Imagine the creamy richness of lasagna but elevated with layers of tender scallops, shrimp, and crab in a velvety white sauce. Seafood Lasagna is the perfect blend of comfort food and fine dining, bringing the flavors of the ocean to your table in a dish that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or just treating yourself to something extraordinary, this recipe is guaranteed to make your mealtime unforgettable.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with Seafood Lasagna
Seafood Lasagna is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. The combination of creamy cheeses, delicate seafood, and savory spices creates a flavor profile that’s rich yet balanced.
Here’s why you’ll adore this dish:
- It’s a Showstopper: Perfect for entertaining guests or celebrating special moments.
- Incredibly Flavorful: Every bite bursts with the fresh taste of seafood and the comforting creaminess of the white sauce.
- Customizable: You can swap out ingredients to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
- A Complete Meal: With seafood, cheese, and pasta, it’s a one-dish wonder that satisfies every craving.
Let’s dive into the details and learn how to create this restaurant-quality dish at home!
Ingredients for Seafood Lasagna
This dish may sound fancy, but the ingredients are straightforward and easy to find. Here’s everything you’ll need:
Main Ingredients
Ingredient | Amount |
Canola oil | 2 tablespoons |
Unsalted butter | 10 tablespoons (divided) |
Green onions (thinly sliced) | 2 |
Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
Low-sodium chicken broth | ½ cup |
Clam juice | 8 ounces (1 bottle) |
Bay scallops (halved) | 12 ounces |
Shrimp (peeled, deveined) | 1 pound (small) |
Crabmeat (chopped) | 8 ounces |
Black pepper | ½ teaspoon (divided) |
All-purpose flour | ½ cup |
Half-and-half | 2½ cups (divided) |
Semi-dry white wine | ¼ cup |
Kosher salt | ½ teaspoon |
Crushed red pepper flakes | ⅛ teaspoon |
Parmesan cheese (shredded) | ½ cup (divided) |
Oven-ready lasagna noodles | 9 |
Italian cheese blend (shredded) | 1 cup |
Mozzarella cheese (shredded) | 1 cup |
How to Make Seafood Lasagna
Making Seafood Lasagna might seem complex, but this step-by-step guide will help you create a stunning dish with ease.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prep the Dish
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spray a 9×9-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the Seafood
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 tablespoons of canola oil and 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Sauté the green onions until tender, then add the minced garlic and cook for another 15 seconds.
- Pour in the chicken broth and clam juice, stirring well. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add the scallops, shrimp, crabmeat, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and the scallops are firm and opaque. Stir gently to avoid breaking up the seafood.
- Drain the seafood mixture, reserving the cooking liquid, and set the seafood aside in a bowl.
Step 3: Make the White Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining ½ cup of butter over medium heat.
- Stir in ½ cup of all-purpose flour and whisk until smooth.
- Combine 1½ cups of half-and-half with the reserved seafood cooking liquid. Gradually whisk this mixture into the skillet.
- Add the remaining ¼ teaspoon of black pepper and ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, then bring the sauce to a boil. Stir continuously for about 2 minutes, or until thickened.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the remaining 1 cup of half-and-half, ¼ cup of white wine, red pepper flakes, and ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna
- Spread ½ cup of the white sauce on the bottom of the prepared casserole dish.
- Place 3 oven-ready lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Spread ¼ of the seafood mixture and ¼ of the white sauce over the noodles. Sprinkle with ¼ cup of shredded Italian cheese blend, ¼ cup of shredded Mozzarella cheese, and a little Parmesan.
- Repeat the layering process three more times, finishing with a layer of white sauce and the remaining cheeses on top.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F for 40–45 minutes, or until the lasagna is bubbling and golden brown.
- Let the lasagna rest for 10–15 minutes before cutting.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
Tips for the Perfect Seafood Lasagna
1. Use Fresh Seafood
Fresh or high-quality frozen seafood will make a big difference in the flavor of this dish. Look for shrimp that’s already peeled and deveined to save time.
2. Avoid Overcooking the Seafood
Since the seafood will continue to cook in the oven, it’s important to only cook it until just done during the initial step.
3. Let It Rest
Allowing the lasagna to rest after baking helps the layers set, making it easier to slice and serve.
4. Use a Good White Wine
Choose a semi-dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, for a subtle yet complementary flavor.
5. Don’t Skip the Parmesan
Freshly shredded Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor that enhances the creaminess of the sauce.
Health Benefits of Seafood Lasagna
While Seafood Lasagna is undoubtedly an indulgent dish, it also offers several nutritional benefits:
1. Protein-Rich Seafood
- Shrimp, scallops, and crab are all excellent sources of lean protein.
- They provide essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, which promote heart and brain health.
2. Calcium from Cheese
- The combination of Parmesan, mozzarella, and Italian cheese blend adds a good dose of calcium for strong bones.
3. Balanced Carbs
- Lasagna noodles provide the energy-boosting carbohydrates you need to fuel your day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make Seafood Lasagna ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the lasagna a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it just before serving.
2. Can I freeze Seafood Lasagna?
Absolutely! Wrap the unbaked lasagna tightly in aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
3. What can I substitute for clam juice?
If you don’t have clam juice, you can use an equal amount of chicken broth or fish stock for similar flavor.
4. Can I use pre-cooked seafood?
Yes, but reduce the cooking time in Step 2 to avoid overcooking the seafood.
5. How do I reheat leftovers?
Cover the lasagna with foil and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes.
6. What wine pairs best with Seafood Lasagna?
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with the creamy flavors of the dish.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Nutrient | Amount |
Calories | ~430 |
Protein | 28g |
Fat | 20g |
Carbohydrates | 30g |
Calcium | 15% DV |
Make Seafood Lasagna Tonight!
Are you ready to indulge in the creamy, savory goodness of Seafood Lasagna? This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings together the best of land and sea in one luscious dish. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or treating yourself, this lasagna is sure to impress.
Gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and create a meal you’ll never forget!
PrintSeafood Lasagna: A Decadent Twist on a Classic Dish
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Indulge in the luxurious flavors of the sea with this creamy, cheesy Seafood Lasagna. Layers of tender shrimp, scallops, and crab are enveloped in a velvety white sauce and topped with a blend of gooey melted cheeses. Perfect for special occasions or when you want to elevate your dinner table, this dish is a showstopper that satisfies every craving.
Ingredients
For the Seafood Filling:
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 8 ounces clam juice
- 12 ounces bay scallops, halved
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined (small)
- 8 ounces crabmeat, chopped
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (divided)
For the White Sauce:
- 8 tablespoons (½ cup) unsalted butter
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2½ cups half-and-half (divided)
- Reserved seafood cooking liquid
- ¼ cup semi-dry white wine
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded (divided)
For Assembling the Lasagna:
- 9 oven-ready lasagna noodles
- 1 cup Italian cheese blend, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Prep the Dish:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spray a 9×9-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
- Cook the Seafood:
- Heat canola oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add green onions and sauté until tender. Stir in garlic and cook for 15 seconds.
- Pour in chicken broth and clam juice. Bring to a boil.
- Add scallops, shrimp, crabmeat, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Reduce heat to simmer and cook for 5 minutes or until seafood is just done.
- Drain the seafood, reserving the cooking liquid, and set the seafood aside.
- Make the White Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour until smooth, then gradually stir in 1½ cups half-and-half and the reserved cooking liquid.
- Cook, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens (about 2 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in white wine, remaining half-and-half, red pepper flakes, ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
- Assemble the Lasagna:
- Spread ½ cup of white sauce on the bottom of the prepared casserole dish.
- Place 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Top with ¼ of the seafood mixture, ¼ of the white sauce, and a sprinkling of Italian and mozzarella cheeses.
- Repeat the layers three more times, finishing with white sauce and the remaining cheeses on top.
- Bake the Lasagna:
- Cover with foil and bake for 40–45 minutes or until bubbling and golden on top.
- Let the lasagna rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve with garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Fresh Seafood: Use fresh or high-quality frozen seafood for the best flavor.
- Cooking the Seafood: Avoid overcooking during the skillet step, as the seafood will continue to cook in the oven.
- Resting Time: Allow the lasagna to rest before slicing to let the layers set.
- Wine Pairing: Serve with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired