I like to make this crab and shrimp seafood lasagna when I want something rich, comforting, and a little bit special. It combines tender seafood with creamy layers and perfectly cooked pasta, creating a dish that feels both indulgent and satisfying. Every bite has a balance of flavors that makes it hard for me to stop at just one serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this recipe transforms simple ingredients into something elegant and full of flavor. The combination of crab and shrimp gives the lasagna a delicate seafood taste that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce. I also appreciate that it’s perfect for gatherings or family dinners, since it looks impressive but is actually quite straightforward to prepare.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
lasagna noodles
shrimp, peeled and deveined
crab meat
butter
garlic
onion
all-purpose flour
milk
heavy cream
parmesan cheese
mozzarella cheese
ricotta cheese
salt
black pepper
parsley
lemon juice (optional)
Directions
I start by cooking the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions, then I drain and set them aside.
In a pan, I melt butter over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion until soft. I add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Then I add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink. I gently fold in the crab meat and cook for another minute before removing everything from the heat.
In the same pan, I prepare a creamy sauce by adding more butter, then stirring in flour to form a roux. I slowly pour in milk and cream while whisking to avoid lumps, letting the sauce thicken. I mix in parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until smooth.
To assemble, I spread a layer of sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. I add a layer of noodles, followed by the seafood mixture, ricotta, mozzarella, and more sauce. I repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with sauce and a generous topping of mozzarella and parmesan.
I bake the lasagna in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 35–40 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top. I let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Servings and timing
I usually get about 6 servings from this recipe.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Variations
I sometimes add spinach between the layers for extra color and nutrition.
I like to use a mix of cheeses such as fontina or gouda for a deeper flavor.
For a lighter version, I replace part of the cream with more milk.
I occasionally add a pinch of chili flakes for a subtle heat.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When I reheat it, I cover it with foil and warm it in the oven at a low temperature to keep it from drying out. If I’m in a hurry, I use the microwave, though I prefer the oven for better texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen seafood?
I can use frozen shrimp and crab, but I make sure to thaw and drain them well before cooking.
Can I prepare this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, I often assemble it ahead and store it in the fridge, then bake it when I’m ready to serve.
What type of crab meat works best?
I prefer lump crab meat for its texture and flavor, but other types work as well.
Can I make it without ricotta?
I can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or simply add more mozzarella if I prefer.
How do I prevent the lasagna from being watery?
I make sure the seafood is well-drained and the sauce is thick enough before assembling.
Conclusion
I find this crab and shrimp seafood lasagna to be a perfect combination of comfort and elegance. It’s creamy, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whenever I make it, it feels like I’m bringing something truly special to the table.
PrintIrresistible Crab and Shrimp Seafood Lasagna
A rich and indulgent crab and shrimp seafood lasagna layered with tender seafood, creamy sauce, and melted cheeses for a comforting yet elegant dish perfect for special occasions or family dinners.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Ingredients
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 lb (450 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 lb (450 g) crab meat
- 3 tbsp butter (divided)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (480 ml) milk
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (100 g) grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup (250 g) ricotta cheese
- 1 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until soft and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink, about 3–4 minutes.
- Gently fold in the crab meat and cook for another minute, then remove from heat.
- In the same pan, melt the remaining butter and stir in the flour to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
- Add parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper, mixing until smooth.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Spread a layer of sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.
- Layer noodles, seafood mixture, ricotta, mozzarella, and sauce. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used.
- Finish with a layer of sauce and top with remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Let the lasagna rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley and a drizzle of lemon juice if desired, then serve.
Notes
- Add spinach between layers for extra nutrition and color.
- Use a blend of cheeses like fontina or gouda for deeper flavor.
- Substitute part of the cream with milk for a lighter version.
- Add chili flakes for a subtle heat.
- Ensure seafood is well-drained to avoid excess moisture.
- Assemble ahead of time and refrigerate before baking if needed.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat covered in the oven at low temperature or in the microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg
