Shrimp Lasagna with White Sauce and Cheese

Shrimp Lasagna with White Sauce and Cheese is a luxurious and creamy seafood twist on classic lasagna. Layers of tender shrimp, rich béchamel sauce, gooey melted cheese, and lasagna noodles create a decadent dish that’s perfect for special occasions or a comforting weeknight meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich & Creamy – A luscious white sauce replaces traditional marinara for a velvety texture.
• Seafood Delight – Perfect for shrimp lovers, with tender, juicy bites in every layer.
• Comforting & Elegant – A restaurant-quality dish made right at home.
• Perfect for Make-Ahead – Assemble in advance and bake when ready.
• Cheesy & Delicious – Loaded with mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta for the ultimate cheesy bite.

Ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Lasagna Layers

• Lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)
• Shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
• Butter
• Garlic, minced
• Spinach (optional, for added texture and flavor)
• Ricotta cheese
• Egg
• Mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt & black pepper
• Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For the White Sauce (Béchamel)

• Butter
• All-purpose flour
• Whole milk or heavy cream
• Chicken or seafood broth
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Nutmeg (optional, for warmth)
• Salt & black pepper

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Shrimp

1. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add chopped shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until pink (about 3-4 minutes).
4. Stir in spinach (if using) and cook for another minute. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the White Sauce

1. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
3. Gradually whisk in milk and broth, stirring constantly until smooth and thickened.
4. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Remove from heat.

Step 3: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

1. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with an egg, a pinch of salt, and a little Parmesan.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Spread a thin layer of white sauce at the bottom of the dish.
3. Layer lasagna noodles, followed by ricotta mixture, shrimp, more white sauce, and shredded mozzarella.
4. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of mozzarella and Parmesan on top.

Step 5: Bake

1. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
2. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
3. Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

• Add Crab: Mix lump crab meat with the shrimp for extra seafood flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning to the shrimp.
• Mushroom & Shrimp Combo: Sauté mushrooms with the shrimp for an earthy touch.
• Lighter Version: Use part-skim ricotta and milk instead of heavy cream.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and cornstarch instead of flour for the sauce.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
• Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes or microwave in 1-minute intervals.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw and pat dry before cooking.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble, cover, and refrigerate overnight before baking.

What cheese works best for this lasagna?

Mozzarella and Parmesan provide the best melt and flavor.

Can I use Alfredo sauce instead of homemade white sauce?

Yes, but homemade sauce gives a fresher taste.

Do I need to cook oven-ready noodles before layering?

No, they will soften as the lasagna bakes.

How do I prevent my lasagna from being watery?

Drain excess liquid from shrimp and use fresh spinach instead of frozen.

What side dishes pair well with this lasagna?

Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted asparagus complement it well.

Can I add other seafood?

Absolutely! Try scallops or lobster for a fancier twist.

How do I keep the top from burning?

Cover with foil while baking, removing it in the last 10-15 minutes.

Can I make this without ricotta?

Yes! Substitute cottage cheese or mascarpone for a similar texture.

Conclusion

Shrimp Lasagna with White Sauce and Cheese is an indulgent, creamy, and comforting dish that’s perfect for seafood lovers. With layers of shrimp, gooey cheese, and a homemade white sauce, this dish is a must-try for your next dinner gathering. Serve it with a side of garlic bread and salad for a complete meal, and enjoy a restaurant-worthy dinner at home!

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