If you love the irresistible flavors of seafood combined with rich, buttery goodness, then this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe is about to become your new favorite comfort dish. Imagine layers of tender lasagna noodles enveloping succulent shrimp bathed in a garlicky butter sauce, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella, all baked to golden perfection. It’s a heavenly fusion of classic Italian lasagna and the bright, fresh zest of shrimp scampi that invites everyone to the table again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Preparing this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe is easier than you think thanks to its simple yet essential ingredients. Each component plays a vital role: from the fresh shrimp that provides tender, ocean-fresh bites, to the garlic and butter that infuse that mouthwatering aroma, to the cheeses that bring creamy, cheesy layers that are utterly irresistible.
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained: Make sure to cook them al dente so they hold their shape perfectly in layers.
- 1 ½ pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Opt for large shrimp to get juicy, flavorful bites in every forkful.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: This creates the silky garlic butter sauce that coats the shrimp beautifully.
- 6 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is key here, providing that bold, savory punch that defines the dish.
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle heat if you want a little spice without overwhelming the dish.
- 1 cup dry white wine or chicken broth: Wine brings that authentic scampi flavor, while broth is a great substitute for a lighter touch.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Adds a fresh, zingy brightness to balance the richness.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: For a pop of color and a mild herbal note.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors harmoniously.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds background warmth and depth.
- 2 cups ricotta cheese: Provides creamy, fluffy layers that contrast beautifully with the shrimp.
- 1 large egg: Helps bind the ricotta mixture for perfect layering.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided: Adds nutty sharpness; half inside, half on top for a golden crust.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey, stretchy bliss in every bite.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used to sear the shrimp and bring everything together with a silky texture.
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Cook and Prepare the Shrimp
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn that gorgeous pink and are just cooked through—be careful not to overcook! Once ready, remove the shrimp and set them aside to keep their perfect texture for layering.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter and add minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant—this is where the magic begins, and your kitchen will instantly smell divine. If you love a tiny kick, toss in red pepper flakes now. Pour in the white wine or chicken broth along with fresh lemon juice and simmer the mixture for 5 to 7 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly and concentrate all those vibrant flavors.
Step 3: Combine Shrimp and Sauce
Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss them gently in the rich garlic butter sauce, making sure each morsel is beautifully coated. Then, take the pan off the heat; this mix will soon be the centerpiece of your lasagna’s filling.
Step 4: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together ricotta cheese, a large egg, half a cup of Parmesan, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley. This mixture not only adds creaminess but also a lovely herbaceous balance that pairs wonderfully with the shrimp.
Step 5: Assemble the Lasagna
Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread a small layer of the garlic butter sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking and add moisture. Layer three lasagna noodles over the sauce. Next, spread one-third of the ricotta mixture, followed by one-third of the shrimp and sauce, then sprinkle one-third of the mozzarella over everything. Repeat these layers two more times until all the filling is used, ending with mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan cheese on top for a golden crust.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. After this, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, letting the cheese bubble and brown beautifully. Once done, allow it to rest for 10 minutes before slicing so the layers set perfectly and the flavors meld.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and a few lemon wedges on the side for a burst of color and freshness. The parsley’s bright green contrasts beautifully with the golden cheesy top while the lemon wedges invite everyone to add an extra squeeze of zesty brightness to their slice.
Side Dishes
This lasagna is rich and fulfilling, so pairing it with light, crisp sides works best. Consider serving a simple arugula salad tossed with olive oil and lemon or roasted asparagus for an easy, elegant meal. Garlic bread is tempting but keep it light to not overshadow the star of the show.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special dinner, serve the lasagna in individual ramekins or small baking dishes instead of one big pan for an impressive personal touch. You can also top each serving with a drizzle of extra garlic butter sauce or a dusting of Parmesan for that gourmet finish that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, cover any leftover Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. It will keep fresh for up to 3 days without losing its flavor or texture.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Assemble the lasagna as directed but don’t bake it. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, bake it straight from frozen, adding extra cooking time to ensure it’s heated through.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire lasagna in the oven at 350°F (175°C), covered, until heated through (about 20-25 minutes). For a crispy top, remove the cover during the last few minutes of reheating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture that could make the lasagna watery.
What can I substitute for white wine in the sauce?
If you prefer not to use wine, chicken broth or a good-quality vegetable broth works wonderfully to maintain flavor without overpowering the dish.
Is it possible to add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes! Feel free to layer in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrition and texture. Just add them between the ricotta and shrimp layers.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
You can assemble the lasagna a day ahead, keep it covered in the refrigerator, and bake just before serving for a stress-free dinner.
How do I know when the lasagna is done?
You want the cheese on top bubbling with a golden brown crust and the layers heated through. Letting it rest after baking helps it set perfectly for neat slices.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe is truly a showstopper that brings together luscious seafood flavors with classic, comforting lasagna layers in a way that feels both luxurious and homey. Whether serving for a special occasion or a cozy weekend dinner, I promise you’ll fall in love with every bite. So grab those ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy a seafood pasta bake that’s packed with flavor and guaranteed to delight your family and friends!
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Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna is a delightful fusion dish combining succulent shrimp cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce with classic Italian lasagna layers. This recipe features al dente lasagna noodles layered with a creamy ricotta mixture, juicy shrimp in a white wine and lemon-infused sauce, and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, baked to bubbly perfection. It’s an easy yet impressive main course perfect for seafood lovers looking to enjoy a comforting, flavorful pasta bake.
Ingredients
Lasagna Base
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
Shrimp Scampi
- 1 ½ pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Cheese Mixture
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the assembled lasagna.
- Cook Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add red pepper flakes if using, then stir in white wine or chicken broth and lemon juice. Simmer the mixture for 5-7 minutes until it reduces slightly, concentrating the flavors.
- Combine Shrimp and Sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat them evenly in the garlic butter sauce. Remove from heat.
- Mix Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, half of the Parmesan cheese (½ cup), salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley. Mix until smooth and well incorporated.
- Assemble Lasagna: Spread a small amount of the garlic butter sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer 3 lasagna noodles, then ⅓ of the ricotta mixture, followed by ⅓ of the shrimp and sauce, and finally ⅓ of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat this layering two more times, finishing with a top layer of mozzarella and the remaining ½ cup Parmesan cheese.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to meld the flavors and heat through.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the lasagna to rest for 10 minutes after baking so it sets and is easier to slice. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Use low-sodium chicken broth if substituting for white wine to reduce sodium content.
- For smaller shrimp bites, chop the shrimp before layering.
- Add spinach or sautéed mushrooms between layers for extra vegetables and nutritional value.
