Name: Seafood Lasagna Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 Tbsp salted butter; 1 medium yellow onion (1½ cup, 180g, diced); 1 rib celery (½ cup, 60g, diced); 2 garlic cloves (1 Tbsp, minced); 12 oz. shrimp (chopped, tail-off, peeled & deveined); 8 oz. imitation crab (chopped); ¼ cup frozen spinach (35g, thawed and squeezed); 1 tsp lemon juice; ¼ tsp Cajun seasoning; ¼ cup salted butter (57g); ¼ cup all-purpose flour (30g); 3 cups whole milk (24 fl oz.); ½ cup Parmesan cheese (50g, finely grated); ½ tsp Old Bay seasoning; 12 lasagna noodles (uncooked); 1 cup cottage cheese (8 oz., 225g); 1 Tbsp fresh parsley (finely chopped); 2 cups mozzarella cheese (8 oz., shredded)

Print Recipe· 3.8 from 14 reviews

If you ever thought lasagna was just about meat and tomato sauce, prepare to be delighted by this vibrant Seafood Lasagna Recipe. Combining tender shrimp, savory imitation crab, and a luscious creamy white sauce, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that elevates traditional lasagna to a whole new level. Every bite bursts with layers of flavor and texture, from the perfectly cooked noodles to the gooey mozzarella topping, making this dish not only impressive but absolutely irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows small white bowls and a white measuring cup placed on a white marbled surface, each filled with different ingredients for cooking. There is a single long, flat, yellow pasta sheet with ruffled edges placed horizontally at the bottom. Surrounding it are bowls of raw white shrimp, chopped white onions, green chopped herbs, small green chopped vegetables, minced white garlic, small cubes of white and pink seafood, white shredded cheese, grated pale yellow cheese, and small white powder. Small bowls contain brown and orange spices, a white stick of butter in its paper wrapper, a clear liquid, white flour, and a white creamy liquid in the measuring cup with red handles. The ingredients are organized neatly in rows, all in clear or white bowls. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the first step to making this Seafood Lasagna Recipe shine. Each item plays a crucial role in building rich flavors, creamy textures, and fresh hints that keep this dish exciting and balanced.

Salted butter: Provides the base richness for sautéing and making the creamy béchamel sauce.
Yellow onion: Adds a sweet, aromatic depth as it gently softens in the pan.
Celery: Offers a subtle crunch and freshness that contrasts beautifully with tender seafood.
Garlic cloves: Infuse the dish with a savory punch that complements but never overpowers.
Shrimp: The star protein delivering sweet and succulent bites throughout the lasagna.
Imitation crab: Adds delicate seafood flavor with a budget-friendly touch.
Frozen spinach: Brings vibrant color and a subtle earthiness balancing richness.
Lemon juice: Brightens flavors by cutting through the creamy sauce.
Cajun seasoning: Adds just a hint of spice and complexity without overwhelming.
All-purpose flour: Essential for thickening the béchamel sauce to a silky consistency.
Whole milk: Creates the creamy base of the white sauce that ties everything together.
Parmesan cheese: Provides savory umami and a nutty finish to the sauce.
Old Bay seasoning: Introduces classic seafood spices that enhance every component.
Lasagna noodles: The layers that hold everything perfectly and soak up all those wonderful flavors.
Cottage cheese: Adds creamy texture and richness in dollops between layers.
Fresh parsley: Lends a fresh herbal brightness when mixed into the cheese and for garnish.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts into the top layer with ooey-gooey goodness and golden browning.

How to Make Seafood Lasagna Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by gathering and prepping everything so the cooking flows smoothly. Setting your oven to 375°F now helps save time later, while chopping vegetables and seafood ensures you can focus on cooking each component perfectly.

Step 2: Cook the Lasagna Noodles

Boiling the noodles until just tender is essential because they’ll continue to cook in the oven. Lay them out on oiled parchment so they don’t stick, making layering hassle-free.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables and Seafood

Melt butter in a large skillet, then gently cook diced onion, celery, and garlic until soft and fragrant. Toss in chopped shrimp, imitation crab, thawed spinach, lemon juice, and Cajun seasoning. Cook just until shrimp turn pink; you want them tender, not rubbery.

Step 4: Mix Cottage Cheese and Fresh Parsley

Combine cottage cheese with finely chopped parsley in a bowl. This mixture adds pockets of creamy texture and a fresh green note throughout the layers.

Step 5: Make the Creamy White Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux, cooking for about a minute to get rid of the raw taste. Gradually whisk in milk, simmering gently until the sauce thickens into a smooth, silky béchamel. Stir in Parmesan cheese and Old Bay seasoning for richness and classic seafood flavor.

Step 6: Layer the Lasagna

Grease your baking dish and spread a thin layer of white sauce on the bottom. Layer three noodles, followed by half the seafood mixture, dollops of the cottage cheese and parsley blend, a third of the white sauce, and a sprinkle of mozzarella. Repeat once more, then top with the remaining noodles, sauce, and mozzarella for that perfect golden finish.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and the cheese to melt. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes to get the top bubbling and slightly browned. Finish with 3-5 minutes under the broiler to achieve a beautiful golden crust.

Step 8: Let It Rest

Allow the seafood lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes after baking. This crucial step lets the layers set nicely, making slicing easier and enhancing the overall texture experience.

How to Serve Seafood Lasagna Recipe

In a white rectangular baking dish, there is one visible layer of uncooked lasagna pasta sheets lining the bottom. On top of the pasta, there is an even layer of small chopped pieces of light pink and white seafood mixed with green spinach leaves. Over this, there are six dollops of white creamy cheese mixed with green herbs placed in a scattered pattern. The dish is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like parsley sprinkled on top add an inviting pop of color and freshness. A light dusting of extra Parmesan or a squeeze of lemon juice lifts the creamy flavors and brightens each serving.

Side Dishes

Pair this luxurious Seafood Lasagna Recipe with simple, crisp sides to balance the richness. A light mixed green salad with vinaigrette, steamed asparagus, or roasted cherry tomatoes complement the dish beautifully without overpowering it.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins or use mini cast iron skillets for a charming presentation. Layer the lasagna in clear glass dishes to showcase those gorgeous, distinct layers. Adding edible flowers or microgreens as garnish can also elevate the dining experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool leftover seafood lasagna completely before covering tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Refrigerated leftovers keep well for up to 3 days, maintaining tasting fresh and delicious for quick meals later in the week.

Freezing

This Seafood Lasagna Recipe freezes wonderfully either before or after baking. Wrap the dish securely with foil and plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Reheat individual slices in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until hot throughout. Adding a little extra mozzarella on top before reheating helps refresh that melty, golden crust that makes this dish so irresistible.

FAQs

Can I use fresh crab instead of imitation crab?

Absolutely! Fresh crab will add a more intense seafood flavor and a lovely texture, though it might increase the cost. Just make sure to cook it properly before layering.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for the béchamel sauce to accommodate gluten-free diets.

Can I substitute shrimp with another type of seafood?

Feel free to swap shrimp for scallops, lobster, or even firm white fish chunks depending on your preference or what’s available. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid overcooking.

What can I use instead of cottage cheese?

Ricotta cheese is a great substitute offering a similar creamy texture and mild flavor. If you want it smoother, you can gently blend cottage cheese before using.

How spicy is the Seafood Lasagna Recipe?

The Cajun seasoning and Old Bay add a gentle kick without making it too spicy, so it’s perfect for most palates. You can always adjust the amounts to suit your taste if you prefer it milder or bolder.

Final Thoughts

This Seafood Lasagna Recipe is truly a treasure worth adding to your culinary rotation. It blends creamy, cheesy comfort with the fresh, delicate flavors of the sea in a way that feels special yet approachable. Whether serving for a family dinner or impressing guests, this dish brings warmth, joy, and plenty of satisfied smiles. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!