Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna

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Rich, indulgent, and wildly satisfying, this Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna is everything your comfort food dreams are made of. Imagine layers of perfectly cooked lasagna noodles wrapped around a luscious garlic butter shrimp scampi sauce, enriched with creamy cheeses and finished with a golden top. It’s a seafood twist on a classic Italian dish that delivers a restaurant-quality experience at home.

This lasagna is not your typical red sauce affair. The buttery garlic sauce infuses every layer with deep, savory flavor while the shrimp adds a delicate sweetness and luxurious texture. Perfect for dinner parties, cozy weekend meals, or whenever you’re craving something truly memorable.

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What Kind of Shrimp Should I Use?

For the best flavor and texture, go for large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined. They should be fresh or frozen (thawed completely if using frozen). Avoid pre-cooked shrimp, as they’ll likely turn rubbery during baking. Tail-off shrimp are ideal so you don’t have to remove them as you eat.

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Ingredients for the Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna

Lasagna Noodles
Essential for building the layers of this dish. Use regular or oven-ready noodles depending on your prep preference.

Large Shrimp
The star of the show. Sweet, tender shrimp bring a seafood-forward richness.

Garlic Butter
Combines garlic and butter for a bold, savory base. It’s the heart of the scampi flavor.

Heavy Cream
Adds luscious creaminess that transforms the garlic butter into a velvety sauce.

Parmesan Cheese
Sharp and salty, it enhances the umami of the shrimp and garlic.

Mozzarella Cheese
Melts beautifully into stretchy, creamy layers.

Ricotta Cheese
Brings a creamy softness and balances the intensity of the garlic and shrimp.

Fresh Parsley
For garnish and a touch of herbal freshness.

Salt and Black Pepper
To season each layer to perfection.

Olive Oil
Used to sauté the shrimp before layering.

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How To Make the Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp along with minced garlic. Sauté until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Set them aside and chop into bite-sized pieces if desired.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Cream Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter and add more garlic for an extra hit of flavor. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan and season with salt and black pepper. Let it thicken slightly before removing from heat.

Step 3: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, a handful of mozzarella, a little grated Parmesan, salt, and freshly cracked pepper. Mix until smooth. This will be your creamy layering base.

Step 4: Cook the Lasagna Noodles

If using regular lasagna noodles, boil them according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay them flat on parchment paper or a lightly oiled surface to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Assemble the Lasagna

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a spoonful of the garlic cream sauce at the bottom. Layer with noodles, followed by a spread of the ricotta mixture, a sprinkle of shrimp, a ladle of sauce, and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella. Repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with a top layer of sauce and mozzarella.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden. Broil for 1-2 minutes if you want extra browning.

Step 7: Let It Rest and Garnish

Remove from the oven and allow the lasagna to rest for at least 10 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before slicing and serving.

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Serving and Storing Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna

This lasagna is best served warm with a fresh sprinkle of parsley and maybe a squeeze of lemon for brightness. Pair it with a light green salad and garlic bread for a full-on comforting meal. The creamy garlic flavor really shines when served fresh from the oven, but it’s also fantastic as leftovers.

To store, allow the lasagna to cool completely, then cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer portions to airtight containers. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat covered in the oven at 350°F until heated through or use the microwave for quicker servings.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent the lasagna from being too watery?

Make sure the shrimp are properly drained and patted dry before cooking. Also, simmer the sauce long enough for it to thicken before layering.

Can I use cooked shrimp?

It’s better to use raw shrimp, as cooked shrimp may become rubbery when baked again. If using cooked shrimp, add them at the very end of the sauce-making process to avoid overcooking.

Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble the lasagna up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it. Bake just before serving.

Is there a substitute for ricotta cheese?

Yes! You can substitute cottage cheese or even a thick Béchamel sauce if you prefer a different texture or flavor.

What sides go well with shrimp lasagna?

Garlic knots, Caesar salad, roasted asparagus, or even a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette balance out the richness.

Can I use gluten-free noodles?

Definitely. Just make sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package, and layer them carefully as they can be more fragile.

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