamel sauce made with milk and a little butter, or a tomato-based seafood sauce to change up the flavor profile without losing that creamy layering essence.
How spicy is the red pepper flakes amount in this recipe?
The 2.5 milliliters of red pepper flakes add just a gentle warmth to complement the seafood without overwhelming it. Feel free to adjust to your level of spice preference or omit if you prefer milder flavors.
Final Thoughts
Making the Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp, Crab, and Creamy Alfredo Sauce Recipe at home is truly a special experience that invites you to savor every bite of its rich, layered goodness. It strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and comfort, making it a perfect centerpiece for family dinners or celebrations. Give it a try, and I promise it will become one of your most treasured go-to dishes whenever you want to impress with comforting Italian flavors and luxurious seafood in every forkful.
Print
Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp, Crab, and Creamy Alfredo Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 35 Minutes
- Cook Time: 40 Minutes
- Total Time: 75 Minutes
- Yield: 8 Servings (1 large lasagna)
- Category: Pasta Dishes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This decadent Seafood Lasagna combines succulent shrimp and tender crab meat with creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, all layered in rich Alfredo sauce and baked to golden perfection. Infused with garlic, fresh parsley, and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes, this Italian-inspired baked casserole makes a deliciously indulgent main dish perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 lasagna noodles
Seafood
- 1 kilogram shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 450 grams crab meat
Cheeses
- 480 milliliters ricotta cheese
- 200 grams shredded mozzarella cheese
- 80 grams grated Parmesan cheese
Sauces and Creams
- 950 milliliters Alfredo sauce
- 240 milliliters heavy cream
Seasonings
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 30 milliliters olive oil
- 15 milliliters fresh parsley, chopped
- 5 milliliters salt
- 5 milliliters black pepper
- 2.5 milliliters red pepper flakes
Toppings
- 60 grams breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Noodles: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain them thoroughly and set aside to cool slightly.
- Cook Seafood and Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque, approximately 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the crab meat, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to meld the flavors. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 100 grams of shredded mozzarella, 40 grams of grated Parmesan, heavy cream, and chopped fresh parsley. Mix well until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Lasagna: Spread a thin layer of Alfredo sauce evenly in the bottom of a 33×23 centimeter (13×9 inch) baking dish. Lay down a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce. Add one-third of the cheese mixture over the noodles, then one-third of the cooked seafood. Drizzle a portion of the Alfredo sauce over the seafood layer. Repeat layering the noodles, cheese mixture, seafood, and Alfredo sauce two more times. Finish with a top layer of noodles and Alfredo sauce.
- Add Toppings and Cover: Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top layer. Evenly distribute the breadcrumbs over the cheese. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil.
- Bake Lasagna: Bake covered in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling hot.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes to set before slicing. Garnish with extra chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- Cook noodles just until al dente as they will continue to cook during baking.
- Ensure shrimp are peeled and deveined for the best texture and flavor.
- You can substitute fresh crab meat with canned crab meat if fresh is not available, but drain well.
- Covering the lasagna while baking prevents the noodles from drying out.
- Letting the lasagna rest before slicing helps it hold its shape for clean servings.
