Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp

Seafood Lasagna brings together tender shrimp and crabmeat with a luscious cheese blend and creamy sauce layered between perfectly cooked pasta. This dreamy, oven-baked dish is both comforting and extravagant, making it an excellent choice for a cozy weekend or to impress your dinner guests. I always make this when I want to offer something truly special yet deeply satisfying – there is nothing like the aroma of bubbling, cheesy seafood lasagna emerging from the oven.

I first made this seafood lasagna for a family birthday, and even the picky eaters asked for seconds. Now we all look forward to it on holidays or special occasions.

Ingredients

• Lasagna noodles: for layering and holding all that filling together Look for no-boil for ease or classic for a bit of bite
• Butter: adds richness to the onion Choose a European style for extra creaminess if you can
• Minced onion: provides a savory start to the flavor base Go for yellow onions that feel firm and heavy
• Cottage cheese: brings creaminess and body Pick whole milk cottage cheese for best texture
• Cream cheese: enriches the filling Make sure it is really soft for easy mixing
• Egg: binds the cheese layer together Use the freshest egg you have
• Dried basil leaves: give a herby aroma Use a fresh jar for good flavor
• Salt: brings out all the flavors Use a flaky sea salt for a touch of luxury
• Cracked black pepper: adds subtle bite Freshly ground bursts more aroma
• Condensed cream of mushroom soup: forms the savory creamy sauce Choose a high quality brand for a richer flavor
• Cooked small shrimp: brings a juicy seafood bite Use peeled and deveined shrimp that are sweet smelling
• Crabmeat: adds a sweet ocean flavor Pick wild caught and avoid overly watery brands
• Milk: loosens the sauce and makes it silky Go for whole milk for extra creaminess
• Dry white wine: deepens the taste Avoid sweet wine and choose a crisp dry variety
• Sharp cheddar cheese: finishes with a gooey golden topping Buy a block to shred fresh for melting
• Parmesan cheese: offers savoriness and umami Shred just before using for boldest flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F to ensure it is evenly heated before your lasagna goes in. This step guarantees a bubbling golden top and even cooking.

Cook the Lasagna Noodles:

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles until just tender but still slightly firm about eight to ten minutes. Drain well and rinse under cold water so the layers do not stick together.

Sauté the Onion:

Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced onion and stir for about five minutes until it turns soft and translucent. This step builds the base aroma to flavor the whole dish.

Combine the Cheese Mixture:

Add the cottage cheese cream cheese beaten egg dried basil salt and pepper to the skillet with the sautéed onions. Stir everything together thoroughly so the mixture is creamy and well combined then set aside.

Make the Seafood Sauce:

In a large mixing bowl combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup cooked shrimp drained crabmeat milk and white wine. Stir well to make a smooth and seafood-rich sauce.

Assemble the Lasagna:

Place three noodles at the bottom of a 9 by 13 inch baking dish. Add a third of the onion cheese mixture spreading it out evenly then layer on a third of the seafood sauce. Repeat with noodles cheese mixture and seafood sauce for a total of three layers.

Add the Cheese Topping:

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and parmesan evenly over the top to create a thick cheesy crust that will turn golden when baked.

Bake and Rest:

Transfer the dish to the oven and bake for about forty five minutes until the filling is hot and bubbling and the top is browned. Let it rest for at least ten minutes before slicing so the layers set beautifully.

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The crabmeat in this dish is my secret favorite ingredient. My grandmother always said crab makes any meal feel festive and I agree every bite brings back memories of her holiday table with laughter and shared plates.

Storage Tips

Seafood lasagna will keep in the fridge for up to three days if stored airtight. To reheat gently warm portions in the oven covered with foil or microwave them loosely covered so the cheese does not dry out. For longer storage freeze individual portions wrapped well and reheat from frozen at a low temperature. Always let leftovers cool before storing to help keep the texture just right.

Ingredient Substitutions

Ricotta cheese can easily swap in for cottage cheese if you like a smoother filling. For the seafood you can use a combination of scallops or even a bit of lobster meat for a decadent upgrade. If you want to skip wine extra milk and a splash of lemon juice will do the trick. Add some chopped fresh spinach or a handful of baby bell peppers for beautiful color and a subtle sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this lasagna with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette and a warm loaf of garlic bread for the perfect meal. I also like to finish the plates with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or dill to bring a fresh note to all the richness. If you are planning a special dinner start with a simple soup and finish with a light citrus dessert to balance everything out.

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A Bit of History

Seafood lasagna is a coastal Italian-American spin on the classic It is especially popular in regions close to the ocean where shellfish is easy to find. The ever popular combination of creamy cheese sauce and the sweetness of shrimp and crab often makes this dish the highlight of festive tables especially among families with fishing roots.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I ensure the noodles are perfectly cooked?

Boil the noodles in salted water until al dente, about 8–10 minutes, then rinse under cold water to stop cooking and keep them from sticking.

→ Can I use fresh seafood instead of canned crabmeat?

Yes, fresh seafood should be cooked thoroughly before layering to ensure safety and optimal texture.

→ What’s the purpose of the cream of mushroom soup in the layers?

It creates a creamy, savory sauce that binds the seafood and pasta layers while adding richness.

→ How can I add extra flavor to this dish?

Try adding lemon juice to the seafood mixture, fresh herbs like parsley, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.

→ How long can leftovers be stored safely?

Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.

→ What cheeses work best for the topping?

Sharp Cheddar provides a bold finish, while Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor that browns beautifully in the oven.