If you’re looking to elevate the classic lasagna into something truly unforgettable, this Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab is your ticket to gourmet comfort. Tender shrimp, sweet crabmeat, and a luscious béchamel sauce come together in layers of pasta and melted cheese for a dish that’s rich, creamy, and indulgently satisfying.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply craving something luxurious on a quiet night in, this seafood lasagna is guaranteed to impress.
🐚 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Rich & Creamy: Béchamel sauce and melted cheese create a silky, decadent base.
✅ Packed with Flavor: Sweet shrimp and crab, herbs, and Parmesan blend into seafood perfection.
✅ Elegant Yet Easy: Feels gourmet—but comes together with simple steps.
✅ Customizable: Add scallops, lobster, or spinach for your own twist.
✅ Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for holidays, date nights, or family gatherings.
🧂 Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves 6–8)
For the Béchamel Sauce
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Seafood Filling
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ lb lump crabmeat, picked over for shells
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup dry white wine (optional but recommended)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For Assembly
- 9 lasagna noodles (oven-ready or pre-cooked)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish for easy cleanup.
2. Make the Béchamel Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour; cook 1–2 minutes to form a smooth roux.
- Gradually add milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Simmer 5–7 minutes until thickened.
- Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Remove from heat, stir in Parmesan until melted and smooth. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Seafood Filling
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté onion 3–4 minutes, until softened.
- Add garlic; cook 1 minute more.
- Add shrimp and cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink. Remove, chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Deglaze the pan with white wine (if using), simmer 2 minutes.
- Stir in crabmeat, chopped shrimp, and half of the béchamel sauce. Mix gently; set aside.
4. Assemble the Lasagna
- Spread a thin layer of béchamel sauce on the bottom of the dish.
- Layer with 3 noodles.
- Add half the seafood mixture, a drizzle of béchamel, and a sprinkle of mozzarella.
- Repeat layers.
- Finish with noodles, remaining béchamel, and the mozzarella-Parmesan topping.
5. Bake
- Cover with foil; bake 25 minutes.
- Uncover and bake 15–20 minutes more, until bubbly and golden.
- Rest 10 minutes before slicing — this helps it set beautifully.
6. Serve & Enjoy
Garnish with chopped parsley, slice, and serve warm.
This dish shines on its own, but pairs beautifully with:
- Garlic bread 🥖
- A crisp green salad 🥗
- A glass of chilled Chardonnay 🍷
🌊 Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Seafood: Fresh shrimp and quality crab make all the difference.
- Add Veggies: Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted peppers add depth and color.
- Make Ahead: Assemble up to a day ahead, refrigerate, then bake before serving.
- Reheat Right: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days. Reheat in oven or microwave until warm.
💡 Why This Recipe Works
This seafood lasagna strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and approachability. The béchamel keeps the dish creamy but not heavy, while the shrimp and crab bring light, ocean-fresh sweetness. The layering ensures every bite offers a perfect mix of sauce, pasta, and seafood — comforting yet refined.
🍴 Final Thoughts: A Showstopping Seafood Classic
Whether you’re entertaining or just craving something extra special, Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab delivers restaurant-worthy flavor right from your own kitchen. It’s creamy, elegant, and endlessly customizable — a dish that feels like a celebration every time you make it.
