DREAMY SHRIMP SCAMPI LASAGNA

I vividly remember the first time I experimented with combining my love for shrimp scampi and lasagna. My family was coming over, and I wanted to create something truly special, something that would blow their socks off. After some brainstorming and a leap of faith, the idea for a Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna- Dreamy! began to take shape. Today, I’m sharing my secrets to creating the most unforgettable Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna- Dreamy! you’ll ever taste, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone begging for seconds!

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna: A Culinary Dream Come True

Okay, friends, let’s talk about this lasagna. This isn’t your grandma’s classic lasagna (though I have a soft spot for a good Classic Lasagna with Meat Sauce!). This is a flavor explosion, a symphony of textures, and a downright dreamy combination of two beloved dishes: shrimp scampi and lasagna. We’re taking the rich, garlicky goodness of shrimp scampi and layering it with creamy ricotta, tender lasagna noodles, and a generous blanket of melted mozzarella. Are you excited? I know I am!

This recipe might seem a little ambitious, but trust me, it’s totally doable, even on a weeknight (with a little planning, of course!). I’m going to walk you through each step, giving you all my tips and tricks to ensure your Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna is a resounding success. Get ready to impress!

Why This Lasagna Is a Must-Try

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about why this particular lasagna is so special:

• The Flavor: The garlic butter shrimp scampi sauce is the star of the show. It’s bursting with flavor from the garlic, butter, white wine (optional, but highly recommended!), and a touch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
• The Texture: The layers of tender lasagna noodles, creamy ricotta, and perfectly cooked shrimp create a delightful textural experience.
• The Presentation: This lasagna is beautiful! The golden-brown, bubbly cheese on top is simply irresistible. It’s the kind of dish that makes everyone say “Wow!” when you bring it to the table.
• It’s Unexpected: Everyone expects a meat lasagna. This is a delicious twist that is sure to impress.

The Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients. Don’t worry, most of these are pantry staples. I’ve broken it down to make it super easy to follow.

For the Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

• Shrimp: 1.5 lbs of large shrimp, peeled and deveined. I prefer using fresh shrimp, but frozen (thawed) works just as well. Make sure to pat them dry before cooking for optimal browning.
• Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the dish.
• Garlic: 8 cloves of garlic, minced. Don’t skimp on the garlic! It’s the heart of the scampi flavor. Freshly minced garlic is always best.
• White Wine: ½ cup of dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio). This adds a beautiful depth of flavor to the sauce. If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with chicken broth.
• Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. The acidity of the lemon juice brightens the sauce and balances the richness of the butter.
• Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon (or more, to taste) of red pepper flakes. This adds a subtle kick of heat.
• Fresh Parsley: ¼ cup of chopped fresh parsley. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.

For the Lasagna

• Lasagna Noodles: 1 box (1 lb) of oven-ready lasagna noodles. Using oven-ready noodles saves a ton of time and effort. If you’re using regular lasagna noodles, you’ll need to cook them according to the package directions before assembling the lasagna.
• Ricotta Cheese: 1 (15 oz) container of whole milk ricotta cheese. Whole milk ricotta is creamier and richer than part-skim.
• Egg: 1 large egg. The egg helps bind the ricotta cheese and prevents it from becoming watery.
• Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor to the ricotta mixture.
• Mozzarella Cheese: 3 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese. Mozzarella cheese is the perfect melting cheese for lasagna.
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon for drizzling

Let’s Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna – Step-by-Step

Okay, here’s where the magic happens! Follow these steps carefully, and I promise you’ll have a lasagna that will wow your family and friends.

1. Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting a good sear on the shrimp. Season generously with salt and pepper.
2. Make the Garlic Butter Scampi Sauce: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
3. Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Don’t overcrowd the pan! If necessary, cook the shrimp in batches. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
4. Deglaze the Pan: Pour the white wine into the skillet and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This adds a ton of flavor to the sauce.
5. Reduce the Sauce: Let the wine reduce by half, about 3-5 minutes.
6. Finish the Scampi Sauce: Stir in the lemon juice and chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. The sauce should be rich, garlicky, and slightly acidic.
7. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well until everything is fully incorporated.
8. Assemble the Lasagna: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread a thin layer of the garlic butter scampi sauce on the bottom of the dish.
9. Layer the Ingredients: Arrange a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles. Sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Top with half of the cooked shrimp.
10. Repeat Layers: Repeat the layers: noodles, remaining ricotta mixture, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, remaining shrimp.
11. Final Layer: Top with a final layer of noodles, the remaining garlic butter scampi sauce, and the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
12. Bake the Lasagna: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
13. Rest Before Serving: Let the lasagna rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to cut. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top when serving.

Success Tips for the Perfect Shrimp Scampi Lasagna

These tips will help you nail this recipe every single time! I’ve learned these through trial and error, so you don’t have to!

• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Overcooked shrimp is rubbery and tough. Cook the shrimp just until it turns pink and opaque. It will continue to cook in the oven, so it’s better to slightly undercook it.
• Use High-Quality Ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the lasagna will taste. Use good quality shrimp, butter, and cheese.
• Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Letting the lasagna rest before slicing is crucial. It allows the layers to set and prevents the lasagna from falling apart when you cut it.
• Customize Your Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. If you prefer a milder lasagna, use less red pepper flakes or omit them altogether.
• Make Ahead Option: You can assemble the lasagna ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Variations and Substitutions

Want to put your own spin on this lasagna? Here are a few ideas:

• Add Vegetables: Sauté some spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms and add them to the ricotta mixture or layer them between the noodles.
• Use Different Cheese: Try using provolone, fontina, or Gruyère cheese in addition to or in place of the mozzarella.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Add Some Heat: If you like things spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the garlic butter scampi sauce.
• Seafood Medley: Add some crab meat or scallops to the shrimp for a richer seafood flavor. Consider the Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites & Pasta recipe if you would like a chicken alternative.

Serving Suggestions

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few side dishes that would complement it beautifully:

• Garlic Bread: Classic garlic bread is always a winner with lasagna.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette will help balance the richness of the lasagna.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts would be delicious alongside this lasagna. For a similar but different flavor try Creamy Garlic Sauce Potatoes

Storing and Reheating

Storing: Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating: Reheat lasagna in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave. If you have a little Roasted Garlic Butter, you can spread it on the slice before reheating for enhanced flavor.

Why This Recipe Works

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna works because it combines familiar flavors in a new and exciting way. The garlic butter scampi sauce is rich, savory, and addictive, while the creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella provide a comforting and satisfying base. The layers of noodles add a textural element that makes each bite a delight. The slight kick from the red pepper flakes just elevates the flavor profile. Every component plays its part in creating a truly exceptional dish.

I also find that the lasagna is so comforting. Thinking about other comforting options, Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta also comes to mind. This is another option that you will enjoy!

Conclusion

So there you have it! My recipe for the most amazing Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna- Dreamy! you’ll ever make. It might seem like a lot of steps, but I promise it’s worth the effort. This lasagna is a showstopper that will impress your family and friends, and it’s a dish that you’ll be proud to serve. Now go forth and create this dreamy lasagna! You got this!

Lady Maria

Dreamy Shrimp Scampi Lasagna

This Dreamy Shrimp Scampi Lasagna combines the rich, garlicky flavors of shrimp scampi with the comforting layers of a classic lasagna. Tender lasagna noodles, creamy ricotta, perfectly cooked shrimp, and a generous blanket of melted mozzarella create a flavor explosion and a symphony of textures that will impress family and friends.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Servings: 8

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian-American

Calories: 650

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup dry white wine Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes or more to taste
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• medium bowl
• measuring cups and spoons
• knife
• Cutting board
• paper towels
• Aluminum foil

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
3. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
5. Pour the white wine (or chicken broth) into the skillet and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
6. Let the wine reduce by half, about 3-5 minutes.
7. Stir in the lemon juice and chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
8. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well until everything is fully incorporated.
9. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
10. Spread a thin layer of the garlic butter scampi sauce on the bottom of the dish.
11. Arrange a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce.
12. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
13. Sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
14. Top with half of the cooked shrimp.
15. Repeat the layers: noodles, remaining ricotta mixture, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, remaining shrimp.
16. Top with a final layer of noodles, the remaining garlic butter scampi sauce, and the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
17. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
18. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
19. Let the lasagna rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top when serving.

Notes

For best results, use high-quality ingredients, especially the shrimp, butter, and cheese. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as it will become rubbery. To customize the spice level, adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. You can assemble the lasagna ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours; add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold. Leftover lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through, or reheat individual slices in the microwave.