Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab – The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
If you’re ready to dive fork-first into a decadent pasta masterpiece, Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab – The Ultimate Comfort Food is about to become your new obsession. Picture luscious layers of tender noodles, a rich and creamy white sauce, and a gloriously generous blend of shrimp and crab, all tucked together with melty cheese. There’s something magical about the way these flavors meld, creating a dish that feels both elegant and irresistibly homey. It’s the kind of meal that turns an ordinary night into a celebration – and trust me, you’re going to want seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab – The Ultimate Comfort Food lies in the thoughtful balance of fresh seafood, creamy cheese, and a white sauce that’s pure comfort. Each ingredient plays a starring role, adding flavor, texture, and vibrant color to every bite.
- Lasagna noodles: The sturdy base that holds all the layers of creamy, cheesy seafood goodness together.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the aromatics for a deeper, savory flavor.
- Garlic: Brings a punch of aromatic warmth that infuses the seafood and sauce.
- Onion: Sautéed until sweet and translucent, it builds the foundation of flavor.
- Raw shrimp: Chopped so every bite gets a taste of sweet, juicy seafood.
- Lump crab meat: The star of the show, adding delicate texture and a briny, luxurious flavor.
- Ricotta cheese: Gives the lasagna its signature creamy layers without feeling heavy.
- Egg: Binds the ricotta for a filling that holds its shape beautifully.
- Fresh parsley: Brightens up each layer with a pop of fresh, herbal flavor.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey perfection, stretching over every bite.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty edge that rounds out the creamy sauce.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors together.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the white sauce, making it silky smooth.
- Whole milk: The base of the creamy sauce, lending body and richness.
- Heavy cream: Takes the sauce to the next level with extra silkiness.
- Old Bay seasoning (optional): Adds a classic seafood kick if you love a little extra flavor.
- Nutmeg: Just a pinch gives the sauce a subtle warmth that makes it irresistible.
How to Make Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab – The Ultimate Comfort Food
Step 1: Prepare the Seafood Mixture
Start by melting butter in a skillet and sautéing your garlic and onions until they’re soft and fragrant. Then, toss in the chopped shrimp and let them cook until just pink. Gently fold in the sweet lump crab meat and remove from heat. This mixture is what gives Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab – The Ultimate Comfort Food its signature ocean-fresh flavor.
Step 2: Mix the Ricotta Filling
In a bowl, stir together the ricotta cheese, egg, chopped fresh parsley, salt, and pepper. This mixture should be smooth and spreadable. It acts as the creamy, dreamy layer nestled between the noodles and seafood, balancing the richness with a bit of freshness.
Step 3: Make the Creamy White Sauce
Melt the butter in a saucepan and whisk in flour to form a roux. Gradually add the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens — about five minutes. Season with salt, pepper, Old Bay if you’re using it, and a pinch of nutmeg. This sauce is what transforms the lasagna into the ultimate comfort food, giving every bite a silken finish.
Step 4: Assemble the Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab – The Ultimate Comfort Food
In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer a bit of the white sauce on the bottom, then three noodles, half the ricotta mixture, half the seafood mixture, and a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan. Repeat the layers, finishing with noodles, the rest of the sauce, and a final generous layer of cheese. This step is where all the flavors come together in harmony.
Step 5: Bake and Rest
Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes until everything is bubbling and the top is golden brown. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing — this makes it easier to serve and ensures the layers stay intact.
How to Serve Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab – The Ultimate Comfort Food

Garnishes
For a burst of fresh flavor and color, sprinkle chopped parsley or basil on top before serving. A light dusting of extra Parmesan cheese is never a bad idea, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten up the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This lasagna is a showstopper on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette, some roasted asparagus, or a side of garlicky bread. These sides help balance the creamy, hearty nature of Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab – The Ultimate Comfort Food.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, try serving the lasagna in individual ramekins for an elegant touch. Or, cut the baked lasagna into neat squares and plate each serving with a drizzle of extra white sauce and a little pile of microgreens. It’s a surefire way to impress your guests!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover any leftover Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab – The Ultimate Comfort Food tightly and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making for fantastic next-day lunches.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Wrap the cooled lasagna (whole or in slices) tightly in foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, cover with foil and bake in a 350°F oven until hot, about 20–25 minutes. For individual servings, the microwave works in a pinch, but the oven keeps the texture just right and the cheese gooey.
FAQs
Can I use cooked shrimp instead of raw?
Yes, you can use cooked shrimp, but add it at the end of the sauté step just to warm it through. Overcooking shrimp can make them rubbery, so keep a close eye on the timing.
Is it okay to substitute imitation crab?
Absolutely! If real crab isn’t available, imitation crab works just fine and still brings plenty of flavor to your Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab – The Ultimate Comfort Food.
Can I add vegetables to the lasagna?
Definitely. A handful of fresh spinach stirred into the ricotta mixture, or some sautéed mushrooms layered in, are both delicious ways to add color and extra nutrients.
What can I do if my sauce is too thin?
If your white sauce doesn’t thicken up as expected, just let it cook a minute or two longer on the stove while stirring constantly. It’ll firm up as it cools and bakes.
How far ahead can I assemble the lasagna?
You can assemble Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab – The Ultimate Comfort Food up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake just before serving for maximum freshness.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite as soul-satisfying as sharing a bubbling pan of Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab – The Ultimate Comfort Food with people you love. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a night when you’re craving something truly comforting, this lasagna always delivers. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s sure to become a new family favorite!
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Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab – The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender layers of pasta, creamy ricotta, succulent seafood, and rich white sauce baked to bubbly perfection. It’s a delightful twist on classic lasagna that brings the flavors of the sea right to your table, perfect for a hearty family dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Seafood Mixture
- 9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 12 oz raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- 8 oz lump crab meat
Ricotta Mixture
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Creamy White Sauce
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (optional)
- Pinch of nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the lasagna.
- Prepare Seafood Mixture: In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in the chopped shrimp and cook until pink, approximately 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat and gently fold in the lump crab meat. Set aside.
- Mix Ricotta Mixture: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, chopped fresh parsley, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Make Creamy White Sauce: In a saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly add the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and whisking until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Season with salt, black pepper, Old Bay seasoning (if using), and a pinch of nutmeg. Remove from heat.
- Assemble Lasagna: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread a thin layer of the creamy white sauce on the bottom. Layer with 3 cooked lasagna noodles. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by half of the seafood mixture. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Repeat the layering process: noodles, ricotta mixture, seafood, and cheeses. Finish with a final layer of noodles topped with the remaining white sauce and cheeses.
- Bake: Cover the assembled lasagna loosely with foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the lasagna to rest for 10 minutes after removing it from the oven to set before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can substitute imitation crab for lump crab meat if fresh crab is not available.
- For extra flavor and nutrition, stir some fresh spinach into the ricotta mixture before layering.
- Add a dash of white wine to the creamy white sauce during preparation for a subtle depth of flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 690 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 185 mg