If you’re looking to shake up your next pasta night, Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna is the ultimate showstopper your table’s been craving. Imagine silky layers of tender noodles, juicy shrimp kissed by lemon and garlic, all wrapped up in a creamy, cheesy sauce with just enough zest to make every bite shine. This recipe is a total crowd-pleaser, bringing together the classic comfort of lasagna with the fresh, vibrant flavors of shrimp scampi—easy enough for a weeknight, but impressive enough for guests. Dive in and discover why Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna might just become your new favorite comfort food!
Ingredients You’ll Need
All you need are a handful of simple, quality ingredients to make this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna truly pop. Each component plays a key role—whether it’s adding creaminess, savory depth, or those bright sparks of citrus and fresh herbs that wake up your taste buds.
- Lasagna noodles: Choose classic or no-boil noodles; they provide the sturdy base for all those luscious layers.
- Large shrimp (1 pound, peeled and deveined): The star protein, offering sweet, briny flavor and a plump, satisfying bite.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Essential for that luscious sauce; using unsalted lets you control the salinity throughout the dish.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): For bold, aromatic flavor—it’s not scampi without garlic!
- Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Just enough for a subtle kick; totally up to your heat preference.
- Lemon (juice and zest of 1): Brightens the whole lasagna with freshness and zing.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon) and black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Core seasonings to enhance every ingredient and bring everything together.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds rich flavor and helps caramelize the garlic and shrimp.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): The thickener for your creamy white sauce; it keeps things perfectly rich without being heavy.
- Whole milk (2 cups) and heavy cream (1/2 cup): For an ultra-creamy, velvety béchamel that feels oh-so-indulgent.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Adds a nutty, salty note to the sauce—don’t skip the good stuff here!
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup): Delivers that gooey, bubbly, golden top everyone loves on lasagna.
- Chopped fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, plus more for garnish): Adds a pop of vibrant color and garden-fresh flavor to the final dish.
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna
Step 1: Prep and Cook the Noodles
Start by cooking your lasagna noodles in plenty of salted boiling water until just al dente—about a minute or two under what the box suggests, since they’ll continue cooking in the oven. Rinse them in cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking, then set aside on a tray brushed lightly with oil.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp and Garlic
In your biggest, most reliable skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and let them become fragrant—a minute is all it takes. Slide in the shrimp, and scatter over the lemon juice, zest, salt, and pepper. Sauté just until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through, about 2–3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp and set them aside; don’t let them overcook or they’ll get rubbery!
Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet (don’t waste all those flavor bits!), melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and whisk in the flour to form a pale golden roux. Once combined, slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly until smooth. Simmer the sauce for about 4–5 minutes, until it coats the back of a spoon. Stir in the Parmesan and chopped parsley, and taste for seasoning—adjust salt and pepper as needed. This sauce is what makes your Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna impossibly luscious!
Step 4: Layer the Lasagna
Spread a thin layer of the creamy sauce on the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Add 3 noodles, then scatter over some shrimp, spoon on sauce, and sprinkle with mozzarella. Repeat these layers twice more, finishing with a generous layer of sauce and mozzarella on top to get that classic bubbling golden crust.
Step 5: Bake and Rest
Bake in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 25–30 minutes, until the top is bubbly and golden brown in spots. Let your lasagna rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing—this allows the layers to set and makes serving much simpler.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna
Garnishes
For a fresh touch and a pop of color, shower your Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna with more chopped parsley right before serving. If you love a little zing, another squeeze of lemon juice over each slice adds brightness that balances the rich, creamy layers perfectly.
Side Dishes
This lasagna pairs gorgeously with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette, or serve with roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli to add some crunch and color. Garlic bread is a classic, of course, perfect for mopping up every last bit of luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting, try assembling the Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna in individual ramekins or mini baking dishes for a restaurant-worthy presentation. For potlucks, slice into squares and set out with tiny forks. Or, go rustic and serve family-style straight from the baking dish, letting everyone dig in!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your lasagna has cooled, cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge. Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna tastes just as fantastic the next day, and it should keep nicely for up to 3 days—making it a go-to for meal prep or grab-and-go lunches.
Freezing
If you want to freeze all or some of your lasagna, assemble and bake as directed, then let it cool completely. Wrap it tightly in both plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot throughout, about 20 minutes. For single portions, a microwave works well—just add a splash of milk or cream to keep it from drying out. The creamy sauce will revive beautifully!
FAQs
Can I use precooked or frozen shrimp?
Precooked shrimp can work in a pinch, but for the best flavor and texture, raw shrimp is recommended. If using frozen, thaw thoroughly and pat dry to prevent watery lasagna layers.
How can I make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute gluten-free lasagna noodles and swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free alternative such as rice flour or a gluten-free baking blend—everything else can stay the same.
What’s the best way to chop or layer the shrimp?
You can leave the shrimp whole for dramatic layers or cut them into bite-sized pieces if you prefer a more even distribution. Small shrimp also work beautifully if you want less assembly fuss.
Can I add vegetables to this lasagna?
Definitely! Sautéed spinach or mushrooms add even more flavor and heartiness. Just cook off any excess moisture before layering to keep the lasagna creamy and not soggy.
Is it possible to assemble ahead and bake later?
Yes—it’s perfect for planning ahead. Assemble the lasagna up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if it’s still cold from the fridge.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for something out-of-the-ordinary that still wraps you in comfort, Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna is the answer. It’s joyfully decadent, bursting with flavor, and certain to charm anyone lucky enough to get a slice. Don’t wait for a special occasion—make this soon, and savor every saucy, shrimp-laden bite!
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Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the luxurious flavors of this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna, a decadent twist on traditional lasagna with succulent shrimp, creamy sauce, and zesty garlic butter. Layers of tender noodles, savory shrimp, and rich cheeses create a dish that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
Lasagna Noodles:
Garlic Butter Shrimp:
Creamy Sauce:
Instructions
- Cook Lasagna Noodles: Cook lasagna noodles until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Shrimp: Cook garlic, red pepper flakes, and shrimp in butter and olive oil until shrimp are pink. Set aside.
- Make Creamy Sauce: Create a roux with butter and flour, then add milk and cream. Simmer, then stir in Parmesan and parsley.
- Assemble: Layer noodles, sauce, shrimp, and cheeses in a baking dish. Repeat layers and bake until golden.
- Serve: Let rest before slicing, garnish with parsley, and enjoy!
Notes
- Enhance with spinach or mushrooms.
- Consider chopping shrimp for easier layering.
- Pair with a fresh green salad.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 185mg
