If you love the rich, silky flavors of shrimp scampi but crave something comforting and hearty, you absolutely must try this Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe. It’s a delightful twist combining the best of Italian classics with the luscious, garlic-infused butter sauce that clings to plump shrimp and tender pasta layers. Each bite is a celebration of creamy, cheesy goodness balanced perfectly with the bright freshness of garlic and parsley, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to nailing this Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role, from the fresh shrimp that bring the sea’s sweet flavors, to the rich cheeses and luscious cream that create the signature velvety sauce. Simple yet essential ingredients come together to ensure your dish shines with vibrant color, creamy texture, and unforgettable taste.
- Lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready): The comforting layers that hold everything together and soak up all the delicious sauce.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Tender and juicy, the star protein that makes this dish special.
- 4 tablespoons butter: Adds depth and that buttery richness to the scampi sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with robust, aromatic flavor essential to shrimp scampi.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Keeps the shrimp juicy and adds a fruity note to the sauté.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the creamy foundation that makes the sauce luxuriously smooth.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings salty, nutty sharpness that boosts flavor complexity.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly for that classic lasagna ooze and golden top.
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, it softens the texture and balances the sharpness of Parmesan.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a pop of color and fresh herbaceous brightness.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasoning that ties all the flavors together.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Shrimp
Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp along with the minced garlic. Sauté them until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, which takes about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. This quick cooking keeps the shrimp tender and juicy without drying them out. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the pan and chop them into bite-sized pieces for easy layering later.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
Using the same skillet, melt the butter to absorb all the lovely flavors left behind by the shrimp and garlic. If you want an extra garlic punch, feel free to add a few more minced cloves here. Pour in the heavy cream and let it gently simmer while stirring. As the sauce begins to thicken, incorporate the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and black pepper. This sauce is the heart of the dish, silky and rich, ready to envelop every layer with irresistible flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with half a cup of shredded mozzarella, a sprinkle of Parmesan, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. This mixture adds a creamy, slightly tangy element that compliments the lush sauce and shrimp perfectly, ensuring each bite is perfectly balanced and decadent.
Step 4: Cook the Lasagna Noodles
If you are using regular lasagna noodles, boil them according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside so they don’t stick together. Using oven-ready noodles speeds things up, but either way works beautifully for assembling your creamy seafood masterpiece.
Step 5: Assemble the Layers
Preheat your oven to 375°F and grab a 9×13-inch baking dish. Begin by spreading a layer of the creamy sauce to prevent noodles from sticking. Add a layer of noodles, followed by spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture, then sprinkle chopped shrimp over top. Drizzle with more sauce and top with mozzarella cheese. Repeat these layers until your ingredients run out, finishing generously with shredded mozzarella on the very top for that irresistible golden crust.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover your dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown. For an extra crisp and caramelized finish, switch the oven to broil for 2 to 3 minutes—just keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn. This baking step melts everything into a beautifully cohesive, cheesy, garlicky delight.
Step 7: Rest and Garnish
Once out of the oven, allow the lasagna to rest for about 10 minutes before cutting. This pause helps the layers set and makes serving easier. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top to add a fresh, vibrant contrast that brightens every creamy forkful.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a must for its burst of green color and mild herbal punch. You could also add a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few lemon zest shavings to amplify the zesty, buttery notes that shrimp scampi is famous for.
Side Dishes
Pair this rich lasagna with simple, refreshing sides like a crisp Caesar salad, garlic-roasted asparagus, or a tangy tomato and basil salad. These lighter accompaniments offer balance and variety to your meal without competing with the lasagna’s richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual portions in rustic mini gratin dishes for a charming look at a dinner party. Alternatively, try layering the sauce, shrimp, and cheeses inside rolled lasagna noodles or use wonton wrappers for a fun, bite-sized appetizer version. Presentation can be as imaginative as your taste buds allow!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors even deepen overnight, making it a fantastic next-day meal you’ll look forward to.
Freezing
This lasagna freezes beautifully before baking. Assemble it, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed for a delicious, stress-free dinner later on.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the lasagna with foil to trap moisture and warm in a 350°F oven for 20 to 25 minutes until heated through. This method preserves the creamy texture without drying it out, just like freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I substitute the shrimp for another protein?
Absolutely! While shrimp is the star here, you can swap in scallops, chunks of cooked chicken, or even a medley of vegetables like mushrooms and spinach to tailor the dish to your liking.
Do I have to use heavy cream in the sauce?
Heavy cream adds the signature creaminess, but you could use half-and-half or even a coconut cream for a different twist. Just keep in mind, lighter creams might result in a thinner sauce.
Is it necessary to chop the shrimp after cooking?
Chopping the shrimp makes layering neater and every bite evenly distributed, but you can leave them whole for a more rustic and impressive presentation.
Can I prepare this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Just substitute lasagna noodles with gluten-free pasta sheets or use thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant as no-pasta layers for a low-carb, gluten-free version.
What can I do if I don’t have fresh parsley for garnish?
Fresh parsley really brightens up the dish, but you can substitute with chopped basil, chives, or even a sprinkle of dried Italian herbs if fresh options aren’t available.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe is an absolute treasure for anyone who loves comforting meals bursting with flavor and a little bit of elegance. It’s perfect for impressing guests or simply enjoying a luscious family dinner. Trust me, once you dive into those layers of creamy garlic butter sauce, tender shrimp, and gooey cheese, this dish will quickly become a beloved favorite. So gather your ingredients and treat yourself to something truly special tonight!
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Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 26 minutes
- Total Time: 41 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna is a delicious twist on classic lasagna, featuring tender shrimp cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce layered with creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, this meal offers a decadent combination of seafood and Italian flavors, ideal for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Lasagna Components
- Lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready) – 12 sheets
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Sauce Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Cheese Mixture
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- Additional Parmesan cheese (about 1/4 cup for ricotta mix)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp along with minced garlic and sauté until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp, chop them roughly, and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Optionally add extra garlic for enhanced flavor. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently. Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese along with salt and black pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to thicken slightly while stirring.
- Prepare the ricotta mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella, a small amount of Parmesan (about 1/4 cup), salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well incorporated.
- Cook noodles: If using regular lasagna noodles, cook them in boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. If using oven-ready noodles, no boiling is required.
- Assemble the lasagna: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13 inch baking dish, start with a layer of the garlic butter cream sauce. Arrange a layer of noodles over the sauce, then spread a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture. Add a layer of chopped shrimp, followed by more sauce, and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake: Cover the assembled lasagna with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. For extra browning, broil for 2-3 minutes, keeping a close watch to prevent burning.
- Rest and serve: Once baked, remove the lasagna from the oven and let it sit for 10 minutes to set. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before slicing and serving.
Notes
- If using regular noodles, make sure to cook them just al dente to avoid overcooking during baking.
- You can adjust the garlic quantity according to your preference for more or less pungency.
- To make the dish lighter, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce may be less rich.
- Broil carefully at the end for a crispy top, but watch closely to avoid burning.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated well in the oven or microwave.
