If you have a thing for rich, buttery flavors combined with tender shrimp and comforting layers of cheesy pasta, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe. It brilliantly marries the classic garlicky, lemony shrimp scampi with the cozy, melty goodness of lasagna, creating a dish that’s bursting with flavor and pure indulgence. Imagine layers of perfectly cooked lasagna noodles nestled between creamy ricotta, succulent shrimp, and a luscious garlic butter sauce that ties everything together with a bright pop of lemon. This recipe isn’t just dinner; it’s an experience you’ll want to share again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be intimidated by the ingredients list—each item is straightforward and plays a vital role in building unforgettable textures and flavors. From the plump shrimp to the fresh garlic and zesty lemon, every ingredient is a star that contributes to the harmony of this dish.
- 9 lasagna noodles (cooked al dente): Provides the perfect tender-yet-firm base to hold all the layers together without getting mushy.
- 1½ pounds large shrimp (peeled and deveined): The main protein, offering a juicy, seafood sweetness that shines in every bite.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Simple seasoning that enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps quickly sear the shrimp for a lovely golden crust.
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided): The secret to that luscious garlic butter sauce that’s rich and silky-bold.
- 6 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with its unmistakable aromatic punch.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds just a subtle kick for those who crave a bit of heat.
- ½ cup dry white wine or chicken broth: Creates a flavorful base for the sauce, adding depth and a touch of acidity.
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon: Brightens and balances the richness with refreshing citrus notes.
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese: Offers creamy texture and mild flavor between the noodles and shrimp layers.
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that irresistible gooeyness everyone loves about lasagna.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Provides a savory, nutty finish on top and within the ricotta mixture.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Lends a burst of color and fresh herbal notes as a final garnish.
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp and Sauce
Season your peeled and deveined shrimp generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the shrimp for about 1 to 2 minutes per side until they just turn pink and opaque—be careful not to overcook! Remove the shrimp and set them aside. Next, add the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté gently for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic becomes wonderfully fragrant. Pour in the white wine or chicken broth, along with the lemon juice and zest, then let it simmer for a couple of minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate those bright, buttery flavors.
Step 2: Mix the Ricotta Filling
In a small bowl, combine the whole milk ricotta cheese with half of your grated Parmesan and a pinch of salt. This mixture is going to create creamy, cheesy pockets throughout your lasagna layers that melt in your mouth.
Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna Layers
Start by spooning a bit of the garlic butter sauce onto the bottom of your greased 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and infuse flavor from the very first layer. Arrange three cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce, then spread a third of the ricotta mixture evenly on top. Next, scatter a third of your cooked shrimp, drizzle over some of that luscious garlic butter sauce, and sprinkle with a third of the mozzarella. Repeat these layers two more times, ending with a final layer of noodles, the remaining garlic butter sauce, and the rest of the mozzarella cheese. Don’t forget to sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top—that golden, savory crust is everything!
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in your preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 25 minutes. This lets everything meld together deliciously. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, allowing the top to bubble and turn a gorgeous golden brown. Once done, let it rest for 10 minutes—this little pause helps the layers settle and makes it easier to slice clean servings.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the ideal garnish here; it adds a lovely pop of green and a subtle herbal brightness that complements the richness perfectly. If you want to amp it up, a light sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a few thin lemon slices on the side make it look as stunning as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This delightful Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe is rich and filling, so pairing it with light, crisp sides works best. Consider a crisp green salad tossed with a lemon vinaigrette or some garlicky steamed asparagus. A crusty baguette is also a fantastic way to sop up every bit of that buttery sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving this dish for a special occasion or just want to impress, try plating individual servings in deep bowls for a cozy vibe or use small ramekins to create personalized lasagna stacks that look elegant and inviting. Drizzle some extra lemon butter sauce around the plate and sprinkle with parsley to elevate the presentation even more.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your next meal just as satisfying as the first.
Freezing
You can freeze this lasagna before baking or after it’s cooled down post-baking. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave covered loosely with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel, stirring midway when possible. For the whole dish, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through and bubbly, about 20 to 25 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and pat them dry completely before cooking to avoid excess moisture, which can affect the sauce consistency.
Is it necessary to use white wine?
Not at all! If you prefer not to use wine, chicken broth works just as well and still creates a flavorful sauce without the alcohol.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can! Swap the shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or artichoke hearts and skip the seafood flavor; the garlic butter sauce and cheeses will still shine.
What kind of cheese works best in this lasagna?
Traditional whole milk ricotta provides creaminess, mozzarella gives the perfect melt and stretch, and Parmesan adds nutty intensity. Combining all three is key to that classic, rich texture.
How do I avoid overcooked shrimp?
Sauté the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque, about 1 to 2 minutes per side. They will cook a bit more in the oven, so pulling them off the heat early is best.
Final Thoughts
Diving into this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe feels like wrapping yourself in a cozy, flavorful hug that’s both elegant and comforting. It’s one of those rare dishes that’s perfect for an impressive dinner but easy enough for a family weeknight. Trust me, once you try this, it will quickly become one of your favorite recipes to pull out whenever you want something truly special. So go ahead, gather those ingredients, and make some magic happen in your kitchen tonight!
Print
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna is a luxurious twist on classic lasagna, layering tender shrimp sautéed in garlic butter with creamy ricotta and melty mozzarella. The dish combines the bright flavors of lemon and white wine with a delectable cheesy seafood pasta bake, perfect for a special dinner or gathering. Easy to assemble and baked to golden perfection, this Italian-American favorite delivers comfort and elegance in every bite.
Ingredients
Lasagna and Cheese
- 9 lasagna noodles (cooked al dente)
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1½ pounds large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
Ricotta Mixture
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- Half of the Parmesan cheese (from above)
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Season and Cook Shrimp: Season the peeled and deveined shrimp with salt and black pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1–2 minutes on each side until just pink. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Make Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes if using. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Add white wine (or chicken broth), lemon juice, and lemon zest. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce slightly reduces, then remove from heat.
- Prepare Ricotta Mixture: In a small bowl, combine ricotta cheese with half of the grated Parmesan and a pinch of salt. Mix well until smooth.
- Assemble Lasagna Layers: Spread a spoonful of the garlic butter sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer 3 cooked lasagna noodles, then spread one-third of the ricotta mixture, one-third of the cooked shrimp, drizzle with garlic butter sauce, and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Repeat this layering two more times, finishing with noodles, remaining sauce, and a final sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Top with the remaining Parmesan cheese.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, until the lasagna is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes after baking to set. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use precooked shrimp to save time, but reduce skillet cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking.
- For a richer garlic butter sauce, stir in ¼ cup heavy cream before assembling the lasagna layers.
- Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms between layers to introduce extra texture and flavor.
