Seafood Lasagna Recipe with Shrimp and Crab Creamy Alfredo Bake

Seafood Lasagna

When you think of comforting pasta dishes, lasagna probably tops the list—but what happens when you give this classic an elegant seafood twist? This Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp and Crab in a Creamy Alfredo Bake is the answer. Combining tender shrimp, lump crab meat, and a rich, homemade white sauce, this lasagna delivers the kind of luxurious flavor usually reserved for restaurants—right in your own kitchen.

Unlike traditional tomato-based lasagna, this recipe features a creamy béchamel-style Alfredo sauce, inspired by classic Italian white sauce traditions, adding smooth, savory depth to every bite. What sets this dish apart is its balance of textures: the softness of ricotta, the brininess of crab, and the gentle chew of perfectly cooked lasagna noodles.

If you’re a fan of seafood recipes, this is a must-try dish that deserves a spot on your go-to dinner menu. It’s also a standout choice for special occasions, whether you’re hosting guests or preparing a cozy weekend meal. For those who browse Pinterest boards for seafood inspiration, this recipe fits right in alongside other seafood pasta ideas. It pairs beautifully with light sides, crusty bread, and a chilled glass of white wine.

What makes this dish even better? It’s beginner-friendly and easy to customize. Whether you’re using fresh, frozen, or canned seafood, this recipe adapts to what you have. It’s the ultimate comfort food with an upscale flair—rich, satisfying, and surprisingly simple to make.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Seafood Lasagna

This creamy seafood lasagna offers the perfect combination of flavors, textures, and comfort. If you’re searching for a dish that feels fancy without requiring hours in the kitchen, this is it. What sets it apart is how it delivers both elegance and ease—ideal for weeknight dinners or holiday feasts alike.

Here’s why this dish is a standout:

• Rich and indulgent flavor: The Alfredo sauce delivers a velvety richness that complements the delicate taste of shrimp and crab meat. Learn more about how Alfredo-style sauces originated from classic Fettuccine Alfredo dishes in Italian-American cuisine.

• Perfectly layered textures: From the creamy ricotta cheese filling to the tender noodles and juicy seafood, every bite is deeply satisfying.

• Seafood-forward and customizable: Prefer scallops or lobster? No problem—this lasagna welcomes substitutions. For those curious about the differences in seafood choices, shrimp and crab both bring their own unique flavor profiles to the table.

• Beginner-friendly: Even if you’re not a seasoned cook, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers consistent results.

• Pinterest-worthy presentation: It’s a showstopper on the dinner table and fits perfectly into your pasta bake inspiration board.

Whether you’re a fan of classic lasagna or new to seafood pasta, this dish hits the sweet spot between comfort and culinary creativity.

Ingredients Overview and Shopping Tips

Crafting a standout seafood lasagna starts with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building flavor, texture, and richness. Below, you’ll find a complete breakdown to help you shop smart and cook confidently.

Seafood: Shrimp & Crab

• Shrimp: Choose large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined. You can use fresh or frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw and pat them dry to prevent excess water in the lasagna. For best results, chop them into bite-sized pieces before sautéing. Learn more about the versatility of shrimp in seafood dishes.

• Crab Meat: Lump crab meat brings a delicate sweetness and texture. While fresh is ideal, high-quality canned crab works well too—just drain thoroughly. Avoid imitation crab unless you’re looking for a budget-friendly swap, as it lacks the same depth of flavor. See the anatomy of real crab meat for more details.

Cheese Layer

• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy and mild, ricotta forms the base of the cheese layer. Use whole milk ricotta for the richest texture. Want to understand more about how it’s made? Read about ricotta cheese and its culinary uses.

• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty element to balance the creaminess. Freshly grated Parmesan is best.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Both in the sauce and as a topping, mozzarella melts beautifully and creates that classic lasagna “pull.”

Homemade White Alfredo Sauce

Making your own Alfredo sauce ensures a creamy, rich flavor you can’t get from a jar. This is a variation of the traditional béchamel sauce—one of the five French mother sauces.

• Butter and Flour: Start with a classic roux. Whisk equal parts butter and flour to thicken the sauce.

• Milk: Whole milk works best for creaminess. Warm it before adding to prevent lumps.

• Nutmeg: A pinch enhances the depth of the sauce—this spice is essential in white sauces like béchamel and pairs well with cheese. Learn about its origins in the nutmeg article.

Pasta Noodles

• Lasagna Noodles: Regular boiled noodles or no-boil options both work. For classic texture, boil noodles to al dente, rinse, and lay flat to prevent sticking.

• Gluten-free Option: If you’re avoiding gluten, substitute with rice-based or lentil lasagna noodles. These are available in many health food aisles and maintain good texture during baking.

Seasonings & Aromatics

• Onion and Garlic: These form the base flavor, sautéed to bring sweetness and complexity.

• Old Bay Seasoning: Optional but recommended for a subtle seafood boost. Learn more about its use in American seafood dishes with this overview of Old Bay Seasoning.

• Parsley: Fresh parsley adds color and freshness to balance the richness.

• Salt and Pepper: Always season each layer to avoid blandness.

This ingredient list creates a balanced lasagna that’s rich, flavorful, and worthy of your favorite seafood recipes board. As you shop, focus on quality—especially for the seafood and cheese—and you’ll be rewarded with a dish that’s both comforting and elegant.

Step-by-Step Instructions with Technique Tips

Mastering this seafood lasagna recipe comes down to following each step with care. From perfectly cooked shrimp to silky Alfredo sauce, this process ensures every layer is full of flavor and texture.

Seafood Sauté

• Start with aromatics: In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent—about 4 minutes.

• Add garlic: Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

• Cook the shrimp: Add 1 pound of chopped, peeled, and deveined shrimp. Season with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Old Bay Seasoning. Sauté until the shrimp turn pink—don’t overcook or they’ll become rubbery.

• Fold in crab: Stir in 8 ounces of lump crab meat and 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley. Mix gently so the crab stays chunky and doesn’t break apart.

Understanding proper shrimp handling is key to this step. If you’re unsure how shrimp behaves when fully cooked, the shrimp article outlines visual cues and preparation methods.

Making the White Sauce

This white sauce is a blend of béchamel and Alfredo—creamy, cheesy, and deeply satisfying.

• Make a roux: In a saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in ¼ cup of flour and cook for 2 minutes until slightly golden, stirring constantly to avoid burning.

• Add milk gradually: Slowly pour in 3 cups of whole milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the sauce thickens.

• Add cheese and seasoning: Stir in 1 cup of grated mozzarella cheese, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Continue stirring until smooth and creamy.

If you’re curious how this sauce compares to traditional white sauces, the béchamel sauce overview is a useful reference.

Ricotta Mixture

• Mix ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine 15 oz ricotta cheese, 1 egg, ½ cup grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper.

• Blend until smooth: Stir until fully incorporated. This creates the creamy, cheesy foundation of your lasagna.

Assembling the Lasagna Layers

• Prep the baking dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch dish. Spread a thin layer of white sauce on the bottom.

• Layer 1:

  • Add 3 cooked lasagna noodles

  • Spread half the ricotta mixture

  • Add half the seafood mixture

  • Spoon over a layer of white sauce

• Layer 2:

  • Add 3 more noodles

  • Spread remaining ricotta mixture

  • Add remaining seafood

  • Top with more white sauce

• Final layer:

  • Place final 3 noodles

  • Cover with remaining white sauce

  • Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella and ¼ cup grated Parmesan on top

This is where you build the rich layers that define any good lasagna. If you’re looking for additional layout inspiration, you can explore Pinterest pasta bake boards for visual guidance.

Baking Tips

• Cover with foil: This helps prevent drying out. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes.

• Uncover and finish: Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.

• Let it rest: After baking, let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes. This helps the layers set and makes slicing easier.

With these detailed steps, you’ll achieve a creamy seafood lasagna that’s visually stunning and deeply flavorful—worthy of your recipe box or your next family gathering.