If you have a soft spot for rich, flavorful dishes that bring a touch of the sea and buttery goodness to your table, then this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine layers of tender lasagna noodles enveloping succulent shrimp cooked in garlic butter, a luscious white sauce infused with Parmesan and nutmeg, and creamy ricotta melding everything together in perfect harmony. It’s a celebration of fresh ingredients and comforting textures that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in its straightforward, yet carefully selected ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in creating that unforgettable balance of flavors—from the briny shrimp and aromatic garlic to the creamy cheeses and fresh herbs that lift the whole dish.
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Choose fresh or thawed large shrimp for maximum flavor and texture.
- 4 tablespoons butter: Essential for that silky, rich base that enhances the shrimp and garlic.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is a must for that vibrant, aromatic punch.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds depth and a subtle savory note to the shrimp scampi.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Brightens the dish with a lively citrus zing.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: For freshness and a touch of color.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To perfectly season and balance all the flavors.
- 4 tablespoons butter: More butter goes into crafting the creamy white sauce, a must-have for that luscious texture.
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour: The flour is key to thickening the béchamel or white sauce until it’s smooth and velvety.
- 4 cups milk: Provides the creamy base for the white sauce; whole milk works best.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Sharp, nutty Parmesan enriches the sauce with umami and depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Just a pinch adds a warm, cozy note to the sauce.
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked: Classic noodles hold all the layers together with a tender bite.
- 2 cups ricotta cheese: Creates a creamy, tender layer that balances the shrimp and sauces.
- 1 egg: Binds the ricotta mixture for easy layering.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts to golden perfection, adding gooey, cheesy goodness on top.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): A finishing touch for a fresh look and herbaceous note.
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that it’s perfectly hot and ready by the time your lasagna assembly is complete, so everything bakes evenly and achieves that inviting golden crust.
Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp Scampi
In a skillet, gently melt 4 tablespoons of butter and sauté the minced garlic until it’s fragrant and golden. Add the peeled shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque, which only takes a few minutes. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, then stir in the freshly chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. This step infuses the shrimp with all those classic scampi flavors that shine through each bite.
Step 3: Make the White Sauce
Time to create the luscious béchamel that pulls the lasagna layers together. Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in the flour to form a roux. Slowly add the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps, cooking until the sauce thickens into a smooth, creamy texture. Stir in the grated Parmesan, a pinch of nutmeg, and salt and pepper, then set the sauce aside once it’s perfectly velvety.
Step 4: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with one egg until smooth and slightly fluffy. This mixture will add richness and help create those creamy layers that contrast beautifully with the savory shrimp scampi.
Step 5: Assemble the Lasagna
Now comes the fun part. Spread a generous layer of the white sauce in a baking dish to prevent sticking. Add a layer of cooked lasagna noodles on top, followed by dollops of the ricotta mixture spread evenly. Layer on a portion of the shrimp scampi, then repeat these layers until you finish with noodles and a final spread of white sauce. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella on top for that irresistible cheese crust.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the assembled lasagna for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for a bubbly, golden-brown top where the mozzarella has melted and started to crisp just a bit. Let it cool slightly before serving to let the layers settle and make slicing easier.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley not only adds a vibrant splash of green but lifts the entire dish with its fresh, herbaceous aroma. If you love a bit of zest, add some lemon zest on top before serving for an extra citrus kick.
Side Dishes
Pair this rich lasagna with a simple mixed green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to brighten the plate. Roasted asparagus or garlic bread also complement the garlic buttery flavors of the dish superbly without overwhelming the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual portions in shallow, wide bowls to showcase the layers and let diners appreciate the gooey mozzarella topping. For a fun twist, add a drizzle of garlic-infused olive oil or a few red pepper flakes for subtle heat. A chilled white wine on the side makes it feel like a special occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover lasagna should be cooled completely, then stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, retaining most of its flavor and texture if properly covered.
Freezing
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe freezes wonderfully. Wrap the whole assembled and baked lasagna tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to prevent drying out, for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave portions, but be mindful it might affect the texture of the noodles slightly.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp in the Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the dish.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the regular lasagna noodles for gluten-free versions and use a gluten-free flour blend to make the white sauce.
Can I prepare the shrimp scampi ahead of time?
Yes, cook the shrimp scampi up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Just bring it to room temperature before layering; this can help save time on the day of baking.
What’s the best cheese combination for this lasagna?
The classic combo of ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella works beautifully here, balancing creaminess, sharpness, and meltiness.
Can I add vegetables to the Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe?
Definitely. Sautéed spinach, zucchini ribbons, or mushrooms can be layered in for extra flavor and nutrition.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that feels both luxurious and comforting. Every bite offers a magical blend of buttery shrimp, creamy sauce, and cheesy goodness that’s bound to impress your family or guests. Give it a whirl soon—you’ll wonder how you ever made lasagna any other way!
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Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna is a delightful fusion of classic Italian flavors and seafood goodness. This creamy, cheesy lasagna features succulent shrimp sautéed in garlic butter and lemon, layered with a rich Parmesan white sauce and creamy ricotta mixture. Baked to golden perfection, it’s a comforting yet elegant dish perfect for seafood lovers and special occasions.
Ingredients
Shrimp Scampi
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
White Sauce
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Other Ingredients
- 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 the Shrimp Scampi: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque. Stir in chicken broth, lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat.
- Make the White Sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for a minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens smoothly. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, ground nutmeg, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well until cheese melts and sauce is creamy.
- Prepare the Ricotta Mixture: In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with the egg, mixing thoroughly until smooth. This adds richness and helps the cheese layer set during baking.
- Assemble the Lasagna: Spread a layer of the white sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Place a layer of cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles. Evenly distribute half of the shrimp scampi over the ricotta. Repeat the layers beginning with noodles, followed by the remaining ricotta mixture and shrimp scampi. Finish with a final layer of noodles and top generously with the remaining white sauce. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top layer.
- Bake: Place the assembled lasagna in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is golden, bubbly, and the dish is heated through.
- Serve: Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it cool slightly for about 5-10 minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before slicing and serving to enhance flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Ensure shrimp is cooked just until pink to avoid rubberiness.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
- Allow lasagna to rest after baking to make slicing easier.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor.
- Lasagna noodles should be cooked al dente to prevent sogginess.
