Julia Koch
Ever thought lasagna could feel like a coastal vacation? This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna is a rich, creamy twist on tradition that brings ocean flavors straight to your dinner table. Each slice is stacked high with buttery shrimp, delicate herbs, and gooey layers of cheese that melt into the white sauce in the most decadent way.
Unlike your typical marinara-based bake, this version leans heavily on garlic, lemon, and parmesan—hallmarks of classic shrimp scampi—but with the comfort of pasta and the indulgence of lasagna. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or craving a luxurious weekend treat, this lasagna is sure to impress.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
To bring this seafood lasagna to life, you’ll need the right gear. First, a large skillet is crucial for sautéing the shrimp in garlic butter without crowding. A medium saucepan helps you build the creamy scampi sauce with finesse. Use a 9×13 baking dish for layering everything together evenly.
A sharp chef’s knife makes prepping herbs and garlic smooth and efficient, while a microplane or zester is key for extracting fragrant lemon zest. Lastly, a good box grater lets you freshly shred cheese for ultimate melt and flavor. Trust these tools to make your prep seamless and your lasagna restaurant-worthy.
Ingredients for the Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna
- Shrimp – The star protein, offering juicy texture and rich flavor.
- Garlic – Brings sharp, savory depth that defines the scampi.
- Butter – For sautéing and flavor; it’s essential to build the signature richness.
- Lemon Zest and Juice – Brightens the dish and cuts through the cream.
- Heavy Cream – Adds luscious texture to the sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese – Salty, nutty, and perfect for melting.
- Mozzarella Cheese – Helps achieve that golden, bubbly top layer.
- Ricotta Cheese – Creamy base for layering.
- Parsley – Fresh and aromatic, it balances the richness.
- Lasagna Noodles – The structure of the dish; choose no-boil or pre-cooked.
- Salt & Pepper – Seasoning essentials.
How To Make the Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna
Step 1: Prep the Shrimp
Peel and devein your shrimp, then pat them dry. In a hot skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add shrimp and cook just until pink. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Scampi Cream Sauce
In the same skillet, add more butter and sauté garlic again. Stir in lemon zest and juice. Add heavy cream and simmer until slightly thickened. Fold in parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Step 3: Prep the Ricotta Mixture
In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. This adds creaminess and herbal brightness to every layer.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna
In a greased 9×13 dish, layer noodles, ricotta mixture, shrimp, sauce, and shredded mozzarella. Repeat until all ingredients are used, ending with a generous top layer of sauce and mozzarella.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15 minutes or until golden and bubbly. Let rest before slicing.
Serving and Storing Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a light squeeze of lemon if desired. Pair it with a crisp green salad or a chilled glass of white wine to balance its creamy, savory profile.
To store, let the lasagna cool completely. Then cover tightly or transfer to airtight containers. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the oven to retain its texture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep shrimp from overcooking in lasagna?
Cook the shrimp just until pink during sautéing. Since they’ll bake further in the oven, undercooking slightly helps them stay juicy.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, but thaw them completely and pat dry before sautéing. Excess moisture can dilute the sauce.
Can I substitute the ricotta?
Cottage cheese or mascarpone can work as alternatives. Ricotta adds a nice creaminess but isn’t essential.
How do I reheat this lasagna without drying it out?
Cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven. Add a splash of cream or milk on top if it looks dry.
Is this recipe spicy?
Not at all. But if you love a kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes in the sauce does the trick.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Assemble the lasagna the day before and refrigerate it. Just increase the bake time slightly if starting cold.
Want More Shrimp and Pasta Dinner Ideas?
If you enjoyed this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna, here are a few more recipes worth diving into:
Try the Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa & Creamy Sauce for a refreshing and colorful seafood option. Or warm up with a cozy bowl of Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Soup, where pasta and cream meet in a satisfying way.
The Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a bold, spicy counterpart with a similar creamy texture. And if you’re looking for a slightly different twist on baked comfort, the Buffalo Chicken Lasagna brings heat and heartiness to your table.
Want more everyday ideas and inspiration? Check out my daily recipe shares on Pinterest at LadyPlate Pinterest.
Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out
You can save this to your dinner or seafood boards for next time. Just click the Pin button.
If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you tweak the cheeses? Add spice? Maybe went all-in on lemon? Drop a comment below and let’s swap notes!
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
A luxurious twist on traditional lasagna—this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna combines juicy shrimp, garlic-lemon cream sauce, and gooey cheese between layers of tender pasta. Perfect for special dinners or whenever you crave seafood comfort.
Ingredients
1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
5 cloves garlic, minced
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
9 lasagna noodles, cooked or no-boil
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Peel and devein shrimp, then pat dry with paper towels.
2. In a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add 3 cloves minced garlic and sautée until fragrant.
3. Add shrimp to the skillet and cook until just pink. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons butter. Add 2 cloves minced garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
5. Pour in heavy cream and simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Stir in grated parmesan cheese and mix until smooth. Set sauce aside.
7. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper.
8. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
9. Begin layering: start with noodles, spread ricotta mixture, top with shrimp, then pour cream sauce, followed by mozzarella cheese.
10. Repeat layers, finishing with sauce and mozzarella on top.
11. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
12. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes or until golden and bubbling.
13. Let rest for 10–15 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley and lemon zest if desired.
Notes
Use fresh lemon zest, not bottled juice, to achieve that true shrimp scampi brightness.
Don’t overcook the shrimp—slightly underdone is perfect since they bake later.
For best layering, let the sauce cool slightly to thicken and prevent runoff.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 185mg
Keywords: shrimp lasagna, seafood lasagna, creamy lasagna, garlic shrimp pasta
