Creamy Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab
If you’ve ever wanted to bring the luxury of a seaside restaurant into your own kitchen, this Creamy Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab is the perfect dish to try. It’s a comforting, indulgent twist on the traditional lasagna — swapping out marinara and ground beef for layers of creamy white sauce, tender shrimp, succulent crab meat, and three rich cheeses. Every bite is smooth, flavorful, and packed with that perfect balance of seafood sweetness and cheesy goodness.
This dish is a showstopper for any special occasion — whether it’s a holiday dinner, a romantic date night at home, or simply when you want to treat yourself to something extraordinary. The flavors are elegant yet comforting, and it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and a chilled glass of white wine.
What makes this seafood lasagna stand out is its creamy homemade sauce that binds everything together. Made from butter, garlic, onion, cream, and milk, it’s thickened with a light roux to create a velvety base that coats each noodle perfectly. Old Bay seasoning and paprika add just the right amount of coastal flavor, complementing the tender shrimp and crab without overpowering them.
Let’s dive into the full recipe so you can recreate this rich, restaurant-worthy meal at home.
Recipe: Creamy Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab
Ingredients:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- 1 lb crab meat (lump or claw)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook lasagna noodles in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside on parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and onion, cooking until soft and fragrant. Stir in flour to make a roux, cooking for 1–2 minutes.
- Slowly whisk in cream and milk until smooth and thickened. Stir in half the mozzarella and half the Parmesan. Season with Old Bay, paprika, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
- In a small bowl, mix ricotta, egg, and a tablespoon of parsley.
- To assemble: Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Add 3 noodles, then spread with ricotta mixture, a portion of shrimp and crab, more sauce, and a sprinkle of mozzarella. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with noodles, sauce, and remaining cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley.
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Creamy Seafood Lasagna offers a combination of flavors and textures that make it incredibly satisfying. The shrimp and crab are juicy and tender, while the sauce is buttery, creamy, and filled with savory depth. The cheese blend — mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta — adds that signature gooey richness that makes lasagna such a comfort food favorite.
Unlike red-sauce lasagna, this version has a milder, more delicate taste that lets the seafood shine. It’s also easy to customize — you can add spinach, scallops, or even a touch of lemon zest to brighten the flavor.
The layering process creates beautiful ribbons of flavor throughout the dish, and once baked, it emerges golden and bubbling with cheese. When you slice into it, each layer reveals a mouthwatering blend of creamy sauce, seafood, and noodles — the kind of meal that makes any dinner feel special.
Tips for the Perfect Seafood Lasagna
- Use fresh or high-quality frozen seafood. Make sure your shrimp and crab are well-drained to prevent excess water in the lasagna.
- Don’t overcook the noodles. Al dente noodles will hold up better and absorb just the right amount of sauce.
- Let it rest. Giving the lasagna 10 minutes to rest after baking allows it to set, making cleaner, more beautiful slices.
- Add a hint of lemon zest or white wine. A touch of citrus or a splash of wine in the sauce adds brightness to the rich flavors.
Serving Ideas
Serve this lasagna with garlic bread, a simple arugula salad, or steamed asparagus for a well-balanced meal. A glass of chilled Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc pairs perfectly, cutting through the richness and complementing the seafood beautifully.
Whether it’s served for a family gathering or a cozy weekend dinner, this Creamy Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab is sure to impress. It’s indulgent, flavorful, and just the right amount of fancy — everything you want in a comforting seafood feast.
In summary: This lasagna brings together the best of both worlds — the comforting layers of a traditional Italian favorite and the elegant touch of coastal seafood. Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor, it’s a dish that’ll make any meal feel like a celebration.
