Name: Creamy Seafood Lasagna
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained; 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1/2 lb crab meat or imitation crab; 2 tbsp butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 2 cups milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 2 tbsp chopped parsley; Salt and black pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this seafood lasagna is both creamy and light, with the brightness of lemon juice and fresh herbs balancing the richness of the white sauce and cheeses. The shrimp and crab give it that unmistakable coastal flavor, while the melted mozzarella and Parmesan pull everything together in warm, cheesy layers. It’s comfort food with a little extra flair—and surprisingly easy to make.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
shrimp, peeled and deveined
crab meat or imitation crab
butter
garlic, minced
all-purpose flour
milk
heavy cream
ricotta cheese
shredded mozzarella cheese
grated Parmesan cheese
lemon juice
chopped parsley
salt and pepper

Directions

I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet, I melt the butter and sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. I add the shrimp and cook until they just turn pink, then stir in the crab and remove the skillet from heat.
Using the same pan, I whisk in the flour to make a roux. Slowly, I pour in the milk and cream, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens.
I stir in lemon juice, half of the mozzarella, and the Parmesan. I season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
In a greased baking dish, I begin layering—starting with a bit of the sauce, then noodles, ricotta, the seafood mixture, and more sauce. I repeat until all the ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of sauce and the remaining mozzarella on top.
I bake it uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
After letting it rest for about 10 minutes, I garnish it with chopped parsley and serve warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 people. It takes about 30 minutes to prep and 40 minutes to bake, so the total time is around 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes add scallops or chunks of firm white fish like cod for more variety.
For a deeper flavor, I deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before making the sauce.
When I want a lighter version, I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and part-skim ricotta.
If I’m looking for extra richness, I layer in sautéed spinach or caramelized leeks between the noodles.
I’ve also added a pinch of Old Bay or Italian seasoning for an extra flavor boost.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover lasagna covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through or use the microwave in short bursts. It also freezes well—just wrap individual portions tightly and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

Yes, I use pre-cooked shrimp if that’s what I have—just add them at the very end of step 2 so they don’t overcook.

Is it okay to use imitation crab?

Definitely. I use imitation crab for convenience, especially if I’m trying to keep the cost down. It still adds great texture and flavor.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I often assemble the lasagna a day in advance and refrigerate it. I bake it just before serving and it comes out perfectly.

What type of milk works best for the sauce?

I use whole milk for richness, but 2% works too. I avoid skim milk since the sauce can end up too thin.

Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?

Yes, but I make sure the sauce is slightly looser than usual and cover the dish with foil for the first 20 minutes of baking to ensure the noodles soften properly.

Conclusion

This Creamy Seafood Lasagna is a standout dish when I want something comforting but impressive. The combination of velvety sauce, tender seafood, and melted cheese layered between soft noodles is pure magic. Whether it’s a dinner party or just a cozy night in, this lasagna brings a little luxury to the table without a ton of effort.