If you’re craving something elegant and comforting, this Shrimp and Crab Seafood Lasagna might be your new go-to. Imagine layers of tender pasta, sweet crab, succulent shrimp, and a rich, dreamy blend of cheeses and Alfredo sauce—all baked until golden and bubbly. It’s the kind of dish that turns any ordinary evening into a feast.
Table of contents
Why You’ll Love It
- Impresses effortlessly — feels gourmet but is surprisingly straightforward
- Great for leftovers — reheats beautifully without drying out
- Customizable — swap crab for scallops or skip breadcrumbs if you prefer
- Comfort food with a twist — creamy, rich, and full of seafood flavor
Ingredients for Creamy Shrimp and Crab Lasagna Bake
| Component | Role | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Lasagna noodles | The pasta layers | 12 sheets |
| Shrimp (peeled & deveined) | Main seafood protein | 1 lb |
| Lump crab meat | Adds texture & flavor | 1 lb |
| Mozzarella (shredded) | Melt & stretch | 2 cups |
| Ricotta cheese | Creamy binder | 2 cups |
| Parmesan (grated) | Sharp, nutty depth | 1 cup |
| Heavy cream | Adds richness | 1 cup |
| Alfredo sauce | The saucy glue | 4 cups |
| Garlic (minced) | Aromatics | 2 cloves |
| Olive oil | For sautéing | 2 Tbsp |
| Breadcrumbs | Crisp topping | ½ cup |
| Parsley (chopped) | Fresh finish | 2 Tbsp |
| Red pepper flakes | Optional heat | ½ tsp |
| Salt, black pepper | To taste | 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp pepper |
How to Make Shrimp and Crab Pasta Bake: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pasta
Preheat your oven to 375 °F (190 °C). Boil the lasagna noodles according to the package directions until they are al dente. Drain, then lay them flat (you can drizzle a bit of oil or separate them so they don’t stick).
2. Cook the Seafood
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add shrimp and cook until just pink (~3–4 minutes). Toss in crab meat, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another 2–3 minutes, then remove from the heat. (Tip: Don’t overcook, seafood continues to cook in the oven.)
3. Mix the Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, ½ cup Parmesan, heavy cream, and half the chopped parsley. Stir until smooth. If the mix seems too thick, add a splash more cream.
4. Assemble Layers
Spread a thin layer of Alfredo sauce over the bottom of a 9×13″ (or equivalent) baking dish.
Then assemble in this order:
- Noodles
- Cheese mixture
- Seafood
- Alfredo sauce
Repeat for three layers, ensuring every noodle gets sauce coverage so nothing dries out.
5. Top and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella, remaining Parmesan, and breadcrumbs evenly on top. Cover loosely with foil and bake 25 minutes. Remove foil, and bake another 10–15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
6. Rest and Serve
Let the dish rest 10 minutes before cutting. This helps the layers set. Garnish with the rest of the parsley and serve.
Tips, Swaps, and Serving Ideas
- Make-ahead: Assemble a day in advance, keep covered in the fridge, and bake when ready.
- Seafood swaps: If no crab, increase shrimp or use scallops.
- Cheese substitutes: Cottage cheese or mascarpone can work if ricotta is unavailable (but the texture will differ).
- Breadcrumb alternative: Omit and add extra Parmesan for a crisp top.
- Serving ideas: A crisp, citrusy green salad helps cut through richness. Grilled asparagus or garlic bread are perfect sidekicks.
- Reheating: For best results, splash a little cream or milk on slices before warming in the oven or microwave to keep them moist. Freeze cooled leftovers in foil for up to 1 month.
FAQs
Can I use imitation crab?
Yes, it’s a workable substitute, though flavor & texture will lack a bit of authenticity.
Why does my lasagna get watery?
Be sure to drain cooked seafood well, avoid over-laundering sauce, and let it rest after baking so excess liquid redistributes.
Can I skip the breadcrumbs?
Absolutely. Just add extra Parmesan or bake a bit longer, uncovered, for crisp edges.
Is this recipe flexible for reactive or time‑crunched cooking?
Yes. You can par-cook seafood and assemble later, or reduce layers if you’re short on time or ingredients.
Shrimp and Crab Pasta Bake (Seafood Lasagna)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook lasagna noodles until al dente. Drain and lay flat to prevent sticking.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Add shrimp, cooking until pink, then stir in crab, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook 2–3 more minutes. Remove from heat.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, ½ cup Parmesan, heavy cream, and half the parsley. Stir to form a smooth cheese mixture.
- In a 9×13" dish, spread a thin layer of Alfredo sauce. Layer noodles, cheese mixture, seafood, and more sauce. Repeat for three total layers.
- Top with remaining mozzarella, Parmesan, and breadcrumbs. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10–15 more minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let rest 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with remaining parsley.
Notes
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