Shrimp Lasagna with Creamy White Sauce

Shrimp Lasagna with White Sauce is an indulgent dish that takes the traditional lasagna to a whole new level by incorporating seafood, creamy béchamel sauce, and melted cheese. The combination of delicate shrimp, rich sauce, and gooey cheese creates a delightful meal that is perfect for special occasions or a comforting family dinner.

Save

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy & Cheesy – The luscious white sauce combined with melted cheese delivers a velvety texture that is irresistible in every bite.

Seafood Twist – A fresh and exciting change from the classic meat lasagna, this dish features succulent shrimp.

Elegant Yet Easy – Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a cozy family meal, this recipe is as sophisticated as it is simple.

Make-Ahead Friendly – It’s ideal for meal prep and reheats beautifully, making it a convenient choice for busy nights.

Customizable – Feel free to add extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, or even other types of seafood for an extra burst of 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:

1. Sauté the Shrimp – In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and diced onions, cooking them until they are fragrant and softened.
2. Cook the Shrimp – Add the shrimp to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside.

Make the White Sauce:

1. Make a Roux – In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
2. Add Milk & Cream – Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring that the mixture stays smooth as it thickens. Continue stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
3. Melt the Cheese – Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella. Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg for added depth of flavor. Remove from heat once the cheese has fully melted.

Assemble the Lasagna:

1. Layer 1 – Spread a thin layer of the prepared white sauce at the bottom of a greased baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Layer 2 – Place a layer of cooked lasagna noodles on top of the sauce. Then, add a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture (ricotta mixed with a beaten egg), followed by the sautéed shrimp mixture, optional spinach, and a drizzle of white sauce.
3. Repeat Layers – Continue layering noodles, shrimp, ricotta, and white sauce until all ingredients have been used. Finish with a top layer of noodles covered in the remaining white sauce.
4. Top with Cheese – Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella and extra Parmesan cheese on top for a delicious, cheesy crust.

Bake:

1. Preheat Oven – Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to fully heat.
2. Bake – Cover the lasagna with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
3. Rest & Serve – Allow the lasagna to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

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 a bit of heat.
• Extra Seafood – Consider adding crab meat or scallops to create a more diverse seafood medley.
• Vegetable Boost – Enhance the dish with additional vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for a fresh twist.
• Lighter Option – Swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half to reduce the fat content without sacrificing richness.
• Gluten-Free – For a gluten-free version, opt for gluten-free lasagna noodles and a flour substitute for the roux.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Wrap the lasagna tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals.

---

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

Yes! You can add pre-cooked shrimp during the layering stage to prevent them from overcooking.

What’s the best cheese for this lasagna?

Mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta work together beautifully to create a rich and creamy texture in the lasagna.

Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the lasagna in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it overnight. When ready, bake as instructed.

What can I serve with shrimp lasagna?

Consider pairing it with a fresh salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just be sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before cooking.

How do I prevent the lasagna from being watery?

Make sure to drain the shrimp well and avoid adding excess liquid from the sauce.

Can I make this without ricotta?

Yes! You can substitute ricotta cheese with cottage cheese or omit it and use a béchamel-only filling.

What’s the best way to get a golden, crispy top?

For a crispy golden top, broil the lasagna for 2-3 minutes after baking.

Can I add white wine to the sauce?

Absolutely! A splash of white wine adds depth and complexity to the flavor of the sauce.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Yes, the creamy texture and cheesy layers are likely to be a hit with kids.

Conclusion

Shrimp Lasagna with White Sauce and Cheese is a rich, creamy, and indulgent seafood dish that offers a fresh twist on a beloved classic. With its layers of tender shrimp, cheesy goodness, and decadent béchamel sauce, this lasagna is bound to become a family favorite. Whether for a special occasion or a cozy night in, it’s sure to impress. Try it today and enjoy a delicious seafood take on a comfort food classic!