If you have a soft spot for comfort food that feels both luxurious and cozy, this Seafood Lasagna with Creamy Cheese Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. Layers of tender no-boil lasagna noodles weave through a luscious blend of cream cheese, heavy cream, and a dreamy mix of shrimp, scallops, and crab meat. With hints of fresh spinach and Italian herbs, every bite is a celebration of rich flavors and satisfying textures that come together in the most delightful way. This dish is perfect for those special gatherings or when you simply want to treat yourself to something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the joy of making this dish because each one plays an essential role. From the creamy cheeses that build the sauce’s velvety texture, to the fresh seafood that adds a delicate briny sweetness, these simple essentials transform into a show-stopping meal.
- 9 lasagna noodles (no-boil): Saves time and effort while absorbing the delicious sauce beautifully.
- 1 cup mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, crab meat): A fresh medley that delivers delicate ocean flavors and a tender bite.
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened): The silky base of the creamy sauce, giving richness and smoothness.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Adds luscious creaminess that perfectly balances the seafood’s natural taste.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (whole milk): Melts wonderfully to create those irresistible cheesy layers.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated): Introduces a sharp, nutty contrast enhancing every spoonful.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and depth.
- 2 cups fresh spinach (packed): Adds a subtle earthiness and vibrant green color for balance.
- 2 tsp dried Italian herbs: A fragrant mix that ties together the creamy and seafood flavors beautifully.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to awaken all the flavors harmoniously.
How to Make Seafood Lasagna with Creamy Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take a 9×13-inch baking dish and grease it well; this helps avoid sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Having your oven ready ensures you can slide your lasagna in hot for perfect baking.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
Even though you’re using no-boil noodles, it’s best to cook them until just al dente following the package instructions. This little extra step means they’ll absorb the sauce flavors perfectly without becoming mushy. Once done, drain and set aside, so they’re ready when you layer everything.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Sauce
In a medium bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs until smooth and homogenous. This is the foundation of your luscious, creamy sauce that makes the lasagna sing.
Step 4: Fold in the Seafood and Spinach
Gently incorporate your mixed seafood and fresh spinach into the creamy base. Take care to fold them in delicately so the seafood stays intact and the spinach is evenly distributed, bringing bursts of earthy freshness to this decadent dish.
Step 5: Layer Your Lasagna
In your prepared baking dish, start with a thin layer of the creamy sauce, then place a layer of noodles. Follow with the seafood-spinach mixture, then more sauce, and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Repeat this layering process until all ingredients are used, finishing with mozzarella on top for a bubbly golden crust.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes to let the top turn a beautiful golden brown. This two-step bake ensures the lasagna cooks evenly and develops a gorgeous cheesy crust.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Once out of the oven, allow the lasagna to rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This short rest helps everything set nicely so your slices hold together perfectly, making every bite neat and delicious.
How to Serve Seafood Lasagna with Creamy Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil elevates the dish with vibrant color and a touch of herbal brightness that accentuates the creamy seafood layers beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair this rich lasagna with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette, or some roasted asparagus to add a fresh, crunchy contrast that keeps your meal well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
For a unique twist, serve individual portions in mini ramekins or bake the lasagna in a large cast-iron skillet for rustic appeal. You can even layer it in clear glass baking dishes to show off the gorgeous layers of noodles, seafood, cheese, and spinach.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover seafood lasagna tastes just as amazing the next day. Store it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors have a chance to meld and deepen, making your next meal effortlessly delightful.
Freezing
This Seafood Lasagna with Creamy Cheese Recipe freezes well! Wrap it tightly with foil or store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat individual slices in the microwave or warm the whole dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Adding a splash of cream or covering loosely with foil helps keep the lasagna moist and creamy while warming.
FAQs
Can I use frozen seafood for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain the seafood well before incorporating it into the creamy mixture to avoid excess liquid that could affect the texture.
Is it necessary to cook the no-boil noodles before assembling?
While no-boil noodles can be used straight from the package, cooking them al dente beforehand prevents any chance of undercooked pasta and helps them soak up the sauce perfectly.
Can I substitute cream cheese with ricotta?
Ricotta can work as a substitute, but keep in mind it has a grainier texture and less tangy flavor than cream cheese, which means the sauce won’t be quite as silky and rich.
What herbs work best in the creamy sauce?
The dried Italian herbs blend is ideal because it includes oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary, providing a well-rounded, fragrant profile that complements the seafood beautifully.
How can I make this dish lighter?
To lighten it up, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, reduce the cheese slightly, and increase the spinach for added nutrition and volume with fewer calories.
Final Thoughts
This Seafood Lasagna with Creamy Cheese Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that combines elegance and comfort in every luscious bite. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a celebration every time you serve it, whether for family dinners or special occasions. Give it a try—you might just discover your next favorite way to enjoy seafood and cheese together in a warm, creamy embrace.
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Seafood Lasagna with Creamy Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This creamy seafood lasagna combines tender no-boil lasagna noodles with a rich mixture of cream cheese, heavy cream, and garlic, layered with fresh spinach and a savory blend of shrimp, scallops, and crab meat. Baked to golden perfection with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, it’s a decadent and comforting dish perfect for seafood lovers and special occasions.
Ingredients
Seafood Mixture
- 1 cup mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, crab meat)
- 2 cups fresh spinach (packed)
Cheese Sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tsp dried Italian herbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Other Ingredients
- 9 lasagna noodles (no-boil)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (whole milk)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cook Lasagna Noodles: Boil the no-boil lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain them well and set aside to cool slightly, which makes them easier to handle during layering.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy, which will provide the flavorful base for the lasagna.
- Incorporate Seafood and Spinach: Gently fold the mixed seafood and fresh spinach into the creamy cheese sauce. This ensures even distribution without breaking up the seafood pieces.
- Layer the Lasagna: Spread a thin layer of the creamy sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Add a layer of lasagna noodles, followed by a generous layer of the seafood and spinach mixture, then spoon more sauce on top, and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a mozzarella layer.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil to keep moisture during baking. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes to cook the noodles through and warm the filling.
- Bake Uncovered for Browning: Remove the foil carefully and bake for an additional 15 minutes. This step allows the cheese on top to melt fully and develop a golden, bubbly crust.
- Rest Before Serving: Once out of the oven, let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes. This resting time helps the layers settle and makes serving easier while enhancing the flavors.
Notes
- Use fresh seafood for the best flavor, but frozen seafood can be thawed and used as well.
- Substitute no-boil noodles with regular noodles, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- Fresh spinach can be lightly sautéed before adding if you prefer a softer texture.
- To reduce sodium, use low-sodium cheeses and adjust salt to taste.
- Allow the lasagna to rest after baking to firm up and improve slicing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
