Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes | Yield: 4-6 servings | Diet: Gluten Free
Growing up, lasagna was always a red sauce affair in my household – until I discovered this incredible seafood variation during a trip to the Italian coast. The combination of tender shrimp nestled in creamy white sauce with layers of melted cheese creates something truly magical. This dish bridges the gap between elegant dinner party fare and comforting family meal, proving that sometimes the most beautiful recipes come from unexpected flavor combinations.
Why This Seafood Lasagna Will Steal Your Heart
This recipe transforms the traditional lasagna experience into something extraordinary and sophisticated. The delicate sweetness of fresh shrimp pairs beautifully with the rich, creamy white sauce, creating a luxurious texture that feels indulgent without being overwhelming. Unlike heavy meat lasagnas, this version feels light yet satisfying, making it perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress guests.
Additionally, the white sauce base allows the seafood flavors to shine through without competition from bold tomato notes. The combination of three different cheeses – ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan – creates layers of creamy, stretchy, and sharp flavors that complement the ocean-fresh shrimp perfectly. Furthermore, the addition of fresh spinach not only adds nutritional value but also provides a pop of color and earthy flavor that rounds out the dish beautifully.
Essential Ingredients
For the Pasta Foundation:
- Lasagna sheets – 12 pieces (no-boil variety recommended)
- Salt – for pasta water seasoning
For the Shrimp Component:
- Fresh or frozen shrimp – 400g, peeled and deveined
- Fresh garlic cloves – 2 pieces, finely minced
- Extra virgin olive oil – 2 tablespoons
- Fresh spinach – 200g, washed and chopped
- Salt and black pepper – to taste
For the Cheese Layers:
- Ricotta cheese – 250g, at room temperature
- Mozzarella cheese – 200g, freshly grated
- Parmesan cheese – 100g, finely grated
- Fresh herbs – basil and oregano, chopped
For the White Sauce:
- Prepared béchamel sauce – 500ml (or homemade)
- Butter – 3 tablespoons (if making from scratch)
- All-purpose flour – 3 tablespoons (if making from scratch)
- Whole milk – 500ml (if making from scratch)
- Nutmeg – pinch (optional)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Preparing the Pasta Base
Start by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. The water should taste like the sea – this ensures your pasta will be properly seasoned from the inside out. Add the lasagna sheets one at a time, stirring gently to prevent sticking, and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente.
Once cooked, drain the pasta carefully and lay the sheets flat on a clean kitchen towel. This prevents them from sticking together and makes assembly much easier. If you’re using no-boil pasta, simply have them ready at room temperature for layering.
Creating the Shrimp Mixture
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Subsequently, add the shrimp in a single layer, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are just cooked through.
Remove the shrimp from heat immediately to prevent overcooking – they’ll continue cooking in the oven. Season with salt and pepper, then set aside. In the same pan, quickly sauté the spinach until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. The residual garlic and shrimp flavors will infuse the spinach beautifully.
Preparing the White Sauce
If making béchamel from scratch, melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually add milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, approximately 8-10 minutes.
Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if desired. The consistency should be creamy but pourable – if too thick, thin with additional milk. If using store-bought béchamel, simply warm it gently and season to taste.
Assembly Process
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) while you assemble the lasagna. Begin by spreading a thin layer of white sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. This prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.
Layer as follows: pasta sheets, more white sauce, half the shrimp mixture, dollops of ricotta, wilted spinach, and a sprinkle of mozzarella. Repeat this layering process once more, then top with the final pasta sheets, remaining white sauce, and generous amounts of both mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
The Baking Process
Cover the assembled lasagna with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for 10-15 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling around the edges. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
Once baked, resist the temptation to cut immediately. Allow the lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes – this crucial step allows the layers to set properly and makes serving much cleaner and more attractive.
Serving Suggestions
Present this elegant lasagna with simple accompaniments that won’t compete with its sophisticated flavors. A crisp Caesar salad with homemade croutons provides the perfect textural contrast, while the tangy dressing cuts through the richness beautifully.
Consider serving with crusty garlic bread or focaccia for those who want extra carbs. A light white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the seafood beautifully, while sparkling water with lemon provides a refreshing palate cleanser between bites.
Creative Recipe Variations
Crab and Shrimp Combination
Replace half the shrimp with fresh crab meat for an even more luxurious seafood experience. The sweet crab pairs beautifully with the shrimp and adds textural interest.
Lemon Herb Version
Add fresh lemon zest to the white sauce and incorporate chopped fresh dill or parsley into the cheese mixture. This variation brings bright, fresh flavors that enhance the seafood.
Mushroom and Shrimp Medley
Include sautéed mushrooms (cremini or shiitake work wonderfully) in the layers for an earthy depth that complements the ocean flavors perfectly.
Lighter Alternative
Use part-skim ricotta and reduce the amount of mozzarella while adding extra spinach and herbs. This version maintains flavor while reducing calories and fat content.
Make-Ahead Tips
This lasagna is perfect for entertaining because it can be assembled completely up to 24 hours before baking. Simply cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to bring closer to room temperature, then add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
The white sauce can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Simply reheat gently while whisking to restore smooth consistency. Similarly, the shrimp can be cooked and seasoned a day ahead, though they’re best when prepared fresh.
For longer storage, the assembled lasagna can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. Frozen lasagna will need an additional 20-30 minutes of covered baking time.
Important Notes
Shrimp quality significantly impacts the final dish, so choose the freshest available or properly thawed frozen shrimp. Avoid pre-cooked shrimp as they become rubbery when baked. The shrimp should be cooked just until pink – overcooking results in tough, chewy texture.
Proper seasoning at each layer ensures balanced flavor throughout. Don’t forget to season the white sauce, the shrimp mixture, and even the ricotta cheese for the most delicious results.
When layering, avoid overfilling – too much filling can cause the lasagna to collapse or become soggy. Each layer should be generous but not excessive, allowing the pasta to provide structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use different types of seafood in this recipe? A: Absolutely! Scallops, crab meat, or lobster work beautifully. You can also create a mixed seafood version using combination of shrimp, crab, and scallops for ultimate luxury.
Q: How do I prevent the lasagna from becoming watery? A: Make sure to drain the spinach well after cooking and don’t oversauce the layers. Additionally, letting the lasagna rest after baking allows excess moisture to redistribute and be absorbed.
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free? A: Yes! Use gluten-free lasagna sheets and ensure your white sauce is made with gluten-free flour. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? A: Cover individual portions with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Microwave reheating works but may result in uneven heating and texture changes.
Q: How can I tell when the lasagna is fully cooked? A: The top should be golden brown and bubbly around the edges. Insert a knife into the center – it should go through easily and come out hot. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Q: Can I substitute the white sauce with something else? A: While béchamel is traditional, you could use a mixture of heavy cream and cream cheese, or even a light alfredo sauce. However, the flavor profile will change accordingly.
Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
Recipe Details:
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian Seafood