If you’re looking for a show-stopping main course that’s overflowing with luscious flavor, “Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna” is about to become your new favorite. Imagine layers of perfectly cooked lasagna noodles, tender shrimp kissed with lemon and red pepper, and a golden blanket of mozzarella and Parmesan, all nestled into a velvety garlic butter sauce. This is the ultimate comfort food for seafood lovers and a creative twist on classic lasagna—one that’s sure to win rave reviews at any dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna might look impressive, but each item is truly essential for building up that unforgettable flavor. These pantry staples and fresh ingredients work together to deliver a dish with just the right balance of richness, zing, and texture.
- Lasagna noodles: Choose classic lasagna noodles for the most satisfying bite and easy layering.
- Large shrimp (1 1/2 pounds, peeled and deveined): Treat yourself to succulent shrimp—the star of every luscious layer.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Brings indulgent richness and acts as the base for the silky garlic sauce.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Bright, aromatic garlic infuses every bite with savoriness.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Adds a refreshing citrusy spark to balance the dish’s richness.
- Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Gives a gentle heat that beautifully complements the creamy sauce (totally optional if you’re spice-shy!).
- Salt (1 teaspoon) & Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Season every element for maximum flavor.
- All-purpose flour (3 tablespoons): Thickens the sauce, making those creamy layers possible.
- Whole milk (2 cups): Ensures the sauce stays luxuriously smooth and not too heavy.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Turns the sauce into an ultra-creamy dream.
- Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Brings salty, nutty depth and helps the sauce set up beautifully.
- Mozzarella cheese (1 cup, shredded): Melts to golden perfection right on top!
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Delivers that telltale herby aroma and flavor.
- Chopped parsley (2 tablespoons, optional): For a fresh pop of color and earthiness as a garnish.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Keeps the lasagna from sticking and makes serving a breeze.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna
Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients
Before you start building your Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna, take a few minutes to measure, chop, and prep everything you need. This makes the process so much smoother and ensures nothing gets forgotten. Defrost your shrimp if it’s frozen, give those lasagna noodles a little head start in boiling water, and make sure your cheeses, garlic, and lemon juice are ready to go. This mise en place moment will have you feeling like a total kitchen pro!
Step 2: Cook the Lasagna Noodles
Fill your largest pot with salted water and bring it to a boil, then add the lasagna noodles. Cook them until they’re al dente—they should be sturdy enough to hold their shape when layered but not hard in the center. Drain gently and lay them flat on a tray or a clean kitchen towel to keep them from sticking together while you work on the other components of your Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna.
Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp
In a big skillet, melt half of your butter over medium heat. Toss in the shrimp alongside lemon juice, red pepper flakes (if you like a little kick), salt, and black pepper. Sauté for 2–3 minutes per side until they’re opaque and a blushing pink. Be careful not to overcook—the shrimp will finish cooking in the oven. Set them aside and resist the urge to sample too many at this stage!
Step 4: Create the Creamy Garlic Sauce
Using the same pan (no need to wash—those caramelized shrimp bits add fantastic flavor), add the rest of your butter. Sprinkle in the minced garlic and stir for a minute until your kitchen smells absolutely heavenly. Add the flour and stir or whisk constantly for 1–2 minutes until the mixture is bubbling but not browned. Gradually pour in the milk and cream, whisking as you go—this keeps the sauce perfectly smooth and creamy. Let the sauce simmer 3–4 minutes until it thickens ever so slightly. Stir in your Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and half the mozzarella; let everything melt into a dreamy, silky sauce. Remove from the heat once it’s smooth and luscious.
Step 5: Assemble the Lasagna
Get your 9×13-inch baking dish ready and give it a light coating of nonstick spray. Start by spreading a thin base layer of the garlic butter cream sauce at the bottom. Add a layer of noodles, scatter over a generous helping of shrimp, then spoon more sauce on top. Repeat these layers—noodles, shrimp, sauce—until you run out, finishing with a final blanket of noodles and the remaining sauce poured generously over them. Top with the rest of your mozzarella cheese so every bite will be gooey and golden.
Step 6: Bake and Let it Rest
Cover your masterpiece loosely with foil and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes to let the flavors marry. After that, remove the foil and bake for an extra 10–15 minutes, so the cheese gets beautifully bubbled and golden. When it’s done, take the lasagna out and let it rest for at least 10 minutes. This resting time makes it much easier to slice and ensures every serving holds its layers.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna
Garnishes
A handful of freshly chopped parsley sprinkled on top right before serving brightens up the Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna and adds a vibrant burst of color. If you’re feeling fancy, you can grate a little extra Parmesan over the top or add a hint of lemon zest for extra freshness. Don’t forget a crack of black pepper as a final touch!
Side Dishes
This elegant lasagna loves to be paired with simple, fuss-free sides. Crusty garlic bread is a must for mopping up any leftover sauce, and a big green salad provides a refreshing crunch to balance out the creamy richness. Roasted vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or even broccolini also work beautifully on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow at a dinner party, serve individual portions in small ramekins, or cut the lasagna into neat squares and stack them artfully on plates for an upscale touch. Layering in sautéed spinach or mushrooms between the noodles can add bursts of color and earthy flavor. For a fun twist, try assembling the dish in mini loaf pans—everyone gets their own personal Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to cover it tightly with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container once cooled. The flavors continue to meld, making every bite just as good—if not better—the next day.
Freezing
This lasagna is surprisingly freezer-friendly! Assemble the whole dish, cover tightly with two layers of foil, and freeze before baking. When you’re ready to enjoy, add about 15 extra minutes to the baking time (no need to thaw). Alternatively, freeze leftover slices individually for convenient single portions anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, place slices in a covered baking dish in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 15–20 minutes. You can also microwave individual pieces—just cover with a damp paper towel to keep them moist. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of milk before reheating to bring back the creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp instead of raw shrimp?
Absolutely! Pre-cooked shrimp works well if you’re short on time—just add them at the very end of the sauté step with the lemon, spices, and seasonings to warm through, rather than cooking them fully in butter. You’ll still get all that delicious flavor with less hassle.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
If you’re trying to lighten things up, swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or even more milk. Keep in mind you’ll sacrifice some richness, but the Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna will still be fantastic and comforting.
How do I avoid my lasagna noodles sticking together?
After cooking and draining, lay the noodles flat on a clean kitchen towel or baking sheet in a single layer. You can drizzle them with a tiny bit of olive oil and gently toss to coat, which keeps them from clumping as you assemble your lasagna.
Can I use gluten-free noodles?
Definitely! There are many delicious gluten-free lasagna noodles available these days. Just cook them according to the package directions and use them exactly as you would regular noodles for your Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna.
What’s the best way to make the dish ahead?
You can assemble the entire lasagna a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. It’s a fantastic option for entertaining—you’ll simply need to add a few more minutes to the baking time if it goes into the oven straight from the fridge.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to experience a totally crave-worthy twist on a seafood classic, you have to try Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna. It’s decadent, comforting, and guaranteed to impress everyone at the table. Gather your ingredients and treat yourself—this recipe is sure to become a highlight in your meal rotation!
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Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this decadent Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna. Layers of tender shrimp, velvety sauce, and cheesy goodness make this Italian-inspired dish a standout on any dining table.
Ingredients
Lasagna Noodles:
9 lasagna noodles
Shrimp:
1 1/2 pounds large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
Garlic Butter Sauce:
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, 4 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional), 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 2 cups whole milk, 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional), nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cook lasagna noodles until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Shrimp: Melt 2 tbsp butter in a skillet. Add shrimp, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp.
- Make Sauce: Melt remaining butter in the skillet. Add garlic, then flour. Slowly pour in milk and cream. Simmer until thickened. Stir in cheeses and seasoning.
- Assemble Lasagna: Layer sauce, noodles, shrimp, and repeat, ending with sauce and mozzarella. Bake covered, then uncovered until golden.
- Rest and Serve: Let lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add sautéed spinach or mushrooms between the layers.
- You can use pre-cooked shrimp to save time, just adjust sauté time.
- Pairs well with garlic bread and a green salad.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
