If you’ve ever thought seafood and Italian comfort food were a match made in heaven, wait until you try this Seafood Lasagna Recipe. It beautifully layers tender lasagna noodles with succulent shrimp and scallops, enveloped in a creamy white wine sauce and three kinds of cheese that melt into pure bliss. The delicate flavors of the sea marry perfectly with rich cheeses and fresh parsley, creating a dish that feels indulgent yet comforting. Whether it’s for a family celebration or a cozy weekend dinner, this Seafood Lasagna Recipe is an unforgettable treat that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for your seafood lasagna might seem like a task, but these simple essentials come together effortlessly to build layers of flavor, texture, and vibrant color. Each component, from the mellow ricotta to the briny shrimp, plays a crucial role in making your dish sing.
- Lasagna noodles: Choose good-quality noodles to ensure perfect layers that hold their shape without getting mushy.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps sauté the aromatics perfectly.
- Onion: Finely chopped for a mild sweetness and foundational flavor.
- Garlic: Minced to infuse that irresistible savory depth.
- Shrimp: Peeled and deveined, these tender morsels bring a delightful seafood touch.
- Scallops: Their natural sweetness enhances the luxuriousness of the dish.
- White wine: Used to deglaze and add acidity that brightens the creamy sauce.
- Heavy cream: Creates a luscious, velvety texture foundational to your sauce.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated finely for a sharp, nutty note that melts seamlessly.
- Mozzarella cheese: Shredded to provide gooey, melty goodness with every bite.
- Ricotta cheese: Mixed into the filling to lend creaminess and balance.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped for a fresh, herbaceous lift that brightens the overall flavor.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors.
- Spinach (optional): Adds a lovely green color and subtle earthiness—perfect for extra texture and nutrition.
How to Make Seafood Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Preparing Your Oven and Noodles
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), which will ensure it’s perfectly hot once your lasagna goes in. Cooking your lasagna noodles according to the package instructions is a key early step—don’t skip this! Well-cooked noodles hold the layers together, providing the right bite without falling apart.
Step 2: Sautéing Aromatics
In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat, then sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until the onion becomes translucent. This step sets the flavor foundation, releasing sweet and savory notes that infuse every bite of your seafood lasagna.
Step 3: Cooking the Seafood
Next, add shrimp and scallops to your fragrant skillet and cook until shrimp turn pink and scallops become opaque—just about five minutes. This quick cooking keeps your seafood tender and juicy, avoiding any rubbery texture. Once cooked, remove the seafood and set it aside gently to keep the pieces intact.
Step 4: Crafting the Creamy Sauce
Using the same skillet, pour in white wine to deglaze, scraping up those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom—this adds deep flavor to your sauce. Let it simmer until reduced by half, then pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. As it thickens, stir in grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and rich. Season with salt and pepper to highlight the flavors perfectly.
Step 5: Mixing the Ricotta Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, chopped fresh parsley, and if you’re feeling adventurous, some chopped spinach. This mixture provides creaminess and a fresh herbal punch that complements the seafood layers beautifully.
Step 6: Assembling the Lasagna
Grab a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish and start by spreading a thin layer of sauce on the bottom to keep the noodles from sticking. Then place a layer of noodles, followed by half of the ricotta mixture, then half the seafood, and a third of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Pour a third of the sauce over this and repeat: noodles, ricotta, seafood, mozzarella, sauce. Finish with a final layer of noodles, remaining sauce, and the rest of the mozzarella on top.
Step 7: Baking
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in your preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to allow the cheese on top to turn golden and bubbly—that irresistible crust that signals your layer of flavors is ready to enjoy.
Step 8: Cooling Before Serving
After baking, let your seafood lasagna cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps the layers to set, making serving cleaner and letting the flavors settle for maximum enjoyment.
How to Serve Seafood Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley sprinkled on top not only adds a beautiful pop of green but also a refreshing finish that balances the rich creaminess. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few lemon zest curls can also brighten flavors and add an elegant touch to your plating.
Side Dishes
To complete your meal, consider serving your Seafood Lasagna Recipe alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or some roasted seasonal vegetables to add texture and earthiness. Garlic bread or warm, crusty Italian bread is always a perfect choice to sop up those luscious sauce remnants.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’d like to impress guests, serve individual portions in small baking dishes, garnished with fresh herbs and a delicate sprinkle of grated Parmesan. Layered with elegance and served with a glass of chilled white wine, this presentation transforms the comforting classic feel into a restaurant-worthy experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your leftover seafood lasagna will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure it’s covered tightly with foil or plastic wrap to preserve moisture and prevent the noodles from drying out, so it’s just as delicious the next day.
Freezing
This Seafood Lasagna Recipe freezes exceptionally well. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover it securely with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual.
Reheating
To reheat, cover your portion with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. For a quick option, microwave on medium power in intervals, making sure to stir or rotate for even warmth—though oven reheating keeps the texture closer to freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use other types of seafood in this Seafood Lasagna Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to switch in crab meat, lobster, or firm white fish if you prefer. Just be mindful of cooking times and textures to keep the seafood tender and avoid overcooking.
Is it necessary to use white wine in the sauce?
White wine adds a lovely acidity and depth, but if you prefer to avoid alcohol, substitute with a light chicken or vegetable broth with a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
Can I prepare this lasagna vegetarian?
While this recipe shines with seafood, you can make a vegetarian version by replacing seafood with grilled vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and roasted red peppers, and using vegetable broth instead of wine.
What type of cheese works best for layering?
The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan provides a great balance of creaminess, meltiness, and sharpness. You can experiment, but these cheeses create the classic texture and flavor everyone loves in seafood lasagna.
How can I make this dish ahead for a dinner party?
You can prepare and assemble the entire Seafood Lasagna Recipe up to a day before your party, keep it covered in the fridge, and bake it fresh just before serving. This saves time and lets the flavors meld beautifully overnight.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably comforting about a dish that so perfectly blends flavors and textures, and that’s precisely what this Seafood Lasagna Recipe delivers. Whether you’re sharing it with family or looking to impress friends, it’s a gorgeous, tasty meal that invites you to savor every bite. Don’t hesitate to try it—you might just discover a new favorite that’s destined to become a classic in your kitchen.
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Seafood Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 30m
- Cook Time: 0h 40m
- Total Time: 1h 10m
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This creamy and indulgent seafood lasagna combines succulent shrimp, tender scallops, and a rich white wine cream sauce layered with tender lasagna noodles and a trio of cheeses. Enhanced with fresh parsley and optional spinach, this dish is baked to golden perfection and makes a luxurious meal perfect for seafood lovers seeking a comforting twist on a classic Italian favorite.
Ingredients
Seafood and Sauce
- 1 pound (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 pound (450g) scallops
- 1 cup (240ml) white wine
- 2 cups (480ml) heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese and Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup (90g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups (200g) ricotta cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Other Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) lasagna noodles
- 1 cup (100g) spinach, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the lasagna.
- Cook Noodles: Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles thoroughly and set them aside to cool slightly.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Cook Seafood: Add the shrimp and scallops to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, and scallops are cooked through. Remove seafood with a slotted spoon and set aside to avoid overcooking.
- Deglaze Pan: Pour the white wine into the same skillet, scraping up any browned bits to add flavor. Let the wine simmer and reduce by half to concentrate its taste.
- Make Cream Sauce: Add the heavy cream to the skillet and bring it to a simmer. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens slightly, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix Ricotta Filling: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, chopped fresh parsley, and chopped spinach if using. Stir well to create a smooth mixture.
- Assemble Lasagna – First Layer: Spread a thin layer of the cream sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish. Arrange a layer of cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Layer Filling: Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles. Top with half of the cooked seafood, followed by a third of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Add Sauce Layer: Pour a third of the cream sauce over the seafood and cheese layer to keep it moist.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process with remaining noodles, ricotta mixture, seafood, mozzarella, and sauce, ending with a final layer of noodles, the remaining sauce, and mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes to let all flavors meld and the dish heat through.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese on top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Rest Before Serving: Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This helps it set and makes it easier to slice and serve.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Ensure you don’t overcook the seafood to keep it tender and juicy.
- Adding spinach is optional but provides a nice color and nutritional boost.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and melt quality.
- Allowing the lasagna to rest after baking helps it firm up for cleaner slices.
