There is something truly magical about combining the bright, buttery flavors of shrimp scampi with the comforting layers of classic Italian lasagna. This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe brings together tender shrimp bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce, creamy ricotta, and a velvety Parmesan white sauce, all nestled between sheets of perfectly cooked pasta. It’s an unexpected twist on two beloved dishes that results in a show-stopping meal sure to impress your family and friends, delivering layers of flavor with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let this dish intimidate you—its ingredient list might be a little longer, but every item is simple, fresh, and plays a vital role in building the rich layers of flavor and texture that make this meal unforgettable. From succulent shrimp to creamy cheeses and fresh herbs, each component has a starring part.
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The heart of the dish, these add a wonderful seafood sweetness and tender bite.
- 4 tablespoons butter: Essential for that silky, golden garlic butter sauce that coats the shrimp perfectly.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is the soul of this recipe, infusing every layer with its bold, aromatic punch.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Adds depth and a gentle savory note to the shrimp sauce.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Brightens the sauce with a fresh citrus zing, balancing rich flavors.
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a pop of vibrant green and fresh herbaceousness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasoning that ensures every bite is perfectly balanced.
- 4 tablespoons butter (for white sauce): Creates the base of the creamy béchamel that envelopes the noodles.
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the white sauce for that rich, smooth texture.
- 4 cups milk: Makes the white sauce luxuriously creamy without overwhelming the shrimp flavors.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings umami depth and a slight nuttiness to the sauce.
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: A subtle spice that enhances the béchamel’s complexity.
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked: The sturdy yet tender layers that hold everything together.
- 2 cups ricotta cheese: Adds creamy mildness and richness to contrast the garlic shrimp.
- 1 egg: Binds the ricotta mixture, giving structure and a perfect custardy texture.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully on top for that golden, bubbly finish.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh and festive touch for serving.
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Getting your oven ready early ensures that once your lasagna is assembled, it will go straight into a perfectly hot environment, helping it cook evenly and develop that irresistible golden top.
Step 2: Prepare Shrimp Scampi
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter—this will be the flavor base. Add the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant; you want to release that garlicky aroma without burning it. Toss in the shrimp, cooking each side until it turns beautifully pink, which should take about 2-3 minutes per side. This quick cooking keeps the shrimp tender and juicy, not rubbery.
Step 3: Finish Shrimp Sauce
Next, pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, stir in chopped parsley, and season with salt and pepper. Let everything cook together for just another minute, allowing the flavors to mingle perfectly before setting the skillet aside. This sauce will soak deliciously into the layers of your lasagna.
Step 4: Make the White Sauce
Switching to a different pan, melt another 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat to create the classic béchamel. Whisk in the flour and cook it for about a minute to eliminate any raw taste. Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly as the sauce thickens into a creamy base, about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in Parmesan cheese, a pinch of nutmeg, and season again with salt and pepper. This creamy sauce will help hold all your layers together with rich, cheesy goodness.
Step 5: Prepare Ricotta Mixture
In a mixing bowl, blend the ricotta cheese with the egg. This helps bind the cheese layer and provides a smooth, luscious texture that balances the seafood and béchamel.
Step 6: Assemble the Lasagna
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, start by spreading a thin layer of white sauce for a creamy foundation. Lay down four cooked lasagna noodles, then spread half of the ricotta mixture over them. Add half of the shrimp scampi next, letting those vibrant flavors bloom. Repeat again: white sauce, noodles, ricotta, and shrimp. Finally, crown the whole dish with shredded mozzarella for that perfect melty blanket.
Step 7: Bake and Serve
Pop your beautifully layered lasagna into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Let it rest slightly after baking, which makes slicing neater and allows all the flavors to settle beautifully. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a fresh and festive finish.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley is all you need to brighten up this rich dish, but feel free to add a few lemon zest shavings for an extra pop of citrus freshness that complements the shrimp beautifully.
Side Dishes
This lasagna is delightfully rich, so pairing it with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or some steamed seasonal vegetables keeps the meal balanced and refreshing. Garlic bread or a warm focaccia also makes a charming accompaniment if you want to keep the Italian vibes going strong.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, consider serving this lasagna in individual ramekins layered the same way. It looks elegant and allows each guest to enjoy a personalized portion. Alternatively, create a colorful platter with lemon wedges and herb sprigs on the side to enhance the presentation and invite everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your lasagna tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for a make-ahead meal that still tastes fresh and vibrant.
Freezing
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe freezes beautifully, too. Wrap the assembled but unbaked dish securely in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, bake the refrigerated lasagna at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. If frozen, allow it to thaw first; then bake it covered to prevent drying out, uncovering at the end for a lovely golden finish. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the oven method is ideal to maintain that perfect texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture in the sauce. Fresh shrimp will give the best texture and flavor, but frozen works well in a pinch.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting regular lasagna noodles with gluten-free varieties and using gluten-free flour or a cornstarch slurry for the white sauce, you can enjoy this delicious dish without gluten.
Can I prepare parts of the recipe ahead of time?
Definitely. You can prepare the shrimp scampi and white sauce a day in advance and refrigerate them. Assemble the lasagna just before baking for an easy and efficient dinner prep.
What type of cheese works best as a substitute?
If you don’t have ricotta, cottage cheese can be a good alternative, though it has a different texture. For mozzarella, shredded part-skim or whole milk mozzarella will both work well.
Can I make this recipe without an oven?
Since this is a baked lasagna, the oven is essential for achieving the perfect set and golden top. However, you might try assembling and gently cooking it in a covered skillet on low heat, but the texture will differ from the baked version.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe is a delightful way to elevate your dinner table with layers of flavor that feel both luxurious and comforting. It’s an irresistible crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for special occasions or when you simply want to treat yourself. Trust me, once you make it the first time, it will become a treasured favorite to revisit over and over.
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Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna is a delectable twist on classic lasagna, combining succulent shrimp cooked in a garlicky butter sauce with creamy ricotta, rich white sauce, and layers of tender pasta. Baked until golden and bubbly, this dish offers a luxurious blend of flavors perfect for a special dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Shrimp Scampi
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
White Sauce (Béchamel)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Lasagna
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the lasagna.
- Prepare Shrimp Scampi: In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the peeled shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink and opaque, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
- Add Liquids and Seasoning: Stir in chicken broth, lemon juice, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional minute to combine flavors, then remove the skillet from heat and set aside.
- Make the White Sauce: In a separate pan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux.
- Thicken Sauce: Gradually whisk in milk and simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Add Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and set aside.
- Prepare Ricotta Mixture: In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with the egg until smooth and well blended.
- Assemble Lasagna – Layer 1: Spread a thin layer of the white sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer 2: Arrange 4 cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce evenly.
- Layer 3: Spread half of the ricotta and egg mixture over the noodles.
- Layer 4: Add half of the prepared shrimp scampi over the ricotta layer.
- Repeat Layers: Spread more white sauce over the shrimp, add another 4 noodles, the remaining ricotta mixture, and the rest of the shrimp scampi.
- Top Layer: Arrange the final 4 noodles on top, spread remaining white sauce if any, and finish with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the lasagna is bubbly.
- Serve: Allow the lasagna to cool slightly before slicing. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Ensure lasagna noodles are cooked al dente to prevent over-softening during baking.
- Peeling and deveining shrimp beforehand makes preparation easier and ensures even cooking.
- For a richer flavor, use whole milk in the white sauce.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese offers better flavor and texture than pre-grated.
- This lasagna is best served fresh but can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
