Shrimp Lasagna with White Sauce and Cheese is a rich, creamy seafood twist on a classic pasta bake. Layers of tender lasagna noodles are filled with juicy shrimp, a velvety white béchamel sauce, sautéed vegetables, and a delicious trio of cheeses. It’s an elegant yet comforting dish that’s perfect for a weekend dinner or a special occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines classic lasagna with a seafood twist
- Creamy white sauce adds a luxurious texture
- Packed with flavor from garlic, herbs, and cheese
- Impressive for guests, but easy enough for a family dinner
- Great make-ahead and freezer-friendly meal
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Lasagna noodles
- Raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Fresh spinach
- Unsalted butter
- All-purpose flour
- Whole milk
- Ground nutmeg
- Salt and black pepper
- Ricotta cheese
- Egg
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh parsley or basil
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat.
- In the same pan, add spinach and cook until wilted. Season with a pinch of salt and set aside.
- To make the white sauce, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux. Slowly add milk, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta with the egg, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the lasagna: spread a layer of white sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Add a layer of noodles, followed by ricotta mixture, spinach, shrimp, white sauce, and mozzarella and Parmesan. Repeat layers, finishing with noodles, white sauce, and cheese on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 10–15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8
- Prep time: 30 minutes
- Cook time: 35 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Variations
- Add mushrooms or artichokes for extra flavor and texture
- Use a blend of seafood such as scallops or crab meat
- Swap ricotta for cottage cheese for a lighter filling
- Add a layer of pesto between noodles for a herby kick
- Use oven-ready noodles to save time
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months
- Reheat: Bake covered at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual slices for 1–2 minutes
FAQs
Can I use cooked shrimp?
Yes, just add the cooked shrimp directly when layering. Don’t overcook in the skillet.
Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
Can I freeze it before baking?
Yes, wrap it tightly and freeze. Thaw in the fridge before baking.
What’s the best cheese combo for this lasagna?
Mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta work best for creaminess and flavor.
Can I use jarred Alfredo sauce?
Yes, you can substitute the homemade white sauce with your favorite Alfredo.
What pasta can I use instead of lasagna noodles?
You can use no-boil lasagna noodles or layer cooked penne for a pasta bake.
Can I add a tomato layer?
Sure, add a thin layer of marinara for a pink sauce effect.
Is this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free noodles and flour in the sauce.
What herbs pair best with shrimp lasagna?
Parsley, basil, and a bit of thyme work beautifully.
How do I prevent watery lasagna?
Let it rest after baking to firm up, and make sure your spinach is drained well.
Conclusion
Shrimp Lasagna with White Sauce and Cheese is a creamy, satisfying dish that takes comfort food to the next level. With layers of seafood, rich sauce, and melty cheese, it’s perfect for a cozy night in or when you want to impress at the dinner table. Make it ahead, freeze the leftovers, and enjoy a little luxury any night of the week.
PrintShrimp Lasagna with White Sauce and Cheese
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Shrimp Lasagna with White Sauce and Cheese is a delicious seafood twist on a classic comfort dish. Layers of tender lasagna noodles, juicy shrimp, creamy white béchamel sauce, and gooey melted cheese make this a standout meal for any night of the week—or a special occasion.
Ingredients
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9 lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil)
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 lb raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 small onion, diced
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2 tablespoons butter
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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2 cups whole milk
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1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/2 cup ricotta cheese (optional)
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
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Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for brightness)
Instructions
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Cook noodles: Boil lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Skip if using no-boil noodles.
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Sauté shrimp: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until just pink, about 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat.
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Make white sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk and cook until thickened, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in nutmeg, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
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Assemble lasagna: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread a small amount of white sauce on the bottom. Add a layer of noodles, some shrimp mixture, dollops of ricotta (if using), mozzarella, parsley, and a drizzle of white sauce. Repeat layers, ending with noodles, white sauce, and mozzarella on top.
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Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
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Rest and serve: Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley and lemon zest if desired.
Notes
Use a mix of shrimp and crab meat for extra seafood flavor.
Add spinach or sautéed mushrooms to the layers for more veggies.
A little lemon zest or juice adds brightness to balance the richness.
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