If you’re ready to take lasagna night to a spectacular new level, you have to try Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna! Imagine silky noodles cradling succulent shrimp, luscious garlic butter sauce, and layer after layer of creamy cheese. This dish is pure comfort, but with an irresistible twist of zesty lemon and the ocean’s best flavors. Whether you’re hosting loved ones or indulging in an impressive weeknight dinner, this lasagna is a showstopper that brings a bit of coastal elegance and homey richness to the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna is refreshingly simple but carefully chosen—each component works in harmony to create layers of flavor, delightful texture, and that signature golden topping. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:
- Lasagna noodles: The foundation for beautiful, sturdy layers that hold all the garlicky, buttery goodness together.
- Large shrimp (peeled and deveined): Juicy, sweet, and tender, shrimp are the star of this coastal-inspired twist.
- Unsalted butter: The backbone of that signature scampi richness—swapping some for olive oil keeps the sauce light and well-balanced.
- Garlic (minced): Deeply aromatic and the soul of both classic scampi and Italian comfort food.
- Olive oil: Adds complexity and prevents the butter from burning, creating a perfectly silky sauté base.
- Red pepper flakes: A gentle hit of heat that sharpens and enlivens every bite.
- Dry white wine or chicken broth: Deglazes the pan, lifting all those savory bits and adding acidity to balance the rich cream.
- Heavy cream: For dreamy velvety sauce, just thick enough to hug every noodle and shrimp.
- Ricotta cheese: Mild and creamy, giving the lasagna its signature plush middle layers.
- Parmesan cheese (grated): Nutty, savory, and briny—it melts seamlessly into the cheese and sauce for that classic Italian flavor.
- Mozzarella cheese (shredded): For gooey, bubbly tops and luscious cheese pulls.
- Lemon juice: Brightness personified! It wakes up all the flavors, keeping things light and fresh.
- Lemon zest: Adds an unexpected zing and sunny color flecks.
- Chopped fresh parsley: The finishing touch for color and herbal freshness.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Simple seasonings ensure all the flavors shine without overpowering.
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Begin by getting everything ready for assembly magic! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook those lasagna noodles until they’re al dente—the last thing you want is a soggy base. Drain and set them aside on a flat surface so they don’t stick. Prep your shrimp by making sure they’re peeled and deveined; pat them dry for a better sear later. Mince your garlic, zest your lemon, and chop that parsley. Set out all the cheeses so the layering goes smoothly.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Now for the star of the show! In a large skillet over medium heat, combine 2 tablespoons of butter and your olive oil. Once the butter’s melted, add the shrimp and sprinkle generously with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. The shrimp will only need 2–3 minutes per side to become plump and pink—don’t overcook, or they’ll lose that delightful tenderness. When finished, scoop them out and set them aside. The pan will have tasty bits left behind—don’t wipe it out!
Step 3: Make the Garlicky Cream Sauce
Without cleaning the skillet, add the remaining butter and let it melt on medium-low. Stir in your minced garlic and let it sizzle until fragrant, just about a minute. Next up is deglazing: pour in your white wine (or chicken broth, if you prefer) and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, scraping up every flavorful bit from the bottom. Add lemon juice, lemon zest, and your heavy cream. Keep simmering for 3–4 minutes, stirring, until the sauce thickens slightly. The aroma at this stage is pure heaven!
Step 4: Mix the Cheeses
In a small bowl, combine your ricotta and Parmesan cheeses. This duo forms the creamy, savory core that makes each lasagna bite utterly irresistible. Don’t forget a pinch of salt and pepper to season the mixture just right.
Step 5: Assemble the Lasagna
Time for the fun part: assembly! In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of your garlicky cream sauce on the bottom—this keeps the noodles from sticking and adds extra flavor. Lay down three noodles, then spread half of your ricotta-Parmesan mixture over them. Top with one-third of the cooked shrimp, then drizzle over more sauce and sprinkle a layer of mozzarella. Repeat the layers: noodles, ricotta mix, shrimp, sauce, mozzarella. Finish with the last three noodles, pour over remaining sauce, nestle in the rest of the shrimp, and heap the last of the mozzarella right on top.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover your masterpiece with foil and bake for 25 minutes, letting everything melt and mingle. Uncover, then bake for an additional 10–15 minutes. You’re looking for a bubbly, beautifully golden top with pockets of cheese just beginning to bronze. When you take it out, let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes so the layers set and cutting is a breeze.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna
Garnishes
Don’t skip the finishing touches! Scatter plenty of chopped fresh parsley over the top—its color and freshness brighten every bite. If you want a citrusy punch, a tiny bit of extra lemon zest over each slice echoes the zest baked inside. And for a little sparkle, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan never hurts!
Side Dishes
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna is rich and luxurious, so it pairs well with simple, vibrant sides. Try serving it with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette, roasted asparagus or broccolini, or a basket of warm, crusty bread to mop up every bit of sauce. A glass of chilled dry white wine is the perfect match.
Creative Ways to Present
This isn’t your average lasagna—it deserves a wow factor! Serve in generous squares on warmed plates. For dinner parties, try individual ramekins for single-serving mini lasagnas. Want to impress? Stack small portions with a ring mold for an elegant plated appetizer version, finished with a tall sprig of parsley.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, cover the pan tightly or portion slices into airtight containers. Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna will keep in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors develop even more overnight!
Freezing
Need a dinner shortcut? You can freeze the lasagna, either whole or in portions, for up to two months. Wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap, label, and store. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the pan with foil and bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 25–30 minutes. For individual slices, the microwave works fine if you use a microwave-safe cover—just heat gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp. You can uncover for the last few minutes if you want to restore a bubbly cheesy top.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just skip the sautéing step for the shrimp and add the pre-cooked shrimp towards the end when assembling the lasagna to keep them tender and juicy. This makes the process even faster while ensuring the shrimp aren’t overcooked.
What can I substitute for the white wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, chicken broth is a perfect substitute. It still adds depth and a bit of tang without any alcohol, so you won’t miss out on essential flavor.
Can Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the entire lasagna a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
What’s the best way to avoid watery lasagna?
Make sure your noodles are cooked just until al dente and drain them well, and let the lasagna rest after baking. You can also slightly thicken your cream sauce before assembly for perfect, sliceable layers every time.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
As written, it isn’t, but you can easily swap in gluten-free lasagna noodles. Just check they’re sturdy enough for layering and use your favorite brands. Every other component is naturally gluten-free!
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to experience the comfort, elegance, and pure joy baked into every forkful of Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with family and friends, this dish is destined to become a new favorite—so gather your ingredients and get cooking!
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Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the luxurious flavors of this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna. Layers of tender lasagna noodles, succulent shrimp, creamy ricotta, and a decadent garlic butter sauce, all baked to perfection. This dish is a delightful fusion of seafood scampi and classic lasagna, sure to impress your family and guests.
Ingredients
Main Components:
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Cheese Mixture:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Additional Flavorings:
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the noodles: Cook lasagna noodles until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Sear the shrimp: Sauté shrimp in butter and olive oil until pink, then set aside.
- Make the sauce: Sauté garlic, deglaze with wine, add cream, lemon juice, and zest. Simmer until thickened.
- Prepare the cheese mixture: Combine ricotta and Parmesan cheese.
- Assemble: Layer noodles, ricotta mixture, shrimp, sauce, and mozzarella. Repeat layers and bake covered, then uncovered until golden.
- Rest and serve: Let the lasagna rest before garnishing with parsley and serving.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, marinate shrimp before cooking.
- Use pre-cooked shrimp if preferred, adding at the end to prevent overcooking.
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