Shrimp Lasagna with White Sauce and Cheese is a rich and creamy seafood twist on the classic lasagna. Layers of tender shrimp, creamy béchamel sauce, gooey cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta create an indulgent dish that’s perfect for special occasions or a cozy family dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy & Cheesy – A velvety white sauce with melted cheese in every bite.
- Seafood Twist – A delicious alternative to traditional meat lasagna.
- Elegant Yet Easy – Perfect for a dinner party or a comforting homemade meal.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Great for meal prep and reheats beautifully.
- Customizable – Add spinach, mushrooms, or other seafood for extra flavor.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Lasagna:
- Lasagna noodles (cooked until al dente)
- Shrimp (peeled, deveined, and chopped)
- Butter
- Garlic (minced)
- Onion (diced)
- Spinach (optional, for extra texture and flavor)
For the White Sauce (Béchamel):
- Butter
- All-purpose flour
- Whole milk
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- Nutmeg (optional, for depth of flavor)
- Salt and black pepper
For Assembly:
- Ricotta cheese
- Egg (beaten, to bind the ricotta)
- Shredded mozzarella (for topping)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
Prepare the Shrimp:
- Sauté the Shrimp – In a pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and onions, sauté until fragrant.
- Cook the Shrimp – Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until pink. Remove from heat and set aside.
Make the White Sauce:
- Make a Roux – Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Add Milk & Cream – Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until thickened.
- Melt the Cheese – Stir in Parmesan, mozzarella, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
Assemble the Lasagna:
- Layer 1 – Spread a thin layer of white sauce in the bottom of a greased baking dish.
- Layer 2 – Add lasagna noodles, followed by ricotta mixed with egg, shrimp mixture, spinach (if using), and more white sauce.
- Repeat Layers – Continue layering noodles, shrimp, ricotta, and sauce until all ingredients are used.
- Top with Cheese – Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and extra Parmesan on top.
Bake:
- Preheat Oven – Set to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake – Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Rest & Serve – Let sit for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Variations
- Spicy Kick – Add red pepper flakes for heat.
- Extra Seafood – Add crab meat or scallops for a seafood medley.
- Vegetable Boost – Mix in mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
- Lighter Option – Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and a flour alternative for the roux.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes! Just add them at the layering stage to prevent overcooking.
What’s the best cheese for this lasagna?
Mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta create a rich and creamy texture.
Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the lasagna, cover, and refrigerate overnight before baking.
What can I serve with shrimp lasagna?
A fresh salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables pair well.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, but thaw and drain them well before cooking.
How do I prevent the lasagna from being watery?
Drain the shrimp well and avoid adding excess liquid from the sauce.
Can I make this without ricotta?
Yes! Substitute with cottage cheese or a béchamel-only filling.
What’s the best way to get a golden, crispy top?
Broil for 2-3 minutes after baking for extra crispiness.
Can I add white wine to the sauce?
Yes! A splash of white wine adds depth to the flavor.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes! The creamy texture and cheesy layers make it appealing to kids.
Conclusion
Shrimp Lasagna with White Sauce and Cheese is a creamy, indulgent seafood dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavors, tender shrimp, and cheesy goodness, this lasagna is sure to be a family favorite. Try it today for a delicious twist on a classic comfort food!
PrintShrimp Lasagna with White Sauce and Cheese
This Shrimp Lasagna with White Sauce and Cheese is a creamy, cheesy, and indulgent seafood twist on a classic comfort dish. Layers of tender shrimp, rich béchamel sauce, gooey cheese, and lasagna noodles create a decadent meal that’s perfect for special occasions or a comforting weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients
For the Shrimp Filling:
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- ½ cup white wine (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
For the White Sauce (Béchamel):
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for depth)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
For Assembling the Lasagna:
- 9–12 lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the Lasagna Noodles:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- (If using oven-ready noodles, skip this step.)
2. Prepare the Shrimp Filling:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in chopped shrimp, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until shrimp turn pink, then pour in white wine and simmer for 1 minute. Remove from heat and let cool.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and egg, then fold in the cooked shrimp mixture.
3. Make the White Sauce (Béchamel):
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in milk, stirring until smooth. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened.
- Stir in salt, black pepper, nutmeg (if using), and 1 cup shredded mozzarella. Remove from heat.
4. Assemble the Lasagna:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread a thin layer of white sauce on the bottom of the dish.
- Layer 3-4 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Spread half of the shrimp ricotta mixture over the noodles, then pour some white sauce on top.
- Repeat the layers, finishing with a top layer of noodles and white sauce.
- Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
5. Bake & Serve:
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
- Let rest for 10 minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley and serve!
Notes
- More Seafood? Add crab meat or scallops for a seafood medley.
- Make it Lighter: Use half-and-half instead of whole milk and reduce cheese.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.