The rich, creamy layers of this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna will transform any weeknight dinner into a gourmet experience. Each bite is infused with garlicky white wine sauce, tender shrimp, and layers of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. It’s seafood meets comfort food in the most elegant way. Perfect for a cozy night in, a special gathering, or to simply treat yourself, this lasagna brings restaurant-quality flavor without the fuss. The fusion of shrimp scampi and cheesy baked pasta gives it a unique twist on traditional lasagna — making it a new family favorite.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
-
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
-
9 lasagna noodles
-
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
-
1 tablespoon olive oil
-
6 cloves garlic, minced
-
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
-
1/2 cup dry white wine
-
Juice of 1 lemon
-
Zest of 1 lemon
-
1/2 cup heavy cream
-
1 cup ricotta cheese
-
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
-
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
-
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
-
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
-
Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
-
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter with olive oil. Add garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté for 1 minute.
-
Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 2–3 minutes. Remove shrimp and set aside.
-
To the skillet, add white wine, lemon juice, and zest. Simmer 2 minutes. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a light simmer. Season with salt and pepper.
-
In a bowl, combine ricotta, 1/2 cup Parmesan, and parsley.
-
To assemble: In a 9×13 baking dish, spread a thin layer of the garlic cream sauce. Add 3 noodles, a layer of ricotta mixture, shrimp, some mozzarella, and more sauce. Repeat layers, finishing with noodles, sauce, mozzarella, and remaining Parmesan.
-
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
-
Garnish with extra parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Kcal: 510 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
The Irresistible Fusion of Comfort and Elegance
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna is where Italian comfort meets the luxurious flair of seafood. This indulgent, flavor-packed dish combines two beloved classics: shrimp scampi and traditional lasagna. The result? A layered, creamy, garlicky lasagna that satisfies the craving for something both comforting and elevated. With each bite, you get tender shrimp enveloped in a garlic butter sauce, balanced by rich cheeses and a hint of lemon that lifts the flavor profile beautifully.
This dish speaks to both home cooks looking for something extraordinary and food lovers searching for gourmet quality meals made from scratch. It has quickly become a fan favorite in households for good reason—it’s hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying.
The Story Behind Shrimp Scampi Lasagna
Traditionally, shrimp scampi is a pasta dish rooted in Italian-American cuisine, often made with garlic, lemon, white wine, and butter. It’s quick, fresh, and full of zingy flavor. On the other hand, lasagna has ancient origins in Italy, known for its layered pasta sheets and hearty fillings. This recipe was born from the idea of blending the brightness of shrimp scampi with the richness and comfort of baked lasagna. It’s a modern innovation that still pays homage to its roots.
Shrimp Scampi Lasagna is not something you’d typically find at a restaurant—and that’s exactly why it’s so special. It’s a conversation starter, a table centerpiece, and a surefire way to impress guests or simply indulge in a gourmet meal at home.
Why You’ll Fall in Love With This Recipe
There’s a lot to love about this dish:
-
Flavor-packed: The garlic butter and lemon combination gives the shrimp a tangy, savory bite that cuts through the richness of the cheese and cream sauce.
-
Creamy and cheesy: A trio of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan melts into perfection, making every forkful irresistibly creamy.
-
Hearty yet elegant: It’s filling enough to serve as a main course, yet feels upscale and refined with the addition of shrimp and white wine.
-
Make-ahead friendly: You can assemble it ahead of time and bake it fresh when guests arrive. It even tastes better the next day!
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving something indulgent, this dish delivers.
A Perfect Crowd-Pleaser
Hosting dinner parties or family gatherings? This lasagna never fails. It feeds a crowd and offers something unique compared to typical red-sauce-based pasta bakes. Even those who claim they’re not “seafood people” tend to fall in love with this one. The sauce is subtle, the garlic isn’t overpowering, and the lemon zest adds just the right amount of brightness to make it refreshing rather than overly rich.
Pair it with a simple green salad, a glass of chilled white wine, and some warm, crusty bread—perfection!
Health Benefits and Nutritional Value
While this dish is undoubtedly indulgent, it does offer some nutritional benefits:
-
High protein: Shrimp is a lean protein source, low in fat and calories but high in essential nutrients like selenium and vitamin B12.
-
Rich in calcium: Thanks to the cheese and cream, you’re getting a boost of calcium for bone health.
-
Omega-3s: Shrimp provides a small dose of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
-
Portion control friendly: Because it’s so rich and satisfying, a smaller portion goes a long way, which can help prevent overeating.
You can also easily modify this recipe to be lighter—substitute low-fat ricotta or use fewer layers of pasta. Or bulk it up with vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added fiber and nutrients.
Tips for Making It Perfect Every Time
Even the most novice home cook can pull off this dish with ease by keeping a few tips in mind:
-
Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly and can turn rubbery if overdone. Just a couple of minutes per side is plenty before layering them into the lasagna.
-
Use fresh garlic: The flavor of fresh garlic is essential here—don’t substitute with garlic powder unless you absolutely must.
-
Quality cheese matters: For the best melt and flavor, use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded varieties.
-
Let it rest: Once baked, let the lasagna sit for at least 10–15 minutes. This helps the layers set and makes slicing much easier.
Variations to Try
This dish is easily customizable to suit your preferences:
-
Add veggies: Incorporate spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or even roasted red peppers between the layers.
-
Swap the protein: Not a shrimp fan? Substitute with crab, scallops, or even chunks of lobster for an even more decadent version.
-
Make it spicy: Add extra red pepper flakes or a touch of cayenne to the cream sauce for a little kick.
-
Low-carb version: Try using zucchini or eggplant slices instead of lasagna noodles for a lighter option.
How to Store and Reheat
Leftovers are a dream with this recipe. In fact, the flavors deepen after a day in the fridge. To store:
-
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
-
To freeze, wrap individual slices in foil and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
To reheat, bake covered at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions on medium power to prevent drying out.
Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions
Serve your Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna with:
-
A crisp, dry white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
-
A citrusy arugula salad with vinaigrette to cut the richness.
-
Garlic bread or herb focaccia to mop up any extra sauce.
-
A light lemon sorbet or panna cotta for dessert to echo the citrus notes in the main dish.
This dish also makes a beautiful centerpiece for holidays, anniversaries, or “just because” celebrations.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna is everything you want in a comfort meal: rich, flavorful, and totally unforgettable. It’s an upscale twist on tradition that transforms everyday ingredients into something extraordinary. Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or trying this out for the first time, it’s a rewarding recipe with gourmet results. Its combination of creamy layers, delicate shrimp, and bright citrusy notes makes it both indulgent and balanced—perfect for making memories around the dinner table.