Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna

If you’re craving the rich flavors of shrimp scampi and the cheesy satisfaction of lasagna, this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna is the fusion dish your dinner table needs. Each forkful delivers tender shrimp coated in a garlicky butter sauce, perfectly paired with creamy ricotta and layers of gooey mozzarella. It’s a luxurious spin on comfort food that blends elegance and heartiness.

This dish is perfect for seafood lovers looking to try something new and comforting. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a cozy meal for family night, this lasagna promises to be the star. It looks impressive straight from the oven, bubbling with golden cheese and aromatic garlic, and tastes even better. With every layer oozing flavor, it’s a recipe that instantly becomes a keeper.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Garlic Butter Shrimp:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

• Juice of 1/2 lemon

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Ricotta Mixture:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan

• 1 egg

• 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil or 1/2 tsp dried

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 2 cups whole milk

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan

• Salt and pepper to taste

Additional Ingredients:

• 9 cooked lasagna noodles

• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella (for layering)

• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Directions:

1. Prepare the Garlic Butter Shrimp:
   In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until pink (2-3 minutes per side). Finish with lemon juice and chopped parsley. Set aside.

2. Make the Ricotta Mixture:
   In a bowl, mix ricotta, Parmesan, egg, basil, salt, and pepper until well combined.

3. Cook the Creamy Sauce:
   Melt butter in a saucepan. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly whisk in milk and cream, cooking until thickened. Add mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, and pepper, stirring until smooth.

4. Assemble the Lasagna:
   Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of creamy sauce. Layer 3 lasagna noodles, 1/3 ricotta mix, shrimp, sauce, and mozzarella. Repeat layers two more times. Finish with sauce and mozzarella.

5. Bake and Serve:
   Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs.

Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Kcal: 515 kcal per serving | Servings: 6

Why Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna is the Ultimate Fusion Comfort Dish

When you think of classic comfort food, lasagna is often one of the first dishes that comes to mind. Its warm, layered goodness—complete with gooey cheese, creamy sauces, and tender pasta—is universally beloved. On the other hand, shrimp scampi brings to mind coastal elegance: juicy shrimp sautéed in garlic butter, brightened with lemon, and often served over pasta. But what happens when you blend the best of both worlds? You get something extraordinary: Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna.

This dish takes traditional lasagna to a luxurious level. Instead of ground meat or tomato sauce, it features plump shrimp drenched in a rich garlic-butter sauce. This gets layered between sheets of tender lasagna pasta, a luscious ricotta-Parmesan blend, and a creamy white béchamel sauce infused with mozzarella and more Parmesan. The result is a dish that feels gourmet but is absolutely comforting—perfect for impressing guests or indulging with family at home.

Background and Culinary Inspiration

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna is a fusion of two iconic Italian-American dishes. Shrimp Scampi, though commonly associated with Italian cuisine, is actually an Italian-American creation. The original Italian “scampi” are small langoustines or Norway lobsters, often sautéed in olive oil, garlic, and white wine. In the U.S., shrimp became the most accessible substitute, leading to the creation of what we know today as “shrimp scampi.”

Lasagna, of course, is one of Italy’s most celebrated exports. Traditionally layered with ragù and béchamel or ricotta, it lends itself well to endless variations. The genius of this recipe lies in bringing the two together—honoring the richness of classic lasagna while adding the buttery brightness and protein-rich freshness of shrimp scampi.

This dish also reflects the evolving trends in modern comfort food, where boundaries between cuisines blur to create something uniquely flavorful and unexpected. It offers both the homey familiarity of a baked pasta dish and the refined flavors of a seafood entrée.

Why This Recipe Works So Well

1. Balanced Flavors:
   The recipe starts with shrimp sautéed in garlic and butter, accented with lemon juice and parsley for freshness. This garlicky base permeates the whole dish without overpowering the other ingredients. The creamy béchamel-style sauce enhances the flavor with smooth richness, while the ricotta and Parmesan mixture adds tang and depth. Mozzarella brings the melt-factor every lasagna needs.
2. Elegant yet Hearty:
   It’s not often that a dish can be described as both indulgent and light, but this lasagna strikes that balance. The shrimp offers lean protein and a seafood twist that keeps the dish from feeling too heavy. Yet, with its layers of cheese and cream, it’s still just as satisfying as the traditional version.
3. Simple Ingredients, Sophisticated Taste:
   While the flavor is complex and luxurious, the ingredients are all familiar—shrimp, garlic, milk, butter, cheese, and lasagna noodles. This makes the dish both accessible for home cooks and impressive enough for special occasions.
4. Customizable for Every Home Cook:
   One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. You can make it spicier by adding crushed red pepper. You can lighten it up by using low-fat milk and cheese, or enrich it further with white wine in the sauce. You can even swap in gluten-free noodles or dairy-free alternatives depending on your dietary needs.

Nutritional Benefits

While lasagna isn’t typically classified as health food, this version offers several redeeming qualities:

• High in Protein: Shrimp is a lean protein, low in fat but high in nutrients like selenium, vitamin B12, and iodine.
• Calcium-Rich: With mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta, the dish provides a good source of calcium, essential for bone health.
• Healthy Fats: Butter and cheese, in moderation, offer healthy fats that help with nutrient absorption and add satiety.
• Vegetarian Option: By removing the shrimp or replacing it with a plant-based alternative like roasted mushrooms or marinated tofu, you can turn this dish into a vegetarian-friendly meal while keeping the luxurious flavor.

Perfect For Any Occasion

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna is a versatile dish that fits nearly any dining situation:

• Dinner Parties: It looks and tastes restaurant-worthy, and can be prepped ahead of time and baked fresh before guests arrive.
• Romantic Dinners: With its rich, creamy layers and elegant shrimp, it’s an ideal date night entrée.
• Holiday Feasts: It’s a great alternative to traditional roasts and stews during festive occasions.
• Meal Prep or Leftovers: Leftovers hold up beautifully and even taste better the next day as the flavors meld.

Tips to Get It Just Right

• Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly and can become rubbery if overdone. Sauté just until pink and opaque, then set aside.
• Let it rest: Allowing the lasagna to rest for 10–15 minutes after baking helps it set and makes slicing neater.
• Use high-quality cheese: Since cheese is such a key flavor component, using good-quality mozzarella and Parmesan makes a noticeable difference.
• Layer with care: Be sure to evenly distribute sauce and filling to ensure each bite is balanced.

What Sets It Apart

What makes this recipe stand out from other lasagna variations is how it plays with texture and taste. The shrimp adds a bite that contrasts beautifully with the creaminess of the cheese and sauce. The garlic butter permeates the layers, adding richness and aroma, and the slight lemon tang lifts the dish just enough to prevent it from being too heavy.

Unlike tomato-based lasagnas, this one feels a bit more luxurious and “special occasion,” yet doesn’t require hours of simmering sauces or complex steps. It’s rich without being overpowering, seafood-forward but not fishy, and comforting without being basic.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna is the kind of recipe that becomes a family favorite instantly. It’s the answer to what to serve when you want something impressive, decadent, and cozy all at once. It fuses the bold, buttery flavors of shrimp scampi with the creamy, cheesy indulgence of lasagna—creating a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts.

Whether you’re new to seafood or a seasoned shrimp lover, this dish is guaranteed to surprise and delight. Add it to your weekly rotation, your dinner party menu, or your recipe box of all-time favorites. It’s not just a meal—it’s a moment.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna is a truly irresistible fusion of elegance and comfort. With its buttery garlic shrimp, rich layers of cheese, and velvety cream sauce nestled between tender lasagna noodles, this dish offers a sophisticated twist on a classic favorite. It’s the perfect recipe for seafood lovers who crave something indulgent yet approachable, whether you’re hosting a special dinner or simply elevating your weeknight meal. Each bite delivers bold flavor, comforting texture, and a restaurant-worthy presentation that’s sure to impress. Once you try it, this lasagna will quickly earn a permanent place in your go-to recipe collection.