Shrimp Lasagna with White Sauce and Cheese

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.

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