This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Lasagna is a rich and comforting twist on traditional lasagna. Tender shrimp are layered with creamy garlic sauce, lasagna noodles, spinach, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan for a decadent seafood dinner that’s perfect for family meals or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Lasagna
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Cook the Lasagna Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package directions until just al dente.
Drain and lay the noodles flat on a baking sheet or parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
2. Prepare the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
Season with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
Add the shrimp and cook for approximately 1–2 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and opaque.
Remove from the heat, drizzle with lemon juice, and chop the shrimp into bite-sized pieces.
Avoid overcooking because the shrimp will cook again slightly in the oven.
3. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
Whisk in the flour and cook for approximately 1 minute.
Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
Continue cooking for 4–6 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
Stir in the Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Remove from the heat.
4. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, ½ cup of mozzarella, and chopped parsley.
Mix until smooth and well combined.
5. Assemble the Lasagna
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Spread a thin layer of creamy garlic sauce across the bottom.
Place 3–4 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
Spread approximately one-third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
Add one-third of the cooked shrimp and spinach.
Spoon more creamy garlic sauce over the top.
Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used.
Finish with a final layer of noodles, remaining sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
6. Bake
Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil.
Bake for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and lightly golden.
For a more browned top, place the lasagna under the broiler for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully.
7. Rest and Serve
Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Tips for the Best Shrimp Lasagna
- Don’t overcook the shrimp. They only need a short time in the skillet before going into the oven.
- Use freshly shredded mozzarella for the best melting.
- Let the white sauce thicken before assembling the lasagna.
- Rest the lasagna before slicing so the layers hold together.
- Fresh spinach can be substituted with frozen spinach; thaw it completely and squeeze out excess water first.
Easy Variations
Add More Seafood
Combine shrimp with cooked crab meat, scallops, or lobster.
Add Mushrooms
Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic before preparing the sauce.
Make It Spicy
Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the garlic sauce.
Add Broccoli
Use lightly steamed broccoli florets for additional vegetables.
Lemon Garlic Version
Increase the lemon juice slightly and add fresh lemon zest to the cream sauce for a brighter flavor.
What to Serve With It
Serve this creamy lasagna with:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted asparagus
- Steamed broccoli
- Sautéed green beans
- Simple mixed green salad
Storage
Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover the baking dish with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through.
This Creamy Garlic Shrimp Lasagna combines tender shrimp, silky garlic cream sauce, creamy ricotta, spinach, and layers of melted cheese for a rich and satisfying seafood dinner that’s sure to impress.