Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe

Prepare to fall in love with a bold new twist on two classic favorites—Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna. This irresistible mashup layers tender shrimp in a luscious, garlicky scampi sauce between velvety sheets of lasagna noodle, swaddled in creamy, melty cheeses. Every bite bursts with bright lemon zest, a kiss of heat, and pure comfort. Whether for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight, this showstopper instantly transports you to a candlelit Italian bistro, forks clinking, laughter in the air.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Great lasagna starts with the right ingredients, and Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna is no exception. Each item in this recipe pulls double-duty: enhancing flavor, bringing out sumptuous textures, or adding a gorgeous pop of color. Don’t be intimidated—these ingredients are simple, but oh-so-important for the magic that unfolds.

• Butter: The foundation of the scampi sauce, giving every layer richness and that unmistakable velvet finish.
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced): No scampi is complete without plenty of fragrant, aromatic garlic to tie everything together.
• Large shrimp (1 pound, peeled and deveined): The star protein, tender and juicy, soaking up all the buttery, lemony flavor you crave.
• Crushed red pepper flakes (1 teaspoon): A little heat adds a compelling kick that dances on your tongue—not too spicy, just exciting!
• Heavy cream (1 cup): This adds the decadent creaminess that locks the flavors into every bite.
• Chicken broth (1 cup): For depth—infusing the sauce with savory notes that round out the lemon and garlic.
• Lemon zest (1 teaspoon): Fresh zest gives lift and brightness, balancing all the richness in this dish.
• Lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Adds a puckery burst that wakes up all the other flavors—don’t skip it!
• Salt (1 teaspoon) and Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): To bring everything into perfect harmony, seasoning is key.
• Lasagna noodles (9, cooked and drained): They hold all the layers—choose traditional or oven-ready for ease.
• Ricotta cheese (1 cup): Creamy and mild, ricotta adds softness and a lovely texture contrast.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): For gooey melt and delicious cheese pulls in every serving.
• Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Salty, nutty depth that sharpens the cheese flavor with every layer.
• Fresh parsley (1/4 cup, chopped): An herby, fresh flourish to brighten the whole dish before serving.
• Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps prevent sticking and adds subtle fruitiness in the baking dish base.

How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna

Step 1: Sauté Shrimp in Garlic Butter

Start by melting your butter over medium heat, then stir in the minced garlic just until fragrant—let that enticing aroma fill the kitchen! Slide in the shrimp and sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes, cooking until the shrimp turns irresistibly pink and opaque, about 2–3 minutes. Scoop the shrimp onto a plate and set aside. You just created the foundation for your scampi magic!

Step 2: Build the Creamy Scampi Sauce

With your skillet still warm, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, scraping up those glorious browned bits left behind by the shrimp. Add the lemon zest, juice, salt, and black pepper, then let the mixture simmer gently until it thickens ever so slightly—about 5 minutes. This is where the signature scampi zing starts to shine through.

Step 3: Melt in All That Cheese

Stir the ricotta cheese into your gently bubbling sauce, followed by mozzarella and Parmesan. Keep stirring patiently as the sauce transforms into a silky, cheesy masterpiece. Once everything’s smooth and slightly thickened, return the cooked shrimp to the pan, gently folding to coat them in the luscious sauce. Now, remove from heat and get ready for assembly.

Step 4: Prep the Noodles and Baking Dish

While your oven preheats to 375°F (190°C), cook your lasagna noodles until al dente, then rinse and drain them. Drizzle olive oil in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish—this keeps things from sticking and adds flavor. Spread a thin layer of the garlic butter shrimp sauce to set the stage for layering.

Step 5: Layer the Magic

Lay down a foundation of noodles, overlapping them slightly. Next comes an even layer of the shrimp-and-sauce mixture. Dollop some of the ricotta mixture, then shower with mozzarella cheese. Repeat these steps, building up beautiful, towering layers until you run out—make sure the final layer boasts plenty of that gooey mozzarella for a bubbly, golden finish.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover your masterpiece with foil and bake for about 25 minutes, then remove the foil to let the cheese get gorgeously golden and bubbly (10 minutes more should do it). Let the Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna rest for a few minutes before you dive in—this makes it sliceable and means the flavors settle in beautifully.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Right before serving, sprinkle your chopped fresh parsley all over the hot, gooey top. Take a second to admire your work—this is dinner-party-worthy fare, but so very comforting you’ll want to keep it in the regular rotation.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna

Garnishes

A final flourish of chopped fresh parsley wakes up every slice and adds garden-fresh color. If you’re feeling fancy, a light dusting of extra Parmesan or a little lemon zest on top gives beautiful aroma and even more brightness.

Side Dishes

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna is rich and satisfying, so you’ll want sides that balance and refresh. A simple arugula or mixed green salad with a lemony vinaigrette makes a lovely companion. Crusty bread or a soft baguette is perfect for scooping up every last bit of sauce, and roasted asparagus or broccoli on the side means your meal feels vibrant and complete.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, try baking the lasagna in individual ramekins for charming, personalized portions. Or serve it family-style, right in the center of the table, so everyone can dive in together. If you’re aiming for elegance, plate each slice over a swoosh of extra scampi sauce and garnish with edible flowers or microgreens.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna, simply let it cool completely, then cover tightly and refrigerate. It keeps beautifully for up to 3 days, and the flavors might be even more intense on day two!

Freezing

You can freeze this lasagna, although the texture of the shrimp and cheeses may change slightly upon thawing. Wrap individual portions or the whole tray in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, cover your lasagna loosely with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through—about 20–25 minutes for a whole dish, or 10–15 minutes for single slices. For a crispier top, remove the foil for the last few minutes. The cheese becomes melty again and the flavors return to their full glory.

FAQs

Can I use cooked frozen shrimp instead of fresh?

Yes! If using already cooked shrimp, just thaw them and add at the very end, tossing them in the hot sauce for only a minute or so to warm through. Overcooking can make them rubbery, so be gentle.

Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?

Absolutely. Simply swap in gluten-free lasagna noodles, which are widely available. Check your chicken broth to be sure it’s gluten-free as well, and you’re good to go.

Can I make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna ahead of time?

You sure can! Assemble the lasagna up to one day ahead, cover and refrigerate, then bake as directed. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it’ll be cold from the fridge.

What other seafood can I use besides shrimp?

Feel free to get creative—scallops, lump crab, or even tender lobster chunks are lovely substitutes or additions. Just adjust the cooking time so your seafood stays tender and moist.

How do I avoid watery lasagna?

Make sure your noodles are well-drained and your sauce is slightly thickened before assembling. Also, letting the finished dish rest a few minutes after baking will help everything set up perfectly.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something extra satisfying about pulling bubbling Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna from the oven and serving up big, generous slices to people you love. It’s truly a flavor celebration—unique, comforting, and guaranteed to impress. Don’t wait for a special occasion to treat yourself—try this showstopping lasagna soon, and get ready for rave reviews at your table!

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