If you’re craving a dish that combines the comforting layers of traditional lasagna with the fresh, vibrant flavors of the sea, then Seafood Lasagna is about to become your new favorite dish. This recipe brings together tender pasta sheets, creamy cheeses, and a medley of succulent seafood, creating a rich, hearty meal that’s bursting with flavor and texture. Whether you’re cooking for family, impressing dinner guests, or simply treating yourself, Seafood Lasagna delivers on every level, making it a standout on any table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The delicate taste of seafood blends beautifully with creamy cheese and tomato sauce for a harmonious dish.
- Rich and Creamy Texture: Layers of béchamel and ricotta add luscious creaminess that makes every bite irresistible.
- Versatile and Customizable: Easy to swap seafood types or add veggies to suit your taste and dietary needs.
- Impressive Yet Simple: Feels fancy but is achievable even for home cooks trying new recipes.
- Family-Friendly Favorite: Seafood Lasagna uniquely appeals to seafood lovers and pasta fans alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Seafood Lasagna lies in its straightforward ingredients, each chosen to enhance flavor, texture, and color. High-quality seafood combined with creamy cheeses and fresh herbs create an unforgettable meal without complicated steps.
- Seafood Mix: A blend of shrimp, scallops, and crab meat gives variety and depth to this dish.
- Lasagna Noodles: Use no-boil or traditional noodles to provide the hearty structure for layers.
- Ricotta Cheese: Adds creamy richness and a slight tang to balance the seafood.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully for stringy, cheesy pulls in every slice.
- Parmesan Cheese: Offers sharp, nutty notes that elevate the flavor complexity.
- Béchamel Sauce: This creamy white sauce ties all ingredients together with a velvety texture.
- Garlic and Shallots: Provide aromatic depth and a slight sweetness to the seafood base.
- White Wine: Used to gently cook the seafood, adding subtle acidity and brightness.
- Fresh Herbs: Parsley, basil, or thyme add freshness and a pop of color.
- Crushed Tomatoes: Enhance the sauce with natural sweetness and acidity to balance the creaminess.
Variations for Seafood Lasagna
One of the joys of making Seafood Lasagna is how easy it is to tailor to your preferences. Whether you’re adjusting for dietary needs or experimenting with different flavors, this recipe welcomes creativity without complicating the process.
- Vegetable Boost: Add layers of sautéed spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra nutrients and texture.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for those who crave some heat.
- Gluten-Free: Swap traditional noodles for gluten-free pasta sheets or thinly sliced zucchini to keep it celiac-friendly.
- Different Seafood: Use lobster, clams, or firm white fish like cod to change up the protein profile.
- Dairy-Free Option: Replace cheeses and béchamel with coconut cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives for a vegan twist.
How to Make Seafood Lasagna
Step 1: Prepare the Seafood
Start by sautéing your chosen seafood in a bit of olive oil with minced garlic and shallots until just cooked through. Deglaze the pan with white wine to infuse bright flavor, then remove the seafood and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Béchamel Sauce
In a separate saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux. Slowly add warm milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg for richness.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of béchamel, then layer noodles, seafood mixture, ricotta cheese, crushed tomatoes, and shredded mozzarella. Repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with béchamel and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan on top.
Step 4: Bake
Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 35 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to let the cheese brown beautifully.
Step 5: Rest Before Serving
Allow the lasagna to cool for 10-15 minutes after baking. This helps the layers set and makes slicing easier.
Pro Tips for Making Seafood Lasagna
- Use Fresh Seafood: Fresh fish and shellfish deliver the best flavor and texture for this recipe.
- Don’t Overcook Seafood: Slightly undercook seafood before baking because it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Layer Evenly: Make sure each layer has a balanced amount of sauce, cheese, and seafood for consistent flavor.
- Let It Rest: Resting the lasagna before slicing prevents it from falling apart.
- Use Quality Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan and good mozzarella elevate the dish immensely.
How to Serve Seafood Lasagna
Garnishes
Fresh parsley or basil leaves sprinkled on top add a bright, herbal note and a pop of color that brings the dish to life visually and in flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair your Seafood Lasagna with a crisp green salad tossed in a light lemon vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve in individual ramekins for a fancy presentation or alongside a glass of chilled white wine to complement the flavors perfectly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Seafood Lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring it stays fresh and flavorful.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully; cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to preserve texture and moisture, avoiding the microwave for best results.
FAQs
Can I use frozen seafood for Seafood Lasagna?
Yes, frozen seafood can work well; just make sure to thaw it completely and drain excess water to prevent sogginess.
Is Seafood Lasagna gluten-free?
Traditional recipes use wheat-based noodles, but you can easily substitute gluten-free noodles or thinly sliced vegetables like zucchini.
What cheeses are best for Seafood Lasagna?
Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan are classic choices because they melt well and balance creaminess with sharp flavor.
Can I make Seafood Lasagna ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble it a day ahead, keep it refrigerated, and bake just before serving to save time on busy days.
What wine pairs best with Seafood Lasagna?
Light, crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complement the delicate seafood flavors and creamy sauce perfectly.
Final Thoughts
Seafood Lasagna is a wonderful way to turn a classic comfort food into a show-stopping meal that feels special yet is delightfully approachable. With its layers of creamy sauce, tender noodles, and fresh seafood, it’s easy to see why this dish will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection. So gather your ingredients, invite your loved ones, and dive into a delicious new favorite that’s sure to impress.
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Seafood Lasagna
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free noodles or vegetable substitutes used)
Description
Seafood Lasagna is a delightful fusion of classic Italian comfort and fresh seafood flavors. Layers of tender pasta, creamy ricotta and béchamel sauce, succulent shrimp, scallops, and crab meat combine to create a rich and flavorful dish perfect for family meals or special occasions.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 1 lb mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, crab meat)
Pasta
- 12 no-boil or traditional lasagna noodles
Cheeses
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Sauces and Liquids
- 3 cups béchamel sauce (see instructions below)
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
Aromatics and Herbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 shallots, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tbsp fresh basil or thyme, chopped
For the Béchamel Sauce
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups warm milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg
Additional
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Seafood: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat, sauté minced garlic and shallots until fragrant. Add mixed seafood and cook until just opaque. Deglaze the pan with white wine, cook until alcohol evaporates, then remove seafood and set aside.
- Make the Béchamel Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually add warm milk, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Layers: In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of béchamel sauce. Lay down noodles, then spread half the seafood mixture, dollop ricotta, add crushed tomatoes, and sprinkle mozzarella. Repeat layers ending with béchamel and top generously with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 35 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes to allow layers to set, making it easier to slice and serve.
Notes
- Use fresh seafood for the best flavor and texture.
- Do not overcook seafood during sautéing; it will cook further in the oven.
- Ensure even layering for balanced flavor in every bite.
- Let the lasagna rest before slicing to prevent it from falling apart.
- Use high-quality cheeses, especially freshly grated Parmesan and good mozzarella.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of recipe)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
