Name: Seafood Lasagna with Creamy Cheese
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 9 lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready); 8 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined; 8 oz scallops (bay scallops or small sea scallops); 6 oz crab meat (fresh or canned); 4 tbsp butter (divided); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tbsp all-purpose flour; 2 cups whole milk, warmed; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tbsp fresh parsley or thyme, chopped; 1 pinch nutmeg (optional); Salt and black pepper to taste

There’s nothing quite like a delicious, indulgent seafood lasagna to make a meal memorable. Whether it’s for a family gathering, a cozy dinner date, or simply satisfying your own cravings, this lasagna combines the richness of seafood with the comforting layers of pasta and melted cheese. The creamy white sauce is what takes this dish to the next level, giving each bite a velvety, flavorful twist. I’m excited to share this recipe because it’s one that makes every occasion feel special and indulgent.

What’s truly wonderful about this seafood lasagna is how the delicate flavors of shrimp, scallops, or any other seafood you prefer are complemented by the rich, cheesy layers. It’s a seafood lover’s dream come true! The best part? You can easily customize the filling with your favorite seafood, making it a versatile recipe you can adapt to your tastes. Whether you’re new to making lasagna or a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Seafood Lasagna with Creamy Cheese

This lasagna isn’t just another variation of the classic. With layers of perfectly cooked pasta, a generous amount of seafood, and a creamy, gooey cheese sauce, it offers something truly exceptional. The seafood brings a fresh and delicate flavor, while the cheese creates a satisfying, luxurious texture. Plus, the white sauce is lighter than your usual tomato-based lasagna sauce, giving this dish a distinct elegance. Every forkful is an indulgence that’s rich, comforting, and full of flavor. This recipe has everything you need to wow your guests or treat yourself to something truly special.

What Kind of Seafood Works Best in Seafood Lasagna with Creamy Cheese?

You’ve got plenty of room to get creative with the seafood in this lasagna. I love using a combination of shrimp, scallops, and crab meat—it gives a lovely balance of textures and flavors. Shrimp adds that slight snap and sweetness, scallops bring a buttery richness, and crab gives you that delicate ocean flavor that pairs so well with the creamy sauce. If you’re using frozen seafood, make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before adding it in. You don’t want any extra moisture messing with the layers.

Of course, you can absolutely make this lasagna your own. Lobster, white fish like cod or haddock, or even mussels (out of the shell) can all work beautifully. Just avoid anything too oily or overpowering—this dish is all about balance and creamy harmony.

Options for Substitutions

If you don’t have every ingredient on hand or want to tweak the recipe for dietary needs, here are a few great swap ideas:

Seafood Substitute: Use canned or imitation crab if fresh isn’t available. Even cooked salmon flakes work well.
Cheese Options: Can’t find ricotta? Cottage cheese blended smooth will work. You can also use mascarpone for an extra decadent texture.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and make the béchamel with a gluten-free flour blend.
Dairy-Free: There are now plenty of plant-based cheeses and cream alternatives that can stand in—opt for cashew cream and vegan mozzarella-style shreds.
Vegetables: Want to stretch the filling? Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or thin-sliced zucchini can be layered in without overpowering the seafood.

Flexibility is part of what makes this recipe so enjoyable—it’s indulgent, but also adaptable to whatever’s in your fridge or pantry.

Ingredients for This Seafood Lasagna with Creamy Cheese

Each ingredient in this recipe plays an important role in bringing together layers of rich, satisfying flavor. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

Lasagna Noodles – These form the hearty base and structure of the dish. You can use oven-ready or boil them beforehand.
Shrimp (peeled and deveined) – Adds sweet, briny flavor and a firm texture. A must-have for a seafood-forward bite.
Scallops (small or bay scallops preferred) – Bring a rich, buttery essence and pair perfectly with the creamy sauce.
Crab Meat – Offers a delicate flavor and soft texture, adding variety to the seafood blend.
Butter – Used for cooking the seafood and starting the creamy sauce; it adds depth and silkiness.
Garlic (minced) – Brings aroma and a warm kick that complements the seafood beautifully.
All-Purpose Flour – Helps thicken the white sauce to just the right consistency.
Whole Milk – The main liquid in the béchamel; it gives the sauce a creamy but not overly heavy base.
Heavy Cream – Enriches the sauce for a luxurious, velvety texture.
Ricotta Cheese – Adds creaminess and body to the cheese layer, creating a soft, rich bite.
Mozzarella Cheese (shredded) – Melts into gooey, stretchy layers and browns beautifully on top.
Parmesan Cheese (grated) – Adds sharp, nutty flavor that balances the richness of the dish.
Fresh Parsley or Thyme (chopped) – Offers brightness and a pop of color for both flavor and garnish.
Salt and Black Pepper – Essential seasonings to bring out the flavors in both the seafood and the sauce.
Nutmeg (optional) – A small pinch in the béchamel adds subtle warmth and complexity.

These ingredients come together to build one of the most satisfying lasagnas you’ll ever make. It’s comforting, indulgent, and packed with flavor from the sea.

Step 1: Prepare the Seafood

Start by melting butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the shrimp and scallops, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook just until they’re opaque—about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the crab meat at the end, then remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Béchamel Sauce

In a saucepan, melt more butter and whisk in the flour to form a roux. Let it cook for about 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the milk and cream, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens into a smooth sauce. Add a pinch of nutmeg (if using), season with salt and pepper, then stir in a handful of grated Parmesan. Remove from heat once the cheese is melted and the sauce is silky.

Step 3: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese with chopped parsley or thyme, a bit of salt, and a spoonful of the béchamel sauce to loosen it. This gives the ricotta more flavor and a smoother texture for layering.

Step 4: Pre-Cook or Soak the Noodles (if necessary)

If you’re not using oven-ready lasagna noodles, cook them according to package directions until al dente. Drain and lay them flat on parchment or a clean towel to avoid sticking.

Step 5: Assemble the Lasagna

Spread a thin layer of béchamel sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Lay down the first layer of noodles, then add some ricotta mixture, followed by the seafood, a bit more béchamel, and a sprinkle of mozzarella. Repeat this layering process until all ingredients are used up, ending with noodles topped generously with béchamel, mozzarella, and Parmesan.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Cover the lasagna with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes. Then uncover and bake for another 10–15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

This layered masterpiece is worth every step—creamy, cheesy, and full of tender seafood, it’s pure comfort in a dish.

How Long to Cook the Seafood Lasagna with Creamy Cheese

The entire cooking time in the oven is about 35 to 45 minutes. Here’s how it breaks down:

Covered Baking: 25–30 minutes at 375°F (190°C) to heat everything through and keep the top from browning too quickly.
Uncovered Baking: 10–15 minutes more to develop that golden, bubbling cheese crust.

Don’t forget to let it rest for 10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps the layers settle and makes slicing much easier.

Tips for Perfect Seafood Lasagna with Creamy Cheese

Don’t Overcook the Seafood: Since it continues cooking in the oven, slightly undercook the seafood in the skillet to keep it tender, not rubbery.
Layer Evenly: Spread each layer all the way to the edges to prevent dry corners and ensure a balanced bite every time.
Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese can have anti-caking agents that affect melting. Freshly grated melts better and tastes richer.
Warm the Milk for Béchamel: Adding warm milk to the roux helps prevent lumps and creates a smoother sauce.
Taste as You Go: Season each element—especially the sauce and ricotta mixture—to make sure the final dish is full of flavor.
Let It Rest: Don’t skip the resting time after baking. It allows the lasagna to set and avoids a runny mess on the plate.
Use a Deep Baking Dish: This recipe makes generous layers, so opt for a 9×13-inch deep dish or larger to prevent overflow.

These small touches make a big difference in creating a creamy, decadent seafood lasagna that holds its shape and wows at the table.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even though this seafood lasagna is pretty straightforward, a few common missteps can throw it off:

Overcooking the Seafood – It’s easy to go too far with shrimp or scallops, which can turn rubbery if cooked too long. Slightly undercooking them before layering into the lasagna is the trick.
Using Watery Ricotta or Crab Meat – Extra moisture can ruin the structure. Drain any wet ingredients and blot them dry with a paper towel.
Skipping the Rest Time – Slicing too soon will give you a messy plate. Let the lasagna rest for at least 10 minutes after baking to help it hold together.
Forgetting to Taste the Sauce – Béchamel is mild by nature, so don’t forget to season it well with salt, pepper, and even a pinch of nutmeg.
Too Much Cheese on Top Too Early – Cover with foil at first so the cheese doesn’t brown or burn before the lasagna is heated through.

What to Serve With Seafood Lasagna with Creamy Cheese?

Pairing sides with this rich, cheesy dish is all about balancing the flavors and textures. Here are some great ideas:

Green Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

A crisp, acidic salad cuts through the richness of the cheese and seafood.

Crusty Garlic Bread

Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce from your plate.

Roasted Asparagus with Lemon Zest

A simple, zesty vegetable that complements the seafood flavor.

Sautéed Spinach with Garlic

Light and savory—adds a healthy green side without overpowering.

White Wine (like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc)

A chilled glass of wine enhances the seafood and creamy notes beautifully.

Cherry Tomato Salad with Fresh Herbs

Brings color, brightness, and freshness to your plate.

Herbed Butter Rice

A mild, buttery rice side works well if you want to stretch the meal a little further.

Grilled Zucchini

Light and smoky vegetables pair beautifully with the creaminess of the dish.

With the lasagna taking center stage, these sides round out your meal without stealing the spotlight.

Storage Instructions

Seafood lasagna with creamy cheese can be stored, but because of the delicate nature of seafood, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Refrigerate Leftovers: Allow the lasagna to cool completely, then store slices in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Freezing: While traditional lasagna freezes beautifully, seafood can become rubbery after freezing and reheating. If you do freeze it, wrap individual portions tightly and eat within 1 month for best results.
Reheating: For best texture, reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) covered with foil for 15–20 minutes, until heated through. Avoid microwaving—it can make the seafood tough and dry.

Estimated Nutrition

Here’s a general nutrition breakdown for one serving (based on 8 servings total):

Calories: ~480 kcal
Protein: 34g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 155mg
Sodium: 650mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 4g

These values will vary depending on the specific seafood and cheese brands you use. If you’re looking to reduce the calorie count, consider using part-skim ricotta and milk instead of heavy cream—or add a few extra vegetables to stretch the filling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best seafood combination for this lasagna?

A mix of shrimp, scallops, and crab meat works beautifully. You can also swap in lobster, white fish, or even cooked salmon if you prefer. Just make sure everything is cooked before layering.

Can I make seafood lasagna ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the lasagna up to one day in advance, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve. You might need to add 5–10 minutes to the baking time.

Can I freeze seafood lasagna?

You can, but the texture may suffer. Seafood tends to dry out or get rubbery after freezing and reheating. If freezing, do it before baking, then thaw and bake when needed.

What sauce is used in seafood lasagna?

Instead of marinara, this recipe uses a creamy béchamel sauce made from butter, flour, milk, and cream. It’s rich and silky, complementing the delicate flavor of seafood.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and substitute the all-purpose flour in the sauce with a gluten-free blend or cornstarch slurry. Everything else should naturally be gluten-free.

Can I use pre-cooked seafood?

Yes, pre-cooked shrimp or crab meat is fine. Just be sure to drain and pat dry to prevent the lasagna from becoming watery.

What cheese can I substitute for ricotta?

Cottage cheese blended until smooth works well. Mascarpone can be used for a more indulgent version. Just make sure it’s not too watery.

Why is my lasagna watery after baking?

This often happens if the seafood or ricotta isn’t properly drained, or if the sauce wasn’t thickened enough. Also, skipping the resting time after baking can lead to runny slices.

Conclusion

This Seafood Lasagna with Creamy Cheese is a showstopper—rich, indulgent, and packed with tender seafood layered between creamy sauce and gooey cheese. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just craving something cozy and elevated, this dish brings comfort and luxury in every bite. With smart tips, substitutions, and step-by-step instructions, it’s easier than you’d think to pull off at home. Ready to impress? Let’s head to the printable version and get cooking.