Creamy Seafood Lasagna

If you’re looking to impress your guests or simply want a special dinner that feels indulgent yet is easy to prepare, this Seafood Lasagna recipe is the perfect choice. Packed with shrimp, crab meat, scallops, and three kinds of cheese, it combines rich flavors in a creamy sauce that transforms traditional lasagna into a luxurious seafood delight. Whether for a dinner party or a comforting weeknight meal, this recipe serves 12 and will satisfy any seafood lover’s cravings.

Ingredients

Seafood, Lasagna, and Cheese

• 12 lasagna noodles
• 1 pound shrimp
• 1 pound crab meat or imitation crab
• 12 ounces quartered scallops
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese
• 2 cups parmesan cheese

Sauce

• 18 ounces canned clam chowder
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• ½ cup parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper

Cheese Mixture

• 16 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• ½ cup fresh chopped parsley
• ½ teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
3. In a large skillet, cook shrimp and scallops until the shrimp turn pink. Add crab meat and mix; set aside.
4. In a bowl, combine mozzarella and parmesan cheeses.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together clam chowder, heavy cream, lemon juice, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to make the sauce.
6. In another bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and salt until well combined.
7. To assemble:
   • Pour a thin layer of sauce into the bottom of the baking dish.
   • Add a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce.
   • Spread ⅓ of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
   • Add ⅓ of the seafood mixture on top.
   • Sprinkle ⅓ of the shredded cheeses over the seafood.
8. Repeat the layering process two more times (sauce, noodles, ricotta, seafood, cheese), finishing with cheese on top.
9. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
10. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes.
11. Let the lasagna cool for about 10 minutes before serving.

Serving and Storage

• Serving Suggestions:
  Serve this creamy seafood lasagna with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Garlic bread or crusty bread pairs well to soak up the delicious sauce. A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the seafood flavors perfectly.
• Storage Tips:
  Store any leftover seafood lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain the creamy texture.
• Freezing:
  You can freeze the cooked lasagna by wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.
• Make-Ahead Tip:
  You can assemble the lasagna a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from fridge and bake as directed, adding an extra 10 minutes to baking time if baking cold.

Variations

1. Spicy Seafood Lasagna
   Add a kick to your seafood lasagna by mixing ½ to 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes into the sauce. You can also sauté the shrimp and scallops with minced jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat. This variation adds a spicy depth that balances the creamy cheese and seafood flavors.
2. White Wine Sauce Variation
   Replace the canned clam chowder and heavy cream sauce with a homemade white wine cream sauce. Sauté garlic and shallots in butter, then add 1 cup of dry white wine and reduce it by half before stirring in 1 cup heavy cream and parmesan cheese. This gives a lighter, more elegant flavor profile that highlights the seafood.
3. Vegetable Seafood Lasagna
   Add layers of sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the lasagna for extra texture and nutrients. Incorporate the vegetables either mixed with the seafood or layered separately. This is a great option to add more veggies and balance the richness.
4. Lobster and Crab Lasagna
   Upgrade your seafood by swapping the shrimp and scallops for cooked lobster meat, or add lobster alongside the crab for an indulgent twist. This variation offers a more luxurious, restaurant-quality dish perfect for special occasions.
5. Gluten-Free Seafood Lasagna
   Use gluten-free lasagna noodles or thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant in place of traditional noodles for a gluten-free version. This adjustment keeps the recipe accessible to those with gluten sensitivities without sacrificing flavor.
6. Herb-Infused Ricotta Mixture
   Enhance the ricotta cheese mixture by adding fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or dill along with the parsley. This adds a fresh, aromatic element that complements the seafood beautifully.
7. Cheese Lover’s Seafood Lasagna
   Increase the amount of mozzarella and parmesan or add other cheeses like fontina or gouda for a richer, gooier lasagna. This is perfect for those who want an extra cheesy experience with their seafood.

Each of these variations allows you to customize the classic seafood lasagna to your taste preferences or dietary needs while keeping it delicious and impressive.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen seafood for this recipe?
   Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, crab meat, and scallops. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
2. Can I make this seafood lasagna ahead of time?
   Absolutely! Assemble the lasagna a day before baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake as directed, adding about 10 extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
3. Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
   You can try substituting dairy-free cheeses and using coconut cream or another non-dairy cream instead of heavy whipping cream, but the texture and flavor will differ from the original.
4. How long does leftover seafood lasagna keep in the fridge?
   Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
5. Can I freeze cooked seafood lasagna?
   Yes, wrap the baked lasagna tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
6. What can I serve with seafood lasagna?
   Light sides like green salads, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread complement this rich dish well. A crisp white wine pairs nicely too.
7. Can I substitute other types of seafood?
   Yes, feel free to use lobster, mussels, clams, or even firm fish like cod to customize your lasagna.
8. Do I have to use canned clam chowder for the sauce?
   Canned clam chowder adds great flavor and creaminess, but you can substitute with a homemade white sauce or creamy seafood bisque if preferred.
9. How do I prevent the lasagna from being watery?
   Make sure to drain cooked noodles well, pat seafood dry, and avoid adding too much liquid. Baking uncovered at the end helps evaporate excess moisture.
10. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
    Yes, by using gluten-free lasagna noodles or substituting thinly sliced vegetables like zucchini or eggplant in place of noodles, you can enjoy a gluten-free version.

This Seafood Lasagna recipe is a delicious way to elevate a classic comfort food with fresh seafood flavors and a creamy sauce that everyone will love. Its impressive presentation and hearty servings make it ideal for gatherings or a special family dinner. Try this recipe to enjoy a rich, flavorful meal that’s sure to become a favorite.

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