Oh, friend, let me tell you about my Seafood Lasagna with Creamy Cheese! It all started years ago when I was trying to impress my in-laws, who, bless their hearts, are quite the foodies. I wanted to make something special, something beyond my usual weeknight pasta routine. I envisioned this masterpiece: layers of tender seafood nestled in creamy, cheesy goodness. The first attempt? A complete disaster! The sauce was runny, the noodles were mushy, and the seafood? Well, let’s just say it was less “gourmet seafood lasagna” and more “fishy surprise.”
But I’m not one to give up easily, especially when a challenge involves cheese. After much tweaking, experimenting, and a few more near-misses, I finally nailed it. This Seafood Lasagna with Creamy Cheese is now a family favorite, requested for birthdays, holidays, and even those “just because” dinners. It’s surprisingly easy to make, even on busy weeknights, and the creamy sauce is just divine. This white sauce seafood lasagna is truly special. Let me show you how to make it; you’ll be so glad you did!
Ingredients for Seafood Lasagna
Here’s what you’ll need to create this creamy, dreamy dish. I always use fresh seafood for my Seafood Lasagna with Creamy Cheese; it makes all the difference.
- 1 pound lasagna noodles, cooked according to package directions
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 pound scallops, halved if large
- 1 pound crabmeat, fresh or imitation (I prefer fresh when making Seafood Lasagna with Creamy Cheese for special occasions)
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (This adds a lovely warmth to the Seafood Lasagna with Creamy Cheese!)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Lemon wedges for serving
When making Seafood Lasagna with Creamy Cheese, you can usually find good-quality crabmeat at your local seafood counter or even some well-stocked grocery stores. My mom taught me a Seafood Lasagna with Creamy Cheese trick: always taste your white sauce before layering! Adjust the seasonings as needed to get it just right.
For a cost-saving tip, consider using frozen shrimp and scallops. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking. I also stock up on cheese when it is on sale so I always have it ready to make my Seafood Lasagna with Creamy Cheese. Store any leftover cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can often find great deals on seafood at the end of the day at the grocery store; just ask the butcher!
How to Make Seafood Lasagna: Step-by-Step
Alright, let’s get cooking! Don’t worry, this Seafood Lasagna with Creamy Cheese is easier than you think.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp and scallops to the skillet. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the shrimp turns pink and the scallops are opaque. Be careful not to overcook the seafood, or it will become rubbery. Remove the seafood from the skillet and set aside. See Easy Seafood Lasagna { + video } – Family Fresh Meals for a video on how to cook this.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until a smooth paste forms (this is called a roux).
- Gradually whisk in milk, making sure to break up any lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in salt, pepper, nutmeg, and Parmesan cheese. The sauce should be smooth and creamy. This is the key to a really delightful white sauce seafood lasagna.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese and parsley.
- Now, it’s time to assemble the Seafood Lasagna with Creamy Cheese. Spread a thin layer of the creamy white sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Arrange a layer of cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles.
- Sprinkle half of the cooked shrimp, scallops, and crabmeat over the ricotta cheese.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the seafood.
- Pour half of the remaining white sauce over the mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat layers: noodles, ricotta cheese mixture, seafood, mozzarella cheese, and white sauce.
- Top with a final layer of noodles, the remaining white sauce, and the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Your Seafood Lasagna with Creamy Cheese should smell heavenly!
- Let the Seafood Lasagna with Creamy Cheese stand for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to cut.
I learned the hard way that letting the Seafood Lasagna with Creamy Cheese rest is crucial – otherwise, you’ll end up with a soupy mess! In my kitchen, Seafood Lasagna with Creamy Cheese usually takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish, including prep time. While the Seafood Lasagna with Creamy Cheese is cooking, I usually throw together a quick salad or steam some green beans to serve alongside. Don’t worry if your layers aren’t perfect – it will still taste amazing! If you love seafood lasagna recipe, you’ll also enjoy Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef
Serving Suggestions
Serving this Seafood Lasagna with Creamy Cheese is always a joy. The kids love our Seafood Lasagna with Creamy Cheese when I add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top. It just elevates the flavor and makes it even more appealing to them. It’s also really delicious served with a fresh squeeze of lemon juice. The acidity cuts through the richness of the creamy cheese and seafood perfectly.
My go-to side dishes that pair with Seafood Lasagna with Creamy Cheese are a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette and some crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce. It creates a well-rounded meal that everyone enjoys. This Seafood Lasagna with Creamy Cheese is perfect for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or even a fancy Sunday dinner. It’s impressive enough to wow your guests but easy enough to make without spending all day in the kitchen.
For presentation, I like to garnish the Seafood Lasagna with Creamy Cheese with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. It adds a pop of color and makes it look extra appealing. If you have extra Seafood Lasagna with Creamy Cheese, it reheats beautifully. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat it in the oven or microwave.
A seasonal variation I’ve tried is adding some roasted asparagus to the layers in the springtime. The slight bitterness of the asparagus balances out the richness of the Seafood Lasagna with Creamy Cheese perfectly. My friends always ask for this Seafood Lasagna with Creamy Cheese recipe whenever I make it for a potluck or dinner party. You should check this out for a Creamy Seafood Lasagna Recipe | I Heart Recipes
FAQs About Seafood Lasagna
Here are some common questions I get about making Seafood Lasagna with Creamy Cheese:
Q: Can I use frozen seafood for this Seafood Lasagna with Creamy Cheese recipe?
A: Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the seafood completely and pat it dry before cooking. You know what I do when my seafood is still a little damp? I toss it in a hot pan with a little butter and garlic to evaporate the extra moisture, and it works like a charm!
Q: Can I make this Seafood Lasagna with Creamy Cheese ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the Seafood Lasagna with Creamy Cheese up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover it tightly with foil and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake it, add an extra 15-20 minutes to the baking time.
Q: What kind of noodles should I use for this Seafood Lasagna with Creamy Cheese?
A: I prefer to use regular lasagna noodles, but you can also use oven-ready noodles. If you use oven-ready noodles, you may need to add a little extra liquid to the sauce to ensure they cook properly.
Q: Can I add vegetables to this Seafood Lasagna with Creamy Cheese?
A: Absolutely! Some great additions would be spinach, mushrooms, or roasted vegetables. My family loves it when I sneak in some chopped spinach; they barely even notice it!
Q: What if my white sauce is too thick or too thin for the Seafood Lasagna with Creamy Cheese?
A: If your white sauce is too thick, add a little more milk until it reaches the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes until it thickens up. I’ve definitely been there, accidentally adding too much milk!
Q: Can I use different types of cheese in this Seafood Lasagna with Creamy Cheese?
A: Of course! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Gruyere, provolone, or Fontina. I once tried adding a little bit of goat cheese for a tangy twist, and it was surprisingly delicious!
Q: How do I prevent my Seafood Lasagna with Creamy Cheese from being watery?
A: Make sure to drain your seafood well after cooking it, and don’t overcook the noodles. Also, let the Seafood Lasagna with Creamy Cheese rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. To explore more, see Seafood Lasagna Recipe (with Crab, Lobster, and Shrimp) | The …
Final Thoughts on Seafood Lasagna
This Seafood Lasagna with Creamy Cheese recipe holds a special place in my heart because it represents the joy of cooking for loved ones. It’s a dish that brings people together, and the creamy, cheesy goodness always puts a smile on everyone’s face.
Here are my Seafood Lasagna with Creamy Cheese pro tips:
- Don’t Overcook the Seafood: Overcooked seafood is rubbery and tough. Cook it just until it’s opaque and cooked through.
- Taste as You Go: Always taste your white sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed.
- Let It Rest: Letting the Seafood Lasagna with Creamy Cheese rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing is crucial for preventing it from being watery.
Some Seafood Lasagna with Creamy Cheese variations I’ve tried include adding smoked salmon, using lobster instead of crabmeat, or adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat. My son loves the version with smoked salmon, while my daughter prefers the one with extra cheese (surprise!).
I encourage you to make this Seafood Lasagna with Creamy Cheese your own. Feel free to experiment with different types of seafood, cheeses, or vegetables. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process! I hope your Seafood Lasagna with Creamy Cheese cooking experience is a delicious success! This easy seafood lasagna is sure to impress. After trying the gourmet seafood lasagna, you’ll be happy you did.
Seafood Lasagna with Creamy Cheese
Indulge in a decadent Seafood Lasagna with Creamy Cheese, a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a special occasion. Layers of pasta, succulent seafood, and a rich, cheesy sauce create an unforgettable culinary experience.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 pound lasagna noodles
- 1 pound mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, crab meat)
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour until smooth. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, or until sauce has thickened slightly. Stir in salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and parsley.
- In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of sauce. Top with a layer of lasagna noodles, followed by half of the seafood, half of the ricotta mixture, and 1/3 of the mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat layers, ending with a layer of noodles topped with remaining sauce and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with a side salad for a complete meal.