If you adore Italian flavors and seafood, you’re in for a total treat with this Shrimp Lasagna with White Sauce and Cheese Recipe. Picture tender lasagna noodles layered with succulent shrimp, a rich, velvety white sauce infused with garlic and Parmesan, and a generous blanket of gooey mozzarella and creamy ricotta. This dish strikes the perfect balance between comfort and elegance, making it an absolute favorite for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home. With every bite, you’ll experience a symphony of textures and flavors that make this shrimp lasagna truly unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Though it may look impressive on your dinner table, this Shrimp Lasagna with White Sauce and Cheese Recipe is built from simple, high-quality ingredients. Each element plays an essential role in the final texture and flavor — from the creamy white sauce that ties everything together to the fresh shrimp that adds a sweet, briny pop.
- Lasagna noodles (9): The sturdy base that holds all the layers together wonderfully without falling apart.
- Shrimp (1 lb, peeled, deveined, chopped): Fresh or thawed shrimp provide a tender, flavorful protein packed with ocean goodness.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds subtle fruity richness while sautéing the garlic and shrimp.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses the white sauce and shrimp with lovely aromatic depth.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): Foundation for a luxuriously smooth white sauce.
- All-purpose flour (3 tablespoons): Helps thicken the white sauce to a perfect creamy consistency.
- Whole milk (2 1/2 cups): Creates the soft, velvety texture that makes the sauce irresistibly silky.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Adds sharpness and umami that elevates every bite.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors beautifully.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Balances richness with just a touch of heat.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For those who love a little extra kick.
- Ricotta cheese (1 cup): Brings creamy, slightly tangy softness to the layers.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 1/2 cups): Melts perfectly into golden, bubbly goodness on top.
- Fresh parsley (1/4 cup, chopped): Adds a fresh, herby brightness as a finishing touch.
How to Make Shrimp Lasagna with White Sauce and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Noodles and Shrimp
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the lasagna noodles according to their package instructions until they’re al dente — tender but still with some firmness. Drain them carefully and set aside. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then toss in the minced garlic, cooking just until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the chopped shrimp and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until they’re opaque and just cooked through. Remove from heat and keep warm.
Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy White Sauce
In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for 1 to 2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste and form a light roux. Slowly whisk in the milk little by little, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Keep stirring as the sauce thickens over the next 5 to 6 minutes into a smooth, creamy texture. Remove from heat, then stir in the grated Parmesan, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. This sauce is what makes the Shrimp Lasagna with White Sauce and Cheese Recipe such a standout — creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor.
Step 3: Assemble Your Layers
Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread a thin layer of the white sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking. Lay down 3 cooked lasagna noodles. Over those, layer half of the ricotta cheese and then half of the cooked shrimp. Spoon a third of the white sauce evenly across the shrimp, then sprinkle a third of the shredded mozzarella on top. Repeat this layering sequence once more: noodles, ricotta, shrimp, sauce, mozzarella. Finish the top with the remaining noodles, the last of the white sauce, and the rest of the mozzarella cheese.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Cover the assembled lasagna with foil and bake it in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes to brown the cheese until bubbly and golden on top. Let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes after baking to allow the layers to set and make slicing easier. Sprinkling freshly chopped parsley before serving adds a burst of fresh color and flavor.
How to Serve Shrimp Lasagna with White Sauce and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley not only brightens the look of your lasagna but lifts the flavors beautifully. You can also add a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a touch of fruity richness. A few lemon zest shavings work wonders if you want a hint of citrusy freshness that complements the shrimp.
Side Dishes
Pair this rich Shrimp Lasagna with White Sauce and Cheese Recipe with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the creamy indulgence. Steamed or roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or broccoli also make a perfect, nutritious side that adds vibrant color and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Feel like impressing your guests? Serve individual portions in mini baking dishes or ramekins for charming personal lasagnas. Garnish each with a small sprig of parsley or a parmesan crisp for an elegant touch. If you want to add a rustic vibe, serve the lasagna family-style on a big platter with some crusty garlic bread on the side to soak up all the delicious white sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Shrimp Lasagna with White Sauce and Cheese Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, which makes it great for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
This lasagna freezes beautifully! Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Frozen portions will maintain their best quality for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the lasagna slice loosely with foil and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes until heated through. A splash of milk on top before reheating helps keep the white sauce creamy and luscious. Alternatively, microwave portions in shorter bursts to avoid drying out the shrimp or cheese layers.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them fully and pat them dry before cooking. Using pre-cooked frozen shrimp is also fine and will save you some prep time — just add them gently to the skillet at the end.
What can I substitute for whole milk in the white sauce?
You can use half-and-half or a combination of milk and cream for a richer sauce. For a lighter option, low-fat milk works, but the sauce won’t be quite as creamy.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
This particular Shrimp Lasagna with White Sauce and Cheese Recipe relies heavily on seafood, but you could swap shrimp for sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a delicious vegetarian alternative with similar textures.
Can I prepare the lasagna ahead of time before baking?
Yes! Assemble the lasagna completely, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This is perfect for planning ahead and letting the flavors meld overnight.
How spicy is this lasagna with the red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle background heat that complements the creamy sauce and tender shrimp without overpowering the dish. If you prefer mild, simply leave them out.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, this Shrimp Lasagna with White Sauce and Cheese Recipe is a total crowd-pleaser with its rich flavors and comforting layers. Whether for a special occasion or a weekend treat, it’s a dish that brings warmth and joy with every bite. Don’t hesitate to dive in and make it your own — I’m sure it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes!
Print
Shrimp Lasagna with White Sauce and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Shrimp Lasagna with White Sauce and Cheese is a creamy and flavorful Italian-American main course featuring tender shrimp layered with lasagna noodles, a rich homemade white sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Baked to golden bubbly perfection, this comforting dish is perfect for seafood lovers looking for a delicious twist on traditional lasagna.
Ingredients
Lasagna and Shrimp
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
White Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Cheeses and Garnish
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when your lasagna is assembled.
- Cook Noodles: Boil the lasagna noodles according to package directions, drain, and set aside to cool slightly.
- Sauté Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the chopped shrimp and sauté for 3–4 minutes until just cooked through. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Make White Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk and continue stirring until the sauce thickens, about 5–6 minutes. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Remove from heat.
- Layer the Lasagna: Spread a small layer of the white sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer 3 noodles, half the ricotta, half the sautéed shrimp, one-third of the white sauce, and one-third of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat this layering once more. Finish with the remaining noodles, white sauce, and mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the lasagna is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Use pre-cooked shrimp to reduce prep and cook time.
- Substitute half-and-half for whole milk to create a richer white sauce.
- Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms between layers for extra flavor and texture.
- This dish can be prepared a day ahead and baked just before serving for convenience.
