If you’re looking for a dinner that marries the rich allure of seafood with the comforting layers of Italian pasta, you will adore this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe. It offers an irresistible blend of succulent shrimp, creamy ricotta, and a luscious garlic butter sauce that infuses every layer with bright, buttery flavor. This dish is a showstopper for any occasion—whether a cozy weeknight meal or a special gathering—and it beautifully elevates classic lasagna into something uniquely indulgent and memorable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the secret here. Each plays a crucial role, balancing flavors and textures to create layers of delight—from the tender noodles to the garlicky, buttery shrimp and the creamy cheeses that melt beautifully together.
- 12 lasagna noodles: Cooked and drained, these form the sturdy yet tender layers that hold everything together.
- 1 pound large shrimp: Peeled and deveined for perfect bites of sweet seafood in every slice.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: The rich base for the scampi sauce that brings buttery goodness to the dish.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic provides the bold, aromatic punch essential to shrimp scampi.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps to gently cook the garlic and shrimp without burning, adding subtle fruity notes.
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth): Adds brightness and depth, lifting the sauce’s flavor layers.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Creates the silky, luscious texture that envelops the shrimp and noodles.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Mixed with parsley for freshness and creamy richness in the lasagna layers.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts marvelously to give the dish gooey, golden topping and fillings.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty finish that enhances the overall savory profile.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Brightens the sauce with a subtle citrus zing balancing the butter.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Swirled into ricotta and sprinkled on top for a fresh, herbal note and a pop of color.
- Salt and black pepper: To taste, seasoning the layers perfectly.
- Optional: red pepper flakes: A pinch adds a welcome touch of heat, if you like a little kick.
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Cook Shrimp
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready once you assemble the lasagna. On medium heat, melt butter and olive oil in a large skillet. Toss in the minced garlic and let its captivating aroma fill your kitchen for about a minute. Add the shrimp and cook just until they turn pink, about 2 to 3 minutes — be careful not to overcook, as shrimp can get rubbery quickly. Remove the shrimp and set them aside; they’ll reunite with the sauce shortly.
Step 2: Make the Scampi Sauce
Pour the white wine or chicken broth into the skillet, letting it simmer gently for 2 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavors. Stir in the heavy cream and fresh lemon juice, cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Season this divine sauce with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for a slight spicy undertone.
Step 3: Mix Ricotta Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with half of the chopped fresh parsley and a small pinch of salt. This mixture introduces a fresh herbal creaminess that contrasts beautifully with the buttery shrimp sauce and stringy mozzarella.
Step 4: Build Your Lasagna
This is the fun part! Begin by spreading a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish — it prevents sticking and adds flavor from the first bite. Layer 3 noodles, followed by one-third of the ricotta mixture, one-third of the cooked shrimp, more sauce, and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Repeat these layers twice, ending with noodles, the remaining sauce, and the final cheese sprinkle on top. Cover with foil to keep moisture in during baking.
Step 5: Bake and Rest
Bake covered for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the top is gloriously golden and bubbling. Once out of the oven, allow the lasagna to rest for 10 minutes. This pause lets everything set, making serving slices cleaner and flavors more harmonious.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
Finish this masterpiece with the remaining chopped fresh parsley, scattering vibrant green flecks across the bubbling cheese. A light drizzle of fresh lemon juice just before serving can elevate brightness and zest, highlighting the garlic butter shrimp’s flavor beautifully.
Side Dishes
Keep the sides simple and refreshing to balance the richness of the lasagna. A crisp mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or garlicky roasted asparagus pairs delightfully. You could also serve crusty garlic bread to dip into any leftover sauce, ensuring no flavor goes to waste.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning effect at dinner parties, serve individual slices on brightly colored plates garnished with lemon wedges and a sprig of parsley. You can also layer this lasagna in clear glass baking dishes to showcase its beautiful, shrimp-filled layers before cutting. Mini portions in ramekins make elegant appetizers or personal-sized entrees.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it tightly covered with foil or in an airtight container to preserve moisture and prevent it from absorbing other fridge odors.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully! For best results, freeze it before baking by assembling in a suitable container and wrapping tightly with plastic wrap followed by foil. It can stay frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. Alternatively, microwave single portions covered loosely to retain moisture, but the oven method helps maintain that fresh-baked texture and bubbly cheese topping.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp works fine as long as it’s properly thawed and drained before cooking. Pat it dry to avoid excess moisture in the sauce.
What can I substitute for white wine in the sauce?
If you prefer no alcohol, using chicken broth or even a light vegetable broth is a fantastic alternative that maintains richness without overpowering the delicate shrimp flavor.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil, use coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative, and choose vegan cheese options. Keep in mind the texture and flavor will vary somewhat from the original.
How spicy is this lasagna if I add red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth rather than intense heat. You can adjust the amount to suit your tolerance or omit entirely if you prefer a milder dish.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time before baking?
Absolutely! Assemble the lasagna a few hours or even a day before baking. Just keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to pop it in the oven.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels special yet is surprisingly approachable to make. The harmony of buttery shrimp, creamy cheeses, and tender noodles creates an unforgettable dish you’ll want to make over and over. Give it a try soon—you’ll be handing out the recipe before the last bite!
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Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna is a decadent seafood twist on the classic Italian dish, featuring layers of tender lasagna noodles, succulent shrimp cooked in a garlic butter sauce, creamy ricotta, and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Infused with hints of white wine, lemon juice, and fresh parsley, this rich, creamy lasagna bakes to golden perfection and is perfect for an impressive yet comforting meal.
Ingredients
Lasagna and Cheese
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Shrimp Scampi Sauce
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the lasagna.
- Cook Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter together with olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: Pour the white wine (or chicken broth) into the same skillet and simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in the heavy cream and fresh lemon juice, cooking for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens. Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Mix Ricotta: In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with half of the chopped parsley and a pinch of salt, mixing well for flavor.
- Assemble Lasagna: Spread a small amount of the prepared sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer 3 lasagna noodles, then spread one-third of the ricotta mixture, one-third of the cooked shrimp, additional sauce, and sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Repeat this layering process two more times, finishing with a final layer of noodles topped with the remaining sauce and cheeses.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the cheeses to melt.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes after baking to set. Garnish with the remaining chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Substitute shrimp with scallops or a seafood blend for variety.
- For a lighter option, replace heavy cream with half-and-half.
- Add sautéed spinach or zucchini between layers to include extra vegetables.
