Shrimp Lasagna with White Sauce and Cheese is a show-stopping twist on the classic Italian comfort food, bringing together tender layers of pasta, succulent shrimp, a velvety béchamel, and three kinds of cheese in every luscious bite. The flavors are rich and elegant, yet the recipe is surprisingly approachable, making it perfect for both special occasions and cozy family dinners. If you’re looking for a dish that’s both impressive and deeply satisfying, this is the one to add to your must-make list.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things beautifully simple: each ingredient plays a crucial role, from building the creamy base to adding pops of flavor and color. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a few tips to ensure every layer of your Shrimp Lasagna with White Sauce and Cheese turns out just right.
- Lasagna noodles: Use classic or oven-ready noodles; cook until just al dente so they soak up the sauce without getting mushy.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps cook the shrimp quickly and evenly.
- Large shrimp: Go for peeled, deveined, and roughly chopped so you get juicy pieces in every bite.
- Garlic: Four fresh cloves, finely minced, give the sauce depth and aroma.
- Onion: A small onion, finely chopped, melts into the sauce for sweetness and body.
- Unsalted butter: Creates the silky base for your white sauce and intensifies the flavor.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the béchamel to the perfect creamy consistency.
- Whole milk: Warmed beforehand, it blends smoothly into the roux and keeps the sauce ultra-creamy.
- Heavy cream: Adds richness and a luxurious texture to the sauce.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is best for a nutty, salty finish in your sauce and topping.
- Mozzarella cheese: Go for low-moisture, shredded mozzarella for the ultimate melty, gooey layer.
- Ricotta cheese: A creamy, mild layer that pairs beautifully with the shrimp and white sauce.
- Fresh parsley: Chop it up for brightness and a pop of color in every layer and as a final garnish.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that brings home classic lasagna flavors.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a subtle heat that livens up the creamy sauce.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning every component of the dish.
- Black pepper: Freshly cracked adds a gentle bite and balances the richness.
- Extra parsley: For a fresh, vibrant finish when serving.
How to Make Shrimp Lasagna with White Sauce and Cheese
Step 1: Prep the Noodles
Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your lasagna noodles until they’re just al dente—this is key, because they’ll continue to soften as the lasagna bakes. Once they’re ready, drain them and lay them flat on a towel or parchment so they don’t stick together while you get everything else ready.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add your chopped shrimp and sauté just until they turn pink and opaque, about 2 to 3 minutes. Be careful not to overcook them, since they’ll get another round of heat in the oven. Scoop them onto a plate and set aside while you work on the sauce.
Step 3: Build the White Sauce
Use the same skillet (hello, flavor!) and melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, letting them soften and turn fragrant—about three minutes should do it. Sprinkle in the flour, whisking constantly, and cook for a minute to get rid of any raw taste. Slowly pour in the warmed milk and heavy cream, whisking to keep things smooth. Keep stirring, and watch as the sauce thickens and becomes lush, about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the Parmesan, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes if you’re using them, salt, and black pepper. When it’s silky and cheesy, remove from the heat.
Step 4: Layer the Lasagna
Spread a thin layer of that glorious white sauce over the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Add your first layer of noodles, then dollop on some ricotta, scatter over a portion of the shrimp, spoon over more white sauce, and sprinkle with mozzarella. Repeat these layers, building up the flavors and textures, until you run out of ingredients. Make sure to finish with a layer of noodles, a final blanket of sauce, and a generous shower of mozzarella on top.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Cover your lasagna with foil and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes, until the top is bubbling and beautifully golden. This is when your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible! Let the lasagna rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. It helps the layers set up, so you get perfect squares every time.
How to Serve Shrimp Lasagna with White Sauce and Cheese
Garnishes
Finish your Shrimp Lasagna with White Sauce and Cheese with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley. The green color is eye-catching against the creamy backdrop, and the herbal freshness brightens every bite. For an extra touch, you can add a dusting of grated Parmesan or a pinch of crushed red pepper for those who like a little heat.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty and rich on its own, so think of sides that are light and crisp. A simple arugula salad tossed with lemony vinaigrette is perfect for cutting through the creaminess. Garlic bread or a rustic Italian loaf on the side is practically mandatory for mopping up any extra sauce. If you want to add more veggies, roasted asparagus or steamed green beans are lovely, too.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special dinner, serve individual portions of Shrimp Lasagna with White Sauce and Cheese in small, oven-safe gratin dishes or ramekins. You can even make mini lasagnas using ramekins for a fun, personalized touch. Garnish each with a whole sautéed shrimp and a sprig of parsley for a restaurant-worthy look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), let the lasagna cool to room temperature before covering the dish tightly with foil or transferring slices to airtight containers. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days, and the flavors only get better as they meld together.
Freezing
Shrimp Lasagna with White Sauce and Cheese freezes surprisingly well. Cool the lasagna completely, then wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or freeze individual portions in containers. It will keep in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the lasagna with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through—about 25 minutes for a whole dish or 10-15 minutes for individual slices. For a crispier top, remove the foil for the last few minutes. If you’re in a hurry, microwave individual pieces in 30-second bursts until hot.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp for this recipe?
You can, but for the best texture and flavor, it’s ideal to use raw shrimp and cook them briefly as directed. Pre-cooked shrimp can become rubbery if overcooked during baking.
Is there a way to make Shrimp Lasagna with White Sauce and Cheese gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap in your favorite gluten-free lasagna noodles and use a gluten-free flour blend to make the white sauce. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I add vegetables to the lasagna?
Yes, spinach or sautéed mushrooms make delicious additions between the layers. Just make sure to cook off any excess moisture from the veggies before adding them, so your lasagna stays creamy, not watery.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
If you’re not a fan of ricotta, try cottage cheese or even a layer of mascarpone for a similar creamy texture and mild flavor. Just be sure to drain any excess liquid before layering.
How do I prevent the lasagna from becoming too runny?
The key is to cook the white sauce until thickened and avoid overloading with too much liquid. Also, letting the lasagna rest before slicing helps the layers firm up, so you get clean, beautiful pieces.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to wow your family or guests with something irresistibly creamy, cheesy, and packed with the fresh flavor of the sea, Shrimp Lasagna with White Sauce and Cheese is exactly what you need. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a new favorite at your table!
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Shrimp Lasagna with White Sauce and Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Shrimp Lasagna with White Sauce and Cheese is a creamy, savory Italian-American dish featuring layers of tender lasagna noodles, succulent shrimp, a rich homemade white sauce, and a blend of cheeses including Parmesan, mozzarella, and ricotta. Baked to bubbly perfection and garnished with fresh parsley, it’s a delightful seafood twist on traditional lasagna perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Lasagna Layers
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Shrimp and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled, deveined, and roughly chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk, warmed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- Extra fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the lasagna.
- Cook Lasagna Noodles: Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Cook Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped shrimp and cook just until they turn pink, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove shrimp from skillet and place on a plate; set aside.
- Prepare White Sauce (Béchamel): In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to eliminate raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the warmed milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth and has thickened, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add Seasonings and Cheese: Stir the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper into the white sauce. Remove from heat.
- Assemble Lasagna: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread a thin layer of the white sauce across the bottom. Layer with lasagna noodles, dollops of ricotta cheese, cooked shrimp, a generous spoonful of white sauce, and shredded mozzarella. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a final layer of noodles, sauce, and a layer of mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden and the lasagna is bubbling.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the lasagna to rest for 10 minutes after removing it from the oven. Garnish with extra chopped parsley before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Do not overcook the shrimp during initial cooking since they will continue to cook in the oven.
- For added nutrition and flavor, incorporate spinach or mushrooms between the layers.
- To deepen the flavor of the sauce, substitute part of the milk with seafood stock.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (about 1/8 of the lasagna)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 640 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 205 mg
