Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe
If you’re looking for a show-stopping seafood pasta bake with irresistible layers of flavor, look no further than Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna! This dish blends the rich, garlicky magic of shrimp scampi with the creamy comfort of classic lasagna, and the results are nothing short of spectacular. Tender shrimp, a zesty ricotta filling, and gooey mozzarella come together between delicate noodles for a meal that’s both elegant enough for entertaining and cozy enough for a weeknight treat. Trust me, once you’ve tasted this, you’ll be dreaming about your next bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna is in its simple ingredient list—each one playing a starring role in flavor, texture, and that gorgeous golden finish. Here’s what you’ll need and why each makes this lasagna shine.
- Olive oil: Adds depth to the shrimp and helps carry the flavors of garlic throughout the dish.
- Butter: Essential for that classic scampi richness and a luscious, golden top.
- Large shrimp (peeled and deveined): The sweet, juicy centerpiece of the lasagna—opt for fresh or high-quality frozen.
- Garlic (minced): The heart and soul of scampi—don’t skimp!
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For a subtle kick that brings balance.
- Salt and black pepper: Enhances all the flavors and brightens the filling.
- Dry white wine or chicken broth: Deglazes the pan and adds complexity—choose wine for a more traditional scampi flair.
- Fresh lemon juice: Cuts through richness and adds zing.
- Fresh parsley: Gives freshness and a pop of color.
- Ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, it’s the perfect partner for shrimp.
- Egg: Binds the ricotta mixture for a luscious, sliceable filling.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty depth to the ricotta layer.
- Italian seasoning: A hint of herbs to tie everything together.
- Lasagna noodles (cooked and drained): The sturdy, tender base for every delicious layer.
- Mozzarella cheese (shredded): For that beautiful, bubbly, melty top.
- Extra parsley and lemon zest (optional): For finishing touches that make the lasagna pop both in flavor and presentation.
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna
Step 1: Sauté the Shrimp Scampi
Start by heating olive oil and a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your minced garlic and, if you love a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes. Sauté for just 30 seconds, letting that garlic get fragrant but not brown. Toss in the shrimp, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and cook for only 2 to 3 minutes—just until those beauties turn pink and opaque. Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and lemon juice, letting them simmer together for another minute or two. Stir in the chopped parsley, remove from heat, and then chop the shrimp into bite-sized pieces. Don’t throw away those buttery, garlicky pan juices—they’re pure gold for flavor!
Step 2: Mix the Ricotta Layer
While your shrimp filling cools a bit, whisk together the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning in a medium bowl. This creamy mixture is the secret to that luscious, cheesy layer in every forkful of Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna. Make sure everything is well combined for the smoothest texture.
Step 3: Layer the Lasagna
Lightly butter a 9×13-inch baking dish to keep everything from sticking and to add extra flavor. Lay down your first three lasagna noodles, then spread on a third of the ricotta mixture. Top with a third of the shrimp and a generous drizzle of those reserved shrimp juices. Sprinkle with a layer of mozzarella. Repeat this process two more times, building gorgeous layers of shrimp, creamy cheese, and gooey mozzarella. Finish with a final layer of mozzarella and drizzle the top with melted butter for that golden finish.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes, letting all those flavors meld together. Then, uncover and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until the top is bubbly and lightly golden brown. Resist the urge to dig in right away! Let your Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna rest for 10 minutes so it slices beautifully and everyone gets a perfect portion.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna
Garnishes
Sprinkle your finished lasagna with a shower of fresh parsley and a little lemon zest just before serving. These final touches don’t just look gorgeous—they also add a refreshing brightness that balances the rich, buttery layers.
Side Dishes
Pair this lasagna with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette or some garlicky roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. Crusty bread is another must for soaking up every last drop of that scampi sauce!
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant dinner party, cut the lasagna into neat squares and serve atop a swirl of lemony cream sauce with a few whole sautéed shrimp on top. Or, make it family-style and let everyone dig in straight from the baking dish—either way, Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna is bound to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna holds up beautifully! Simply cover the baking dish with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container, and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making leftovers especially tasty.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the lasagna, slice it into portions and wrap individually in plastic wrap and foil, or place in freezer-safe containers. It’ll stay fresh for up to two months—just remember to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, pop slices in the microwave for a quick lunch or rewarm covered in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly. Add a splash of water or broth if it seems dry, and garnish with fresh herbs to revive that just-baked vibe.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna?
Absolutely! Just thaw your shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking. This helps them sear quickly and prevents excess moisture in the lasagna.
Is there a substitute for ricotta cheese?
Yes, you can swap in cottage cheese or mascarpone for a similar creamy texture, though the flavor will be slightly different. Drain cottage cheese well for best results.
What if I don’t want to use wine?
No problem—use chicken broth or even vegetable broth instead. You’ll still get a deliciously savory sauce for your shrimp filling.
Can I add vegetables to the lasagna?
Definitely! Sautéed spinach, zucchini, or even mushrooms can be added to the shrimp layer for a boost of color and nutrition. Just cook them first to reduce extra moisture.
How do I prevent my lasagna from being watery?
Be sure to cook off most of the shrimp liquid and drain your ricotta well if it seems wet. Letting the lasagna rest after baking also helps it set up perfectly for slicing.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna takes the best of Italian-American comfort food and gives it a fresh, seafood-forward twist that’s pure magic. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just craving something a little different, give this dish a try—you’ll be amazed at how special and satisfying every bite is!
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Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna is a delectable Italian-American main course that combines succulent shrimp cooked in a garlic butter sauce with creamy ricotta and layers of tender lasagna noodles. This seafood lasagna bake is rich, flavorful, and perfect for a comforting family dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Shrimp Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Ricotta Mixture
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Assembling
- 9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Extra parsley and lemon zest for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the lasagna.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds to release their flavor. Add shrimp, salt, and black pepper, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink. Pour in the white wine or chicken broth and lemon juice, simmering for another 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in chopped parsley, then remove from heat. Let the shrimp cool slightly before chopping into bite-sized pieces, reserving the cooking juices.
- Prepare the Ricotta Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until smooth and well incorporated.
- Assemble the Lasagna: Lightly butter a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place three cooked lasagna noodles across the bottom of the dish. Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles, followed by one-third of the chopped shrimp and a drizzle of the reserved shrimp juices. Sprinkle with one-third of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat these layers two more times, finishing with a final layer of mozzarella on top. Drizzle the melted butter over the entire dish.
- Bake the Lasagna: Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the lasagna is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the lasagna to rest for 10 minutes after baking to set. Garnish with extra parsley and lemon zest if desired before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For added flavor and nutrition, sauté spinach or chopped zucchini with the shrimp before assembling.
- Leftovers can be reheated well and also freeze nicely in portions for future meals.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 175mg
