Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab: A Decadent Ocean Delight
If you’ve ever wanted to elevate your weeknight dinner or impress guests with something truly luxurious, this Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab is your golden ticket. Creamy, cheesy, and layered with succulent shrimp and delicate crab meat, this lasagna isn’t just a meal — it’s an experience. With every bite, the richness of the Alfredo sauce blends perfectly with tender pasta and fresh seafood, creating a dish that’s both comforting and elegant. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking to try something new, this lasagna will quickly become a staple in your recipe repertoire.
Why This Recipe Works
The magic of this Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab lies in its perfect balance of flavors and textures. Let’s break down why this recipe is a winner:
Fresh, high-quality seafood: Using peeled and deveined shrimp along with lump crab meat ensures each layer bursts with flavor. The shrimp’s natural sweetness and the delicate, buttery taste of the crab elevate this dish far beyond your standard lasagna.
Creamy Alfredo sauce: Unlike a tomato-based lasagna, the rich Alfredo sauce adds indulgence without overpowering the seafood. It creates the perfect creamy backdrop, binding the layers together.
Three cheeses for depth: Mozzarella provides meltiness, ricotta offers creaminess, and Parmesan contributes a sharp, salty note. Combined, they create a multi-dimensional taste and texture.
Layering technique: Alternating noodles, sauce, seafood, and cheese ensures every bite is balanced. Each layer is thoughtfully composed so you get a perfect combination in every forkful.
Baking and resting: Covering with foil first locks in moisture, then removing it lets the top cheese turn golden and bubbly. Resting the lasagna after baking ensures it slices cleanly and maintains its structure.
This recipe works because it balances richness with freshness, indulgence with simplicity, and presentation with comfort.
What You’ll Need For This Recipe
Before diving in, make sure you have the following ingredients and equipment ready:
Ingredients
Pasta & Seafood:
9 lasagna noodles, cooked
1 lb (450 g) shrimp, peeled & deveined
1 cup lump crab meat
Sauce & Cheese:
2 cups Alfredo sauce (homemade or store-bought)
1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 cup ricotta cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasoning:
2 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt & black pepper to taste
Garnish (optional):
Fresh parsley, chopped
Equipment
9×13-inch baking dish
Large skillet
Mixing bowls
Spoon or spatula
Aluminum foil
Oven preheated to 375 °F (190 °C)
Having all your ingredients prepped and your equipment ready will make assembling this Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab quick and stress-free.
How To Make Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab
Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide to creating this indulgent lasagna. Follow these steps carefully to ensure perfection.
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 375 °F (190 °C). Grease your 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Preheating ensures your lasagna cooks evenly from the moment it goes in.
Step 2: Cook Shrimp & Crab
In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Add the shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook just until they turn pink. Avoid overcooking; they will continue to cook in the oven. Remove the skillet from heat and gently fold in the crab meat.
Step 3: Layer the Lasagna
Spread a thin layer of Alfredo sauce at the bottom of your baking dish.
Place 3 cooked lasagna noodles on top.
Add half of the seafood mixture.
Dollop 1/3 of the ricotta cheese and sprinkle 1/3 of the mozzarella.
Add a light sprinkle of Parmesan and drizzle more Alfredo sauce.
Step 4: Repeat the Layers
Add another 3 noodles, remaining seafood, 1/3 ricotta, 1/3 mozzarella, more Parmesan, and Alfredo sauce.
Continue layering until ingredients are used, finishing with a top layer of noodles, Alfredo sauce, remaining mozzarella, and Parmesan.
Step 5: Bake
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Step 6: Rest & Serve
Allow your Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab to rest for 10 minutes. Resting ensures it sets properly, so slices hold together beautifully. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Tips + Tricks & More For Recipe Success
Making the perfect Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab is easier when you follow a few expert tips:
Don’t overcook seafood: Shrimp should be just pink when removed from the skillet. They’ll finish cooking in the oven, preventing rubbery texture.
Use lump crab meat: The larger chunks of crab add luxury and texture, giving you bites of pure seafood indulgence.
Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of parsley or basil not only adds color but brightens the rich, creamy flavors.
Cheese layering: Don’t skimp on mozzarella for meltiness, ricotta for creaminess, or Parmesan for tang — each plays a crucial role.
Alfredo sauce: Homemade sauce will elevate this dish, but a high-quality store-bought sauce works beautifully.
Let it rest: Cutting too early will make the lasagna fall apart. Ten minutes is enough for a firm slice.
Freezing tips: Assemble but don’t bake, then tightly wrap in foil. Bake straight from frozen (add 20–25 minutes).
Make-ahead: You can prep this lasagna a day ahead, store it covered in the fridge, and bake it fresh the next day — perfect for gatherings.
How to Serve Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab
Serving this lasagna is all about complementing its richness:
Pair it with a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the creaminess.
A side of garlic bread or herbed focaccia adds a satisfying crunch.
Light white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio enhance the seafood flavor.
For family-style meals, slice into generous portions and serve directly from the baking dish for a rustic, inviting presentation.
Serving Suggestions
This Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab shines as the centerpiece of any meal:
Dinner parties: Serve with sparkling water, white wine, or a light cocktail.
Family dinners: Pair with roasted vegetables and a Caesar salad.
Holiday meals: Perfect for Christmas or Easter brunch, adding elegance and indulgence.
Meal prep: Portion into containers for a decadent lunch option that reheats beautifully.
Garnish with parsley, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, or a few lemon wedges for an added zesty touch.
Time Breakdown
Understanding prep and cook times ensures stress-free planning:
Prep Time: ~20 minutes (cooking noodles, prepping seafood, mixing cheeses)
Cook Time: ~40 minutes (baking layers and achieving bubbly, golden cheese)
Total Time: ~1 hour (from start to resting)
Planning ahead for prep time ensures your Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab comes together seamlessly.
Why You’ll Love Making This Recipe
This recipe isn’t just delicious — it’s versatile, forgiving, and perfect for showcasing your culinary skills:
Customizable: Swap crab for lobster or scallops for a luxury twist.
Make-ahead friendly: Assemble in advance, bake later.
Crowd-pleaser: Seafood and cheesy lasagna make everyone happy.
Leftovers: Store in the fridge up to 3 days, or freeze for later indulgence.
By following this guide, you’ll have a lasagna that tastes like it came from a gourmet Italian restaurant, all from the comfort of your home.
Storage & Leftover Tips
Refrigeration: Store cooled lasagna in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Wrap unbaked lasagna tightly in foil for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding 20–25 minutes to cook time.
Reheating: Cover with foil and bake at 350 °F until warmed through, about 15–20 minutes.
Final Thoughts
The Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab is a culinary masterpiece that combines creamy Alfredo, succulent seafood, and a trio of cheeses into a show-stopping dish. With layers of flavor, easy-to-follow steps, and expert tips, you’ll impress guests or enjoy a luxurious family meal. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a cozy dinner at home, this lasagna promises indulgence in every bite.
So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let this Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab transform your dinner table into a seaside Italian feast!