Seafood Lasagna is a delightful twist on the classic lasagna dish, combining the rich flavors of shrimp and crabmeat with creamy cheeses and savory seasonings. Perfect for special occasions or a comforting family meal, this lasagna is sure to impress. Let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need to prepare this mouthwatering dish.
INGREDIENTS
- Lasagna Noodles: Use 9 uncooked lasagna noodles, cooked to al dente for the perfect texture.
- Butter: Adds richness to the onion mixture. You’ll need 1 tablespoon of butter.
- Onion: A cup of minced onion provides a savory base flavor for the dish.
- Cottage Cheese: Adds creaminess and texture. Use 1 ½ cups of cottage cheese.
- Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese enhances the creamy texture. Use an 8-ounce package.
- Egg: Helps bind the cheese mixture. Use 1 large egg, beaten.
- Dried Basil Leaves: Adds a fragrant herb flavor. Use 2 teaspoons.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor. Use ½ teaspoon.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Adds a hint of spice. Use ⅛ teaspoon.
- Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creates a creamy, savory sauce. Use 2 (10.5 ounce) cans.
- Cooked Small Shrimp: Adds a delicious seafood flavor. Use 1 pound of cooked small shrimp.
- Crabmeat: Provides a rich seafood taste. Use a 6-ounce can, drained and flaked.
- Milk: Helps create a smooth sauce. Use ⅓ cup of milk.
- Dry White Wine: Adds depth and flavor to the sauce. Use ⅓ cup.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Provides a rich, cheesy topping. Use ½ cup of shredded sharp Cheddar cheese.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor. Use ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is ready to bake the lasagna to perfection.
- Step 2:
- Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles in the boiling water until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the noodles, then rinse them in cold water to stop the cooking process. Set the noodles aside.
- Step 3:
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced onion and cook, stirring frequently, until tender. This should take about 5 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat.
- Step 4:
- In the skillet with the onions, stir in the cottage cheese, softened cream cheese, beaten egg, dried basil leaves, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined. Set this mixture aside.
- Step 5:
- In a large bowl, mix together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, cooked shrimp, drained and flaked crabmeat, milk, and dry white wine until well combined. Set this mixture aside.
- Step 6:
- Lay 3 cooked lasagna noodles on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread 1/3 of the onion mixture over the noodles, then cover with 1/3 of the soup mixture. Repeat the noodle, onion, and soup layers 2 more times.
- Step 7:
- Top the final layer with shredded sharp Cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Step 8:
- Bake the lasagna in the preheated oven until it is heated through and bubbly, about 45 minutes. The cheese on top should be melted and slightly golden brown.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serve the Seafood Lasagna hot, straight from the oven, allowing it to cool for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to serve. Pair it with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. If you have leftovers, allow the lasagna to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, or microwave individual portions.
Helpful Notes
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice to the seafood mixture. You can also substitute ricotta cheese for the cottage cheese if you prefer a smoother texture. To make the lasagna more colorful, add some chopped spinach or bell peppers to the layers. If you’re using fresh seafood, ensure it is cooked thoroughly before adding it to the lasagna.
Tips from well-known chefs
Chef Gordon Ramsay recommends using fresh herbs like parsley or dill to garnish the lasagna for a burst of freshness.
Chef Giada De Laurentiis suggests adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the seafood mixture for a slight kick.
Chef Ina Garten advises letting the lasagna rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld together.