If you have been craving something heavenly that blends the luscious flavors of the sea with the comfort of Italian cuisine, this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe is your dream come true. Imagine tender shrimp bathed in garlic butter and lemon, layered with creamy ricotta and a silky white sauce, all nestled between perfectly cooked lasagna noodles. It is a luxurious twist on traditional lasagna that delivers an irresistible combination of textures and flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. This dish brings together the best of both worlds and turns any meal into a special occasion effortlessly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding richness, brightness, or that perfect creamy texture that holds everything together. The simplicity of these essentials makes the cooking process approachable while ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor and color.
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Choose fresh or thawed shrimp for a sweet, succulent bite that’s the star of the dish.
- 4 tablespoons butter: Butter creates the silky base for both the shrimp and the creamy white sauce, lending richness throughout.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the shrimp with its iconic aromatic warmth and depth.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds subtle savory notes that balance the lemon’s acidity perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: A splash of brightness that lifts the entire flavor profile and cuts through the richness.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a fresh, herbal pop that brightens every forkful.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance all the natural flavors.
- 4 tablespoons butter (for sauce): Separate from shrimp butter, this is for the creamy béchamel base in the white sauce.
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the white sauce into that perfect velvety texture.
- 4 cups milk: The foundation of the sauce, delivering smooth creaminess.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty richness that deepens every layer.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: A subtle hint that rounds out the sauce’s flavor.
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked: These provide the sturdy yet tender structure your lasagna needs to hold all the delicious layers.
- 2 cups ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, perfect for mixing with egg to create the luscious ricotta filling.
- 1 egg: Binds the ricotta into a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully on top for that irresistible golden finish.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): A final flourish that adds color and freshness when serving.
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating ensures that the lasagna bakes evenly, allowing the cheese to melt perfectly and the sauce to bubble to golden, irresistible perfection.
Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp Scampi
In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat then add the minced garlic. Sauté just until the garlic is fragrant but not browned, about 1-2 minutes, to develop that signature garlic flavor. Toss in the shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque—this takes only a few minutes. Next, stir in the chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. The shrimp should be tender and coated in a buttery, lemon-garlic sauce that sings with freshness.
Step 3: Make the White Sauce
In a separate saucepan, melt another 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a smooth roux, cooking for about a minute until it bubbles gently—this eliminates any raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens into a luscious béchamel sauce. Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, a pinch of ground nutmeg, and salt and pepper to taste. This creamy, cheesy white sauce forms the luscious foundation that binds the lasagna layers.
Step 4: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and egg until smooth and creamy. The egg acts as a binder, giving the ricotta enough structure to hold its shape when layered, making it easier to spread evenly throughout your lasagna.
Step 5: Assemble the Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe
Start by spreading a generous layer of the white sauce in the bottom of your baking dish. Follow with a layer of lasagna noodles, then dollop and gently spread some of the ricotta mixture. Next, add a layer of the shrimp scampi, making sure the shrimp are evenly distributed, then cover with more white sauce. Repeat these layers—noodles, ricotta, shrimp, and sauce—until you’ve used all your ingredients, finishing with a final layer of noodles topped with the remaining white sauce. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top to create a beautifully golden crust when baked.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place your assembled lasagna in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You want to see the cheese on top bubbly and browned, with the sauce visibly thick and creamy in the layers. Once out of the oven, allow the dish to cool slightly so it sets up and is easier to serve.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley over the hot lasagna adds a vibrant green hue and a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens every bite. For an extra touch, you might add a few lemon wedges on the side to let each guest squeeze a bit of brightness on their portions.
Side Dishes
Since this lasagna is rich and flavorful, lighter side dishes work best. A crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli provide a fresh contrast. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread on the side is always a welcome companion to scoop up extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a truly special occasion, consider serving individual portions of this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe in ramekins or small baking dishes. Garnish each with a sprig of parsley and a lemon twist to impress guests with personalized presentation. You could also pair it with a chilled glass of white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc for a restaurant-quality experience at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This lasagna holds up beautifully the next day. Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop further, making those rewarmed portions even more delicious.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this dish freezes wonderfully. Wrap it tightly with aluminum foil and plastic wrap or place in an airtight container, then freeze for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to keep moisture in, for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave slices on a medium setting, covered, but the oven method preserves the texture and melty cheese better.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp thoroughly and pat them dry before cooking. This prevents excess moisture from making the lasagna watery and ensures the shrimp cook evenly.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute regular lasagna noodles with gluten-free ones available at most grocery stores. Make sure to verify that your chicken broth and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?
Definitely. You can prepare the shrimp scampi and white sauce a day ahead and assemble the lasagna right before baking. This will save time on the day you’re ready to enjoy the dish.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta on hand, cottage cheese works well as a substitute. To mimic the creaminess, blend it until smooth before mixing with the egg.
How can I add extra flavor to the white sauce?
Try adding a splash of white wine or a bit of finely minced shallot to the roux for an extra layer of depth. Just cook out the alcohol before adding the milk to keep the sauce smooth and rich.
Final Thoughts
You really cannot go wrong with this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe. It’s a comforting, elegant dish that brings a celebratory feel to any meal without complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or treating yourself, it turns ordinary ingredients into something reminding you why food is one of life’s greatest pleasures. I encourage you to give it a try—it might just become your new favorite lasagna twist!
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Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna is a delightful fusion of classic Italian flavors and seafood freshness. This recipe layers tender lasagna noodles with a creamy garlic butter shrimp scampi mixture, rich white sauce, and a ricotta cheese blend, baked to a bubbly golden perfection. It’s perfect for a special dinner or weekend treat that impresses with its elegant taste and satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Shrimp Scampi
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
White Sauce (Béchamel)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Other Ingredients
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the lasagna.
- Prepare the Shrimp Scampi: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink and are just cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side. Stir in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat.
- Make the White Sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook the sauce until it thickens and becomes smooth, approximately 5-7 minutes. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
- Prepare the Ricotta Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and egg. Mix until smooth and well incorporated. This mixture will add creaminess and help bind the layers.
- Assemble the Lasagna: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of white sauce on the bottom. Layer 4 cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread a third of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles, then spoon a third of the shrimp scampi mixture on top. Repeat these layers two more times, finishing with a top layer of noodles and remaining white sauce. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top layer.
- Bake: Place the assembled lasagna in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, golden, and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from oven and allow the lasagna to cool slightly for about 5-10 minutes to set. Garnish with additional fresh parsley before serving to add a touch of color and freshness.
Notes
- For best flavor, use fresh large shrimp and fresh parsley.
- Be sure to cook the lasagna noodles al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy when baked.
- You can prepare the white sauce and shrimp scampi ahead of time for easier assembly.
- If you prefer, substitute milk with half-and-half for a richer sauce.
- Letting the lasagna sit after baking helps it set and slice more cleanly.
