Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna

The richness of garlic butter shrimp paired with creamy cheese and tender lasagna noodles takes comfort food to the next level. This dish is indulgent yet surprisingly easy to make, and it brings together everything you love about shrimp scampi with the homey layers of lasagna.

Perfect for family dinners, celebrations, or when you simply want something warm and satisfying, this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna is a fusion masterpiece. It’s a showstopper baked to golden perfection, blending seafood elegance with cheesy, comforting layers. Pair it with a crisp salad or garlic bread for a complete, unforgettable meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

9 lasagna noodles
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
5 tbsp unsalted butter
6 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Juice of 1 lemon
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 tbsp olive oil

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tbsp butter. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant (about 1 minute).
Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp and set aside.
In the same skillet, add remaining butter, olive oil, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently.
Stir in lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Let it thicken for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.
In a bowl, mix ricotta with 1/2 cup mozzarella and a pinch of salt.
In a 9×13” baking dish, spread a thin layer of sauce. Layer noodles, ricotta mixture, shrimp, sauce, and mozzarella. Repeat layers until ingredients are used, ending with mozzarella on top.
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake another 10 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Kcal: 530 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna: A Luxurious Twist on a Classic Favorite

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna is an indulgent, creamy, and deeply flavorful dish that takes comfort food to gourmet heights. While traditional lasagna is a beloved staple of Italian-American cuisine often layered with hearty meat sauce, béchamel, and stretchy mozzarella this unique seafood variation brings a refreshing and elegant spin on the classic. Imagine tender shrimp bathed in a garlic butter and lemon sauce, gently nestled between silky sheets of pasta and creamy cheese layers. The result? A rich, soul-satisfying lasagna that offers a beautiful marriage of comfort and sophistication.

A Fusion of Culinary Traditions

The roots of this dish lie in the fusion of two well-known recipes: shrimp scampi and classic lasagna. Shrimp scampi, an Italian-American invention, typically features shrimp sautéed in a buttery garlic sauce with lemon and parsley. Its name is a bit of a culinary paradox: in Italy, scampi refers to a type of crustacean similar to langoustine, but in the U.S., the term evolved to refer to a preparation style usually with garlic, butter, and white wine using shrimp instead of scampi.

Lasagna, on the other hand, hails from Italy and is one of the oldest known pasta dishes. It has gone through countless regional variations, from Naples to Bologna to Sicily. Traditionally made with ragù or béchamel, lasagna offers a layered structure that can accommodate a wide variety of fillings and flavors. That makes it a perfect canvas for experimentation and fusion.

By combining these two, Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna brings the light, zesty notes of seafood scampi into the warm, creamy, and cheesy folds of baked pasta.

A Flavor Profile Worth Celebrating

What sets this lasagna apart is its rich but balanced flavor profile. The key ingredients garlic, butter, lemon, shrimp, cream, and cheese work together harmoniously to build depth and complexity without overwhelming the palate.

Garlic and butter form the base of the dish, creating a deeply aromatic and savory foundation.
Lemon juice adds brightness and acidity, cutting through the richness of the cheeses and cream.
Shrimp offers a delicate seafood flavor, adding protein and a touch of luxury.
Ricotta and mozzarella bring the creaminess and that signature lasagna texture.
Parsley and Parmesan act as the final flourish, enhancing the dish with freshness and umami.

Altogether, each bite offers a creamy, garlicky, slightly citrusy profile punctuated by tender bites of shrimp and melty cheese.

Tips for the Perfect Scampi Lasagna

Though it’s indulgent, Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna is surprisingly approachable for home cooks. Here are a few tips to ensure that your dish comes out perfectly every time:

Use raw, peeled shrimp: Avoid pre-cooked shrimp, which can become rubbery after baking. Raw shrimp cook quickly and stay tender inside the lasagna layers.
Don’t overcook the shrimp before baking: Since they’ll continue to cook in the oven, sear them just until they turn pink about 2-3 minutes per side.
Use quality cheeses: Freshly shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan melt better and taste richer than pre-packaged versions.
Let it rest before serving: Like all lasagna, this dish benefits from resting after baking. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes before slicing to allow the layers to set.
Consider no-boil noodles: They save time and absorb extra moisture from the sauce, giving a firmer structure to your lasagna.

Possible Variations

One of the best things about this dish is how customizable it is. You can tweak the recipe depending on dietary preferences, available ingredients, or personal taste.

Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped chili to the garlic butter for a heat kick.
Add vegetables: Spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms can be added between the layers to increase the nutritional value.
Swap the shrimp: If you’re not a fan of shrimp, consider using crab, scallops, or even lobster for a more decadent twist.
Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles to make it accessible for those with gluten sensitivities.
Dairy-free version: Swap regular cheese and cream with plant-based alternatives. There are now excellent vegan versions of ricotta and mozzarella available.

Serving Suggestions

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna is filling enough to be a standalone dish, but pairing it thoughtfully can elevate the dining experience.

Salad: Serve with a light arugula or mixed greens salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
Bread: A crusty garlic baguette or simple dinner rolls make great companions for mopping up the leftover sauce.
Wine pairing: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay complements the buttery and citrus notes perfectly.
Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh parsley and a touch of lemon zest before serving can really make the dish pop visually and flavor-wise.

Nutritional Considerations

While Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna leans toward the indulgent side, it can still fit into a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation. It provides:

High-quality protein from shrimp and cheese
Calcium and vitamin D from dairy products
Omega-3 fatty acids from the shrimp
Complex carbohydrates from the pasta

For those watching calorie or fat intake, the dish can be lightened by using part-skim cheeses, reducing the amount of butter, or substituting in whole-wheat or low-carb pasta sheets.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna stands out for its sheer elegance and versatility. It’s a great recipe for impressing guests at dinner parties, romantic dinners at home, or simply treating yourself to something extraordinary on a weeknight. It looks stunning when sliced, holds its layers beautifully, and delivers bold flavors that linger long after the meal is over.

Whether you’re a seafood lover or a die-hard fan of traditional lasagna, this dish offers something new without straying too far from familiar comfort. It’s a creative, crowd-pleasing recipe that invites you to explore your culinary skills while savoring a satisfying, restaurant-worthy dish at home.

Conclusion:

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna is more than just a fusion recipe it’s a celebration of flavor, texture, and culinary creativity. With its luxurious sauce, tender shrimp, and melty layers of cheese, it bridges the gap between hearty comfort food and refined dining. It’s a dish that pays homage to its Italian-American roots while boldly stepping into new territory.

Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or turning an ordinary evening into something memorable, this lasagna will quickly earn its place in your list of favorite go-to recipes. It’s not just a meal it’s an experience.

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