Shrimp Lasagna With White Sauce And Cheese Recipe

Creamy Shrimp Lasagna with White Sauce and Cheese Recipe

Mediterranean kitchens have long celebrated this creamy shrimp lasagna with unexpected flavor combinations that surprise palates.

Layers of tender seafood nestled between delicate pasta sheets create magic in every bite.

Coastal traditions inspire this elegant dish that feels both luxurious and comforting.

Fragrant herbs and rich white sauce bring depth to each carefully assembled layer.

Delicate shrimp promise a refined protein that melts seamlessly into cheesy goodness.

Home cooks appreciate how simple ingredients can craft something remarkably special.

You’ll want seconds before finishing your first serving of this irresistible creation.

Why Shrimp Lasagna With White Sauce And Cheese Is A Crowd Favorite

Why Shrimp Lasagna With White Sauce And Cheese Is A Crowd Favorite
  • Simplify Seafood Cooking: This shrimp lasagna transforms complicated seafood preparation into an easy, approachable dish that even novice home cooks can master quickly and confidently.
  • Gourmet Meal in One Dish: Combines luxurious ingredients like shrimp, white wine, and three different cheeses into a single, impressive meal that looks and tastes like a restaurant-quality creation.
  • Perfect Weekend Comfort Food: Delivers a rich, creamy experience that’s ideal for family gatherings, special occasions, or when you want a hearty meal that feels indulgent yet straightforward to prepare.
  • Quick Weeknight Transformation: Takes standard lasagna concept and elevates it with seafood, making dinner exciting without requiring extensive cooking skills or excessive preparation time.

Ingredients You’ll Need For Shrimp Lasagna With White Sauce And Cheese

Lasagna Noodles:
  • Lasagna Noodles: Pasta base for layering, regular or oven-ready. Traditional wheat noodles work best for authentic texture.
Seafood Protein:
  • Shrimp: Main protein with delicate ocean flavor. Choose fresh, medium-sized shrimp for best results.
Cheese Components:
  • Ricotta Cheese, Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy binding agents with rich dairy taste. Select high-quality, full-fat varieties for maximum flavor.
Sauce Base Ingredients:
  • Butter, Flour, Milk: Classic white sauce foundation. Use whole milk for smoother consistency.
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic, Salt, Black Pepper, Italian Seasoning, Red Pepper Flakes, Nutmeg: Aromatic spices to elevate overall dish complexity. Fresh garlic provides better flavor than pre-minced.
Liquid Flavor Boosters:
  • White Wine, Olive Oil: Adds depth and moisture to shrimp and sauce. Dry white wine recommended for cooking.
Optional Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Bright green finishing touch for visual appeal and light herbal note.

Step By Step Shrimp Lasagna With White Sauce And Cheese

Step By Step Shrimp Lasagna With White Sauce And Cheese

Step 1: Cook Lasagna Noodles

Fill a big pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Carefully slide the lasagna noodles into the bubbling water. Cook until they’re perfectly tender but still have a slight bite. Drain the noodles and set them aside to cool. For those using oven-ready noodles, you can skip this step entirely.

Step 2: Create Succulent Shrimp Filling

Warm a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in minced garlic and let it dance around for a few moments until its aroma fills the kitchen. Add the shrimp and sprinkle with:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Italian seasoning
  • Red pepper flakes
Cook the shrimp until they transform into a beautiful pink color. Pour in a splash of white wine and let it simmer briefly. Transfer the mixture to a cooling spot. In a separate bowl, combine:
  • Ricotta cheese
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Beaten egg

Gently fold the cooked shrimp into this creamy mixture.

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy White Sauce

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Sprinkle in flour and whisk continuously for about a minute. Slowly pour in milk, whisking until the sauce becomes silky smooth. Let it simmer and thicken. Season with:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • A hint of nutmeg

Stir in a handful of shredded mozzarella and remove from heat.

Step 4: Build Delicious Layers

Warm up the oven to 375F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Start by spreading a thin layer of white sauce on the bottom. Layer lasagna noodles across the sauce. Spread half the shrimp-ricotta mixture over the noodles. Drizzle white sauce generously. Repeat the layers, ending with noodles and a final blanket of white sauce. Sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella and Parmesan on top.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and slide it into the oven. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until the top turns golden and bubbly. Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes. Scatter some fresh parsley on top before serving. Enjoy your mouthwatering creation!

Tips To Master Shrimp Lasagna With White Sauce And Cheese

  • Prevent Rubbery Shrimp: Cook shrimp just until they turn pink to maintain tenderness and avoid overcooking, which makes them tough and chewy.
  • Create Creamy Sauce Perfection: Whisk milk gradually into the roux to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, silky bechamel sauce with consistent texture.
  • Layer Strategically: Spread thin sauce layers between noodles to help lasagna hold together and prevent dry, uneven baking results.
  • Customize Spice Level: Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat preference, adding more for extra kick or reducing for milder flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute regular lasagna noodles with gluten-free alternatives and use cornstarch instead of flour in the white sauce for a celiac-friendly version.

How To Store Shrimp Lasagna With White Sauce And Cheese

  • Refrigerate leftover lasagna in an airtight container for maximum freshness.
  • Keep the dish sealed tightly to prevent moisture loss and preserve its delicious flavor.
  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the container is completely closed to maintain quality.
  • Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
  • When freezing, wrap the lasagna tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
  • Frozen lasagna can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best texture and taste.
  • Always check for any signs of spoilage before consuming stored lasagna.

Great Pairings For Shrimp Lasagna With White Sauce And Cheese

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to complement the shrimp’s delicate flavor and cut through the rich, creamy white sauce.
  • Brighten with Fresh Citrus Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, which will refresh the palate and balance the lasagna’s richness while echoing the wine’s brightness.
  • Match with Crusty Garlic Bread: Serve warm, herb-infused garlic bread to soak up the extra white sauce and provide a crunchy textural contrast to the soft, creamy lasagna layers.
  • Cleanse with Sparkling Water: Add a glass of chilled sparkling water with a slice of lemon to help cleanse the palate between bites and enhance the meal’s overall dining experience.

Fun Ways To Switch Up Shrimp Lasagna With White Sauce And Cheese

  • Coastal Crab Conversion: Replace shrimp with succulent lump crab meat for an elegant seafood twist, maintaining the creamy white sauce and ricotta base.
  • Mediterranean Vegetable Blend: Swap shrimp with roasted zucchini, spinach, and artichoke hearts, keeping the white sauce and cheese layers for a vegetarian version.
  • Spicy Jalapeño Ocean Fusion: Add diced jalapeños and smoked paprika to the shrimp filling for a zesty kick, complementing the rich white sauce and seafood flavors.
  • Luxurious Lobster Upgrade: Substitute shrimp with tender chunks of lobster meat, enhancing the recipe’s gourmet potential while preserving the original creamy sauce technique.

Answers To FAQs About Shrimp Lasagna With White Sauce And Cheese

  • Why use white wine in the shrimp filling?

White wine adds depth and complexity to the shrimp’s flavor, creating a more sophisticated taste profile. It helps tenderize the shrimp and brings out their natural sweetness while adding a subtle acidic note to the dish.

  • Can I substitute the shrimp with another seafood?

Absolutely! Crab meat or scallops work great as alternatives. They’ll provide a similar texture and marine flavor that complements the creamy white sauce and cheese perfectly.

  • Is this lasagna spicy?

The recipe has a mild kick from red pepper flakes, but you can easily adjust the heat level. Reduce or completely omit the red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder version, or add more if you like extra spice.

  • How difficult is this recipe for a home cook?

This lasagna is moderately challenging but totally doable for someone with basic cooking skills. The key is following the steps carefully and not rushing through the sauce and layering process. Take your time, and you’ll create a restaurant-quality dish!

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Shrimp Lasagna With White Sauce And Cheese Recipe

Shrimp Lasagna With White Sauce And Cheese Recipe


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4.7 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Creamy shrimp lasagna beckons with layers of succulent seafood nestled between silky pasta sheets and rich, velvety white sauce. Cheese-lovers will savor each luxurious bite of this indulgent Italian-inspired masterpiece that brings coastal flavors directly to your dinner table.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped

Dairy and Cheese:

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 3 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Other Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
  • ½ cup white wine (or chicken broth)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for depth)
  • 912 lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare lasagna noodles by submerging them in boiling salted water until they reach perfect tenderness. Carefully drain and set aside, ensuring they remain separate and ready for layering.
  2. Create a flavorful shrimp base by sautéing minced garlic in olive oil until it releases its aromatic essence. Introduce shrimp and season with a blend of Italian herbs, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Deglaze the shrimp mixture with white wine, allowing the liquid to infuse additional depth. Remove from heat and let the flavors meld while cooling slightly.
  4. Combine ricotta cheese with a beaten egg and grated Parmesan, then gently fold in the seasoned shrimp mixture, creating a luxurious filling with complex textures.
  5. Craft a velvety white sauce by melting butter and whisking in flour to create a smooth roux. Gradually incorporate milk, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
  6. Enhance the bechamel sauce with a touch of nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Stir in shredded mozzarella until the sauce becomes rich and creamy.
  7. Preheat the oven and prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing its surface. Begin layering by spreading a thin coat of white sauce across the bottom.
  8. Arrange lasagna noodles to create the first foundation, then generously spread the shrimp-ricotta mixture. Drizzle white sauce over the layer to ensure moisture and flavor.
  9. Repeat the layering process, alternating noodles, shrimp filling, and white sauce. Conclude with a final layer of noodles topped with remaining sauce.
  10. Sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese across the top, creating a golden, bubbling surface.
  11. Cover with foil and bake until the lasagna becomes heated through and the edges turn slightly crisp. Remove the foil during the final cooking stage to achieve a beautiful golden-brown finish.
  12. Allow the lasagna to rest for several minutes after removing from the oven. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve this elegant seafood-inspired dish.

Notes

  • Perfectly cook shrimp by removing them from heat just as they turn pink to prevent rubbery texture and maintain their delicate, sweet flavor.
  • Experiment with gluten-free lasagna noodles or zucchini slices for a low-carb alternative that keeps the dish’s rich, creamy essence intact.
  • Control sauce thickness by adjusting milk quantity – less milk creates a denser white sauce, while more provides a lighter, more spreadable consistency.
  • Enhance seafood depth by using seafood stock instead of white wine, which adds an extra layer of marine richness to the shrimp filling.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 505
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 175 mg

Emily Morgan

Emily Morgan

Food Critic & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Global Food Exploration & Critique, Simple Kitchen Hacks & Time-Saving Tips, Presentation & Plating Techniques, Culinary Research & Storytelling.

Education

New York University

  • Program: Bachelor’s in Journalism
  • Focus: Combined foundational journalism training with deep dives into global food traditions, restaurant criticism, and the cultural role of cuisine.

Emily Morgan has journeyed across the globe, collecting culinary secrets that turn everyday ingredients into impressive meals.

Based in Seattle and armed with a Journalism degree from NYU, she blends thorough research with a flair for presentation, ensuring every dish looks just as good as it tastes.

Focusing on fresh flavors, simple methods, and a bit of fun, Emily shows home cooks how to elevate their daily cooking without fancy gadgets or complex steps.

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