I absolutely love how this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe turns out every time I make it. The combination of tender shrimp simmered in a rich garlic butter sauce layered with creamy cheeses and delicate lasagna noodles is just heavenly. It’s a refreshing twist on traditional lasagna that feels fancy without being complicated — perfect when you want to treat yourself or impress guests.
When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how easily the flavors came together, with the lemony brightness balancing perfectly against the buttery richness. You’ll find that it’s great for celebrations or cozy dinners alike, and it’s one of those dishes that people ask for again and again because it feels so indulgent and comforting at the same time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique Flavor Fusion: Combines bright, garlicky shrimp scampi with creamy, cheesy lasagna layers for an irresistible taste.
- Elegant Yet Easy: Feels like a fancy dish but is straightforward enough for weeknight cooking or holiday dinners.
- Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this, and it’s a perfect way to sneak seafood into a lasagna format everyone loves.
- Versatile and Adaptable: You can adjust heat, cheese amounts, or even swap ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients work perfectly together to build layers of flavor and creaminess in the Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe. When shopping, try to get fresh shrimp and good-quality cheeses for the best results.
- Large shrimp: Peeled and deveined shrimp cook quickly and soak up the garlic butter flavor beautifully.
- Unsalted butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness of the dish perfectly.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic gives the iconic kick in shrimp scampi.
- White wine (optional): Adds bright acidity and depth; if you prefer, just use more lemon juice instead.
- Fresh lemon juice: This is essential for that fresh, zesty lift in the scampi sauce.
- Red pepper flakes: Optional, but they add a nice subtle heat that balances the richness.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped for brightness and garnish; it really freshens up the finished dish.
- Lasagna noodles: Regular or no-boil will work — just make sure they cook al dente.
- Ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, this binds well with eggs and seasonings to create luxurious layers.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly for gooey, stretchy texture in each bite.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, umami-rich flavor throughout the dish.
- Eggs: Help bind the ricotta cheese mixture without making it too dense.
- Italian seasoning: A simple blend that complements both the shrimp and cheese layers beautifully.
- Nutmeg (optional): A whisper of warmth that elevates the cheese mixture subtly but impressively.
- Heavy cream: Creates a luscious, silky sauce that keeps the lasagna moist and dreamy.
Variations
I love how this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe can be easily customized depending on your mood or what you have in your kitchen. Feel free to make it your own and experiment with different tweaks.
- Spicy Kick: I sometimes add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the shrimp for a heartier punch.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap shrimp for sautéed mushrooms or artichokes, keeping the garlic butter and cheese layers just as rich.
- Herb Variations: Try fresh basil or oregano instead of parsley for a different herbal note that pairs wonderfully with the creamy cheese.
- Wine-Free Sauce: If you avoid alcohol, just increase the lemon juice slightly and add a pinch of garlic powder for depth.
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Shrimp Scampi
Begin by melting butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Add minced garlic and cook for just 1-2 minutes until fragrant—don’t let it brown or it will turn bitter. Add the shrimp and cook each side for about 2-3 minutes until they’re pink and nicely opaque. Next, pour in white wine (if using), fresh lemon juice, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer gently for another 2 minutes to blend the flavors, then stir in chopped parsley. Set this delicious shrimp mixture aside while you prepare the other layers.
Step 2: Cook the Lasagna Noodles
Cook your lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente—this will prevent them from getting mushy when baked. Drain and lay them flat on a sheet or plate to keep them from sticking together. I find that tossing them lightly with a bit of olive oil helps keep layers clean and easy to manage when assembling.
Step 3: Mix the Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, whisk together ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, half of the Parmesan, eggs, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of nutmeg (if you like a hint of warmth). Make sure everything is mixed well but gently—over-mixing can make the filling too dense. This creamy mixture is what ties the lasagna layers together deliciously.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of heavy cream on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish; it acts like a rich base layer and keeps the noodles from sticking. Then layer lasagna noodles, spread some of the ricotta cheese mixture over them, and add a generous layer of the shrimp scampi. Repeat the layers, finishing with a top layer of noodles. Pour the remaining cream evenly over the top, then sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover your lasagna with foil and pop it in the oven for 25 minutes—this traps steam so everything heats evenly. Remove the foil for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let it rest for several minutes before slicing; this helps it set so your servings hold together better. I always find those first few minutes of cooling make all the difference between a messy dish and beautifully plated portions.
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe
- Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp give the best taste and texture; frozen works too, but thaw completely and pat dry for even cooking.
- Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Shrimp cook fast; pulling them off the heat as soon as they turn pink keeps them tender and juicy.
- Layer Gently: To avoid breaking noodles, use a spatula to spread cheese layers gently and evenly.
- Rest Before Serving: Patience here pays off—you’ll get cleaner slices and less messy plates.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
I always sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top right before serving to add a pop of color and that fresh herbal note. A little extra grated Parmesan is a nice touch for those who love a cheesier finish. Sometimes a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil enhances the richness just beautifully.
Side Dishes
To keep things balanced, I usually pair this lasagna with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon vinaigrette. Garlic bread or a warm crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. Steamed or roasted veggies like asparagus or green beans round out the meal nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I love serving this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe in individual ramekins—each person gets their own perfectly proportioned, bubbly cheesy portion. It’s elegant and makes plating a breeze. You could also top with a lemon twist or edible flowers for a restaurant-worthy look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers covered tightly in the fridge for up to 3 days. When properly chilled, the flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers taste even better. Just keep it in an airtight container to maintain moisture and prevent it from drying out.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this lasagna a few times with great success—just assemble it, skip the final bake, and tightly wrap the dish in plastic and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, bake covered until heated through, then uncover to crisp up the top.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) wrapped loosely in foil to retain moisture. It takes about 15-20 minutes to warm through without drying out. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the oven keeps that creamy texture intact best.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen shrimp for the Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp works fine as long as you thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking. This helps avoid excess moisture that can make the lasagna watery.
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Is the white wine necessary for the shrimp scampi sauce?
White wine adds a lovely depth and brightness, but if you prefer to avoid alcohol, you can simply skip it and add a bit more lemon juice or broth to keep the sauce flavorful.
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Can I prepare this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make it a day ahead, then cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. This actually helps the flavors meld beautifully.
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What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?
You can substitute mascarpone or a mixture of cottage cheese and cream cheese for a similar creamy texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe is one of those special dishes that feels like a celebration every time you make it. I love how it combines the best of seafood and classic Italian comfort in a surprisingly simple way. If you’re looking for a recipe that will wow your family or guests but won’t leave you exhausted in the kitchen, this is it. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how approachable and delicious it is!
PrintGarlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna is a luxurious and flavorful twist on traditional lasagna that combines succulent shrimp cooked in a garlic butter sauce with layers of creamy cheeses and tender lasagna noodles. This dish melds the bright, zesty notes of lemon and white wine shrimp scampi with rich ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, baked to bubbly perfection. Perfect for special occasions or an impressive dinner, it offers a decadent, savory seafood pasta casserole experience.
Ingredients
Shrimp Scampi
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Lasagna
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp Scampi: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant to infuse the butter with garlic flavor. Then add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are pink and opaque. Stir in the white wine, lemon juice, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes to combine flavors, then remove from heat. Finally, stir in chopped parsley and set aside.
- Cook the Lasagna Noodles: Boil the lasagna noodles according to the package directions until al dente. Drain them well and set aside so they are ready to layer.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, 1 cup Parmesan, eggs, Italian seasoning, and nutmeg (if using) until fully combined to create a creamy, flavorful cheese filling.
- Assemble the Lasagna: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of heavy cream on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to keep the noodles moist. Layer the noodles evenly on top, followed by a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture, then the shrimp scampi. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a final noodle layer on top. Pour the remaining heavy cream over the top layer and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Bake the Lasagna: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese topping is golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve: Allow the lasagna to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm to enjoy the rich, buttery seafood flavors paired with creamy cheeses.
Notes
- This dish is a decadent and unique twist on classic lasagna, offering a delightful blend of shrimp scampi and creamy cheese layers.
- The garlic butter sauce infuses the shrimp with rich flavor while the creamy ricotta and mozzarella add indulgence to each bite.
- Perfect for special occasions or entertaining guests when you want to impress with a luxurious seafood meal.
- If white wine is not available or preferred, it can be omitted without significantly changing the dish.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred level of spiciness or omit for a milder flavor.
- Letting the lasagna rest before serving helps the layers settle and makes slicing cleaner.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of lasagna)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 33 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 195 mg