If comfort food had a crown, this Shrimp Lasagna with White Sauce and Cheese would be its reigning champion! Layers of tender pasta, creamy white sauce, succulent shrimp, and melty cheese come together in a dish that’s as indulgent as it is satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a celebratory dinner or simply because you’re in the mood for something cozy and luxurious, trust me—this one’s a showstopper. Every bite feels like a warm hug, and I promise, your taste buds will thank you.
Why You’ll Love Shrimp Lasagna with White Sauce and Cheese
This recipe isn’t just another lasagna—it’s a celebration of creamy, cheesy goodness with a seafood twist. Here’s why it’s bound to be a favorite:
- Elegant yet Comforting: The perfect blend of fancy and homey. Think of it as a dish you’d serve at a dinner party but also enjoy curled up on the couch.
- Rich and Flavorful: The creamy white sauce pairs beautifully with tender shrimp and layers of cheese for a flavor explosion.
- Perfectly Balanced: Unlike traditional tomato-based lasagna, this one offers a mild, creamy profile that lets the shrimp shine.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep it in advance, making it ideal for busy days or entertaining.
Ingredients
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Shrimp: The star of the dish. Use fresh or frozen shrimp, peeled and deveined, for convenience. Their natural sweetness is the perfect complement to the creamy sauce.
Lasagna Noodles: Choose no-boil noodles for ease or classic ones if you love the process of layering them cooked.
White Sauce (Béchamel): This silky, creamy sauce forms the base of the dish and ties all the flavors together. Butter, flour, and milk are the key players here.
Cheese Blend: Mozzarella for that perfect stretch, Parmesan for a nutty flavor, and ricotta for creaminess.
Garlic: A must-have for flavoring the shrimp and adding a little zing to the sauce.
Butter: Helps cook the shrimp and is the base of the white sauce.
Parsley: Adds a pop of color and freshness to balance the richness of the dish.
Instructions
Let’s dive into creating this seafood masterpiece:
Step 1: Prep the Shrimp
In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add shrimp and cook until pink and slightly curled. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Make the White Sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour until smooth. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens. Stir in Parmesan cheese, a pinch of salt, and pepper for seasoning.
Step 3: Cook the Noodles (if using classic noodles)
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna
- Spread a thin layer of white sauce at the bottom of your baking dish.
- Add a layer of noodles, followed by a portion of shrimp, a dollop of ricotta, mozzarella, and white sauce.
- Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a generous layer of mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
Step 5: Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the lasagna with foil (to prevent over-browning) and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Allow the lasagna to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
How to Serve Shrimp Lasagna
Fresh Greens: A crisp arugula or Caesar salad pairs wonderfully with the richness of the lasagna.
Garlic Bread: Perfect for mopping up all that creamy sauce.
Steamed Veggies: Broccoli or asparagus are great light sides to balance the dish.
Additional Tips
Shrimp Prep: For extra flavor, marinate shrimp in a little olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice before cooking.
Cheese Substitutions: Swap ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter alternative or add Gruyère for a nuttier flavor.
Storage: Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
FAQ
Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw them first and pat them dry before cooking.
Q2: Can I make this lasagna gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and swap regular flour with gluten-free flour for the white sauce.
Q3: Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the lasagna, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
Q4: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to maintain texture.
Q5: Can I add veggies?
Definitely! Spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms make great additions.
Q6: Can I use a different protein?
Sure! Chicken or crab would also work beautifully in this recipe.
Q7: Can I freeze it?
Yes, freeze it assembled but unbaked. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Q8: What type of milk works best for the white sauce?
Whole milk gives the creamiest texture, but you can use 2% or a plant-based alternative if preferred.
Q9: Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but add them directly to the layering process to avoid overcooking.
Q10: What’s the best wine pairing?
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy, cheesy flavors.
Shrimp Lasagna with White Sauce and Cheese
Creamy, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible! This Shrimp Lasagna combines tender prawns, layers of pasta, and a luscious white sauce for a show-stopping dish that’s perfect for special occasions.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 500 g (1 lb) clean and peeled prawns
- 12 sheets lasagna pasta
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for cooking
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Cook Pasta: Cook the lasagna sheets according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter with a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the prawns and cook for 2-3 minutes until pink. Remove and set aside.
- Make Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and sauté the onion and garlic until soft. Stir in the heavy cream and milk. Cook on low heat until the sauce thickens.
- Add Cheese: Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper, cooking until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Assemble Lasagna:
- Spread a thin layer of white sauce at the bottom of a baking dish.
- Add a layer of lasagna sheets, followed by a layer of shrimp, dollops of ricotta, and a sprinkle of parsley.
- Repeat the layers, finishing with a generous layer of white sauce and mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.
Notes
- Seafood Alternatives: Substitute shrimp with crab meat or scallops for a variation.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a meatless version.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the lasagna a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
Nutrition
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg