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Seafood lasagna with shrimp and crab is a showstopper dish that always wows a dinner crowd and brings a sense of coastal comfort to any table Creamy layers fresh seafood and bubbling cheeses mingle with a rich Alfredo sauce for a decadent twist on the Italian classic I return to this recipe every time I want to celebrate a special occasion with my loved ones and it never disappoints
When I first served this for my family they could not believe how restaurant-worthy it tasted and now every birthday dinner this is the most requested dish in my house
Ingredients
- Lasagna noodles: Bring structure and heartiness to the dish Choose no-boil noodles for ease or classic dried for a chewier texture
- Shrimp: Sauteed quickly for juicy bites Opt for wild-caught for a sweet briny flavor and buy peeled for less prep
- Crab meat: Offers natural sweetness and a touch of luxury Use fresh lump crab for an ultra-decadent result or quality canned if needed
- Ricotta cheese: Provides creaminess and helps bind everything together Look for whole milk ricotta for richer layers
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts into stretchy gooey perfection Shred your own for the best melt
- Parmesan cheese: Adds savory depth and a golden finish Freshly grated lifts the flavor
- Alfredo sauce: Brings creamy richness and ties the whole lasagna together Homemade or a quality jarred option both work beautifully
- Heavy cream: Makes the cheese layer extra luscious A splash goes a long way
- Garlic: Builds the base flavor Go for fresh and mince finely
- Olive oil: Helps sauté the aromatics A robust extra virgin oil adds nice depth
- Fresh parsley: Brightens everything up with herby freshness Use flat-leaf for a classic Italian touch
- Salt: Essential for seasoning Adjust to taste after layering
- Black pepper: Gives mild warmth and complexity Fresh cracked is always worth it
- Red pepper flakes: Lend subtle heat Add more if you enjoy a little kick
- Breadcrumbs: Create a crisp golden topping Panko offers extra crunch but any fresh breadcrumbs work
Instructions
- Prep the Pasta:
- Cook the lasagna noodles in well-salted water just until al dente Drain them and lay flat on a towel to prevent sticking
- Sauté Seafood:
- Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat Add minced garlic and let it sizzle gently for a minute Drop in the shrimp and cook until they curl and turn pink about three to four minutes Scatter in the crab meat with the seasonings and let it all mingle for a couple more minutes Remove from the heat so the seafood stays tender
- Mix the Cheesy Layer:
- Blend ricotta mozzarella half the Parmesan heavy cream and parsley in a bowl Stir until just combined for a rich filling that spreads easily
- Layer the Lasagna:
- Spoon a thin layer of Alfredo sauce into your baking dish to keep noodles from sticking Lay out noodles then spread over a third of the cheese mixture Top with a third of the seafood Drizzle with Alfredo sauce Continue layering twice more finishing with noodles and plenty of sauce
- Top and Bake:
- Sprinkle on the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan Then the breadcrumbs for crunch Cover tightly with foil and bake until steamy and set about twenty five minutes
- Finish Browning:
- Peel back the foil and continue cooking until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling another ten to fifteen minutes
- Rest and Garnish:
- Let the lasagna rest at least ten minutes to firm up Slice and scatter with extra parsley for a bright finish
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My favorite part has to be the crab meat When my nephew tried this for the first time he could not stop smiling and called it next level macaroni and cheese It always brings happy memories around the table
Storage Tips
Let the lasagna cool fully before storing Slice into portions and tuck them into airtight containers When reheating cover loosely with foil so the topping stays crisp I find it tastes even richer on day two
Ingredient Substitutions
If crab is not available swap in extra shrimp or even use a little firm white fish like cod You can trade ricotta for cottage cheese in a pinch and any good melting cheese works instead of mozzarella For Alfredo sauce a homemade blend of cream butter and extra Parmesan is worth the effort
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a crisp green salad dressed simply in lemon and olive oil I love a side of garlic bread to catch every drop of sauce A fresh Pinot Grigio or unoaked Chardonnay makes it feel like a seaside feast
Cultural Context
Seafood lasagna is the ultimate Italian-American comfort dish While traditional in its pasta and creamy layers it borrows from New England’s love of shellfish This fusion always reminds me how food brings together the best of many worlds
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Seafood lasagna makes every occasion irresistible and memorable Give yourself time to savor every slice and do not forget a squeeze of lemon for a bright finishing touch
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use frozen shrimp or crab?
Yes, thaw frozen shrimp and crab fully before cooking, and pat dry to remove excess moisture.
- → What can I substitute for Alfredo sauce?
A creamy béchamel or a white wine cream sauce works well for a similar texture and flavor profile.
- → How do I prevent a watery lasagna?
Drain seafood well, use thick sauces, and allow the lasagna to rest before slicing to set layers.
- → Can this dish be made ahead?
Yes, assemble in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready. Increase baking time if chilled.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the oven or microwave.