Description
This Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna with Lemon and Parmesan is a decadent seafood twist on classic Italian lasagna. Featuring layers of tender shrimp cooked in garlic butter and white wine sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan, all nestled between tender lasagna noodles and finished with a luscious heavy cream bake. Bright lemon zest and fresh parsley add a fresh finishing touch. Perfect for a special dinner that’s rich, flavorful, and indulgent.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp Scampi Filling
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Ricotta Mixture
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Lasagna Components
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp lemon zest (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp Scampi Filling: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Cook Garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, ensuring it doesn’t brown to maintain a delicate flavor.
- Cook Shrimp: Stir in the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque, indicating they are perfectly cooked.
- Add Flavorings: Add the white wine (or chicken broth), lemon juice, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the liquid reduces slightly and intensifies in flavor.
- Finish Shrimp Mixture: Stir in the chopped parsley and remove from heat. Set the shrimp mixture aside to cool slightly before assembling.
- Prepare Ricotta Mixture: In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan cheese, ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined to create a creamy layering component.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is ready for baking the lasagna layers.
- First Layer: In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the shrimp scampi mixture evenly at the bottom to prevent sticking and add flavor from below.
- Add Noodles: Place a layer of cooked lasagna noodles over the shrimp mixture, covering the base completely.
- Layer Ricotta: Spread a portion of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles to add creamy richness.
- Add Shrimp Layer & Cheese: Add a portion of the shrimp scampi mixture over the ricotta, followed by sprinkling shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly on top to create layers of cheesy goodness.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process (noodles, ricotta mixture, shrimp mixture, cheeses) until all ingredients are used, finishing with a final layer of noodles topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Add Cream: Pour the heavy cream evenly over the assembled lasagna to add extra creaminess and help meld the layers during baking.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake the lasagna for 30 minutes to heat through and allow flavors to meld.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly, creating a delicious crust.
- Rest and Serve: Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon zest for a bright, fresh finish. Serve hot and enjoy a luxurious seafood Italian feast!
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
- White wine can be substituted with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.
- Adjust red pepper flakes based on your preferred level of heat or omit entirely.
- Cook lasagna noodles al dente to avoid mushy texture after baking.
- Allow lasagna to rest after baking to help it set and make slicing easier.
