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Creamy Seafood Lasagna with Spinach and Cheese Recipe

If you’ve been searching for a dish that truly combines indulgence and comfort with a touch of elegance, this Creamy Seafood Lasagna with Spinach and Cheese Recipe is going to become your new culinary obsession. Imagine tender layers of no-boil noodles smothered in a luscious cream cheese and heavy cream sauce, studded generously with succulent shrimp, scallops, and crab meat. Fresh spinach adds a vibrant punch of color and a gentle earthiness, while a melty mixture of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese crowns the whole creation with golden, bubbly perfection. It’s a dish that feels like a celebration every time you dig in, perfect for sharing with friends or treating yourself to a special night in.

Creamy Seafood Lasagna with Spinach and Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting ready to make this creamy seafood lasagna is a joy because the ingredients are refreshingly simple yet each plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish sing. From the tender pasta to the rich cheeses and fresh seafood, every component is essential.

  • 9 lasagna noodles (no-boil): Saves time and ensures tender pasta without fussing over cooking separately.
  • 1 cup mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, crab meat): The star proteins offering a sweet, briny hit that defines this recipe.
  • 8 oz cream cheese (softened): Provides that creamy, tangy base that holds everything together.
  • 1 cup heavy cream: Adds richness and silky smoothness to the sauce.
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (whole milk): Melts beautifully to create that delicious cheesy layer we all love.
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated): A punch of umami and sharpness to complement the seafood.
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses fragrant depth into the sauce without overpowering.
  • 2 cups fresh spinach (packed): Offers freshness, bright green color, and a subtle earthiness.
  • 2 tsp dried Italian herbs: A fragrant blend that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
  • Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to enhance every ingredient’s natural flavor.

How to Make Creamy Seafood Lasagna with Spinach and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Noodles

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This sets the stage perfectly for layering your lasagna. While the oven warms, cook your no-boil lasagna noodles according to the package directions until just al dente. They’ll continue cooking in the oven, so perfect doneness now is key to avoiding mushy noodles later.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Seafood Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and heavy cream with minced garlic, salt, pepper, and your dried Italian herbs until the mixture is silky smooth. This creamy base is what makes your lasagna so indulgently rich and luxurious. Next, gently fold in your mixed seafood and fresh spinach, ensuring everything is evenly coated without squishing the delicate seafood. This mixture promises bites bursting with flavor and texture.

Step 3: Start Layering the Lasagna

Grab your baking dish and spread a thin layer of your creamy seafood sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking and to infuse flavor from the very first bite. Then add a layer of noodles, followed by another generous dollop of sauce, and a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat these layers—sauce, noodles, seafood mixture, more sauce, cheese—until you’ve used all your ingredients, finishing off with a final layer of mozzarella and a dusting of Parmesan for that irresistible golden crust.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Cover your assembled lasagna with foil and slide it into the oven. Bake covered for 25 minutes to allow all those flavors to mingle and the seafood to cook gently. After that, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes so the cheese on top browns beautifully to a bubbly, golden finish. Patience here rewards you with that perfect balance of creamy layers and a crisp, cheesy top.

Step 5: Rest Before Serving

Once out of the oven, let your lasagna rest for about 10 minutes before cutting into it. This resting period allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the layers to set, making serving cleaner and enhancing the overall eating experience. Trust me, this small wait elevates every mouthful.

How to Serve Creamy Seafood Lasagna with Spinach and Cheese Recipe

Creamy Seafood Lasagna with Spinach and Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

To make this dish even more inviting, dress it up with some fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil right before serving. A light sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a few lemon zest curls can brighten the creamy richness and add a lovely contrast. These simple touches upgrade your presentation and flavor profile beautifully.

Side Dishes

This lasagna is quite a hearty meal on its own, but pairing it with a crisp, refreshing side adds fantastic balance. Think along the lines of a simple arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted garlic green beans. The greens offer a lovely crisp texture and subtle bitterness that complements the creamy seafood layers perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress at a dinner party or family gathering, consider serving portions in individual ramekins for elegant single servings. Layer the ingredients the same way, and bake until bubbly. Another fun idea is to sprinkle a little extra Parmesan or paprika on top before serving to add visual pop and a hint of smoky flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Seafood Lasagna with Spinach and Cheese Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld overnight, often making the next-day meal even tastier and easier to reheat.

Freezing

If you want to prepare this dish well in advance, it freezes wonderfully. Wrap the assembled, unbaked lasagna tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, bake straight from frozen, adding extra bake time and making sure to keep it covered until heated through.

Reheating

For reheating, the oven is your best friend to retain that freshly baked texture. Heat leftovers at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for about 20 minutes, removing the foil at the last 5 minutes for that signature cheesy top to re-crisp. Microwaving works in a pinch but might sacrifice texture slightly.

FAQs

Can I use frozen seafood for this lasagna?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the seafood completely and pat it dry to avoid excess moisture, which can make the lasagna watery. Frozen seafood works well, especially if it’s fresh-frozen and of good quality.

Is it necessary to cook the lasagna noodles before layering?

This recipe uses no-boil noodles, so cooking them beforehand isn’t strictly necessary unless you prefer a softer texture. If you use regular noodles, be sure to cook them al dente to avoid mushy layers.

Can I substitute the cream cheese for another type of cheese?

You could experiment with mascarpone or ricotta for a slightly different texture and flavor, but cream cheese offers a unique tanginess and creaminess that really defines this recipe’s character.

How spicy is this lasagna?

This dish isn’t spicy at all; it’s all about rich creaminess and delicate seafood flavors. However, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes into the sauce if you want a gentle heat.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version, swap out the seafood with heartier vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or artichoke hearts. Adjust seasoning accordingly to ensure plenty of flavor and richness remain.

Final Thoughts

Making the Creamy Seafood Lasagna with Spinach and Cheese Recipe is like inviting a slice of seaside luxury into your kitchen. Every bite brings creamy, cheesy happiness balanced by fresh spinach and tender seafood, showcased in layers you’ll want to savor slowly. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe is a guaranteed winner that will quickly become a beloved classic in your collection. So, grab your ingredients and dive into this sumptuous, comforting dish—you won’t regret it!

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Creamy Seafood Lasagna with Spinach and Cheese Recipe


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4.1 from 41 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

This creamy Seafood Lasagna is a luxurious twist on a classic Italian favorite, combining tender no-boil lasagna noodles with a rich cream cheese and heavy cream sauce, mixed seafood, fresh spinach, and layered with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Baked to golden perfection, it’s a decadent and comforting dish perfect for special occasions or a delicious family meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 9 lasagna noodles (no-boil)

Seafood and Vegetables

  • 1 cup mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, crab meat)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach (packed)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)

Cheese and Dairy

  • 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (whole milk)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)

Seasoning

  • 2 tsp dried Italian herbs
  • Salt and pepper to taste


Instructions

  1. Preheat oven and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and help with easy serving.
  2. Cook noodles: Boil the no-boil lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain them carefully and set aside to cool slightly.
  3. Make creamy sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, heavy cream, minced garlic, dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the sauce is smooth and creamy without lumps.
  4. Add seafood and spinach: Gently fold the mixed seafood and fresh packed spinach leaves into the creamy cheese mixture, ensuring an even distribution without overmixing.
  5. Layer the lasagna: In the prepared baking dish, begin by spreading a layer of the creamy seafood sauce on the bottom. Follow with a layer of lasagna noodles, then more creamy seafood mixture, and a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of mozzarella on top.
  6. Bake covered: Cover the lasagna with foil to keep moisture in and bake it in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
  7. Bake uncovered: Remove the foil carefully and bake for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the top to become golden and bubbly.
  8. Rest before serving: Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes to set and cool slightly, making it easier to slice and serve.

Notes

  • Using no-boil lasagna noodles saves time and simplifies preparation.
  • Ensure the seafood is fresh and properly thawed if using frozen.
  • You can substitute spinach with kale or arugula for a slightly different flavor.
  • Covering the lasagna during initial baking prevents drying out; removing foil at the end helps develop a golden crust.
  • Letting the lasagna rest improves texture and makes serving easier.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

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