If you’re searching for a dinner recipe that will both comfort and dazzle, look no further than our irresistible Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna. This dish combines rich layers of creamy sauce, succulent shrimp, and cheesy goodness all tucked between tender lasagna noodles. A true feast for the senses, it’s destined to become your new family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent Layers: Each bite is a journey through creamy, cheesy, shrimp-filled layers.
- Quick to Prepare: Despite its elegant appearance, it comes together in just under an hour.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to your family’s taste and what you have on hand.
- Impressive Presentation: Perfect for special occasions or a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna relies on straightforward ingredients that bring robust flavors to the table. Each one, from garlic to cheese, plays a crucial role in ensuring the dish is both delicious and satisfying.
- Lasagna noodles: Opt for oven-ready noodles to save time.
- Large shrimp: Fresh shrimp will offer the best texture and flavor.
- Garlic: Provides a delicious, aromatic foundation to the sauce.
- Butter: Ensures a rich and silky sauce.
- All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce for those luscious layers.
- Milk: Brings a creamy texture, balancing the flavors.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty taste that complements the shrimp.
- Mozzarella cheese: Provides melt-in-your-mouth cheesiness.
- Fresh parsley: Brightens the dish with its fresh herbaceous qualities.
- Lemon juice: Enhances the sauce with a touch of acidity.
Variations
Feel free to make this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna your own by swapping ingredients or adding your favorite spices. It’s a flexible recipe to suit dietary needs and preferences alike.
- Vegetarian: Swap shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or zucchini for a tasty vegetarian version.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free noodles and cornstarch instead of flour.
- Extra Spicy: Add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce for a spicy kick.
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles
Start by cooking the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set these aside as you prepare the other components of your delicious meal.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
Melt half a cup of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic, letting it sizzle for 1-2 minutes. Toss in the shrimp and cook each side for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Remove and set them aside for layering.
Step 3: Craft the Sauce
In the same skillet, melt more butter and infuse with minced garlic until fragrant. Add flour and whisk briskly for a smooth blend. Gradually punt in milk, stirring to avoid lumps, until the sauce thickens sumptuously. Finally, off the heat, stir in Parmesan with seasonings.
Step 4: Layer the Lasagna
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spoon a bit of garlic butter sauce into a baking dish, layer noodles, more sauce, shrimp, and mozzarella. Repeat the pattern, ending with a cheesy, saucy cover.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover your dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake another 10 minutes to achieve a beautifully melted, golden top. Let it rest before garnishing with parsley and serving your masterpiece.
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna
- Shrimp Selection: Choose shrimp that are fresh and firm to ensure the best texture.
- Cheese Layering: Make sure each layer receives both Parmesan and mozzarella for maximum flavor.
- Perfect Sauce: Don’t rush the sauce; let it thicken on medium heat for that perfectly creamy consistency.
- Herb Magic: Finish with fresh parsley right before serving for a burst of color and flavor.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna
Garnishes
Finish your Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna with fresh chopped parsley and a light sprinkle of grated Parmesan to enhance its visual appeal and add a burst of fresh flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair this lasagna with a simple green salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette, or try roasted asparagus for a healthy, delicious accompaniment that complements the main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress guests by serving individual portions in mini ramekins or laying it out family-style on a rustic wooden board for a relaxed yet sophisticated dining experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your lasagna tightly with foil or transfer it into an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days, ensuring freshness and flavor with each reheated slice.
Freezing
You can freeze this lasagna! Allow it to cool completely, wrap it well in plastic wrap followed by foil, then store it in the freezer for up to two months. It’s perfect for planning ahead.
Reheating
For best results, reheat in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) until hot throughout—this helps maintain its delightful texture. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can alter the consistency of the cheese.
FAQs
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Can I use cooked shrimp in the Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna?
Yes, you can use cooked shrimp. Add them just before assembling the lasagna layers to avoid overcooking.
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What can I substitute for butter in this recipe?
Try using olive oil as a butter substitute; it will alter the flavor slightly but still result in a delicious lasagna.
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Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free alternatives for butter, milk, and cheese. The taste might vary, but it will cater to dietary preferences.
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What other herbs can complement this lasagna?
Consider using basil or oregano in the sauce for an extra layer of Mediterranean flair, enhancing the dish’s flavorful profile.
Final Thoughts
Embrace the symphony of flavors in this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna and make it a star at your next meal gathering. It’s an invitation to indulge, celebrate, and create delicious memories with loved ones. Enjoy!
Print
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna combines the rich flavors of garlic butter, succulent shrimp, and melty cheeses layered between tender lasagna noodles, creating a decadent and comforting seafood casserole with a burst of garlic and herb goodness.
Ingredients
For the Lasagna:
- 1 box of lasagna noodles (16 ounces)
- 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup of butter (unsalted)
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
- 2 cups of milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 1/2 cup of butter (unsalted)
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the lasagna noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the shrimp: In a large skillet, melt 1/2 cup of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Add the shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, melt another 1/2 cup of butter. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly. Gradually add milk, whisking to remove lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
- Assemble the lasagna: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of the garlic butter sauce over the bottom of a baking dish. Layer lasagna noodles, then spread some sauce over the noodles, add cooked shrimp, and sprinkle shredded mozzarella. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of sauce and topping with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes or until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Let cool for a few minutes, then garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the shrimp are peeled and deveined for easy eating.
- You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
- You can prepare the sauce ahead and assemble before baking.
- This dish pairs well with a light green salad or steamed vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 220 mg
