Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna is one of those recipes that brings a sense of elegance and comfort to the table in a single bite. I remember the first time I made this dish—it was on a cool Sunday evening, and I wanted something indulgent but not too heavy. Combining the buttery richness of shrimp scampi with layers of soft lasagna noodles sounded like a risk, but it turned out to be one of the most satisfying, flavorful creations I’ve ever made. The moment the dish came out of the oven, golden and bubbling, I knew I had created something special. This is one of those meals that makes people pause, smile, and ask for seconds before they’ve even finished their first plate.
You will absolutely love this recipe for so many reasons. First, it’s loaded with bold garlic flavor, delicate shrimp, and creamy, cheesy layers that melt together beautifully. Second, it’s a crowd-pleaser—even those who usually don’t go for seafood end up falling in love with it. And finally, it looks and tastes like a gourmet restaurant meal, but it’s surprisingly easy to make in your own kitchen.
This lasagna is incredibly versatile. You can serve it for a cozy family dinner or make it for guests to impress at a dinner party. It’s perfect for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or even holidays. You can also make it ahead and simply reheat it when ready to serve, making your life much easier during busy times.
It’s also quite affordable, especially compared to ordering seafood lasagna at a restaurant. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples—lasagna noodles, garlic, butter, cheese, milk, and flour. Even the shrimp, if bought frozen or on sale, can be reasonably priced. You get an upscale taste without the upscale cost.
Let’s talk ingredients. For this recipe, you’ll need lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready), shrimp (peeled and deveined), unsalted butter, minced garlic, all-purpose flour, milk, cream cheese, mozzarella, parmesan, salt, black pepper, lemon juice, parsley, and olive oil. Every ingredient plays a role in building layers of savory, rich flavor. The shrimp brings the sea-fresh taste, while the creamy garlic butter sauce ties everything together with a comforting, luxurious feel. Once you try it, this lasagna will become a staple in your recipe rotation—it’s just that unforgettable.
How to Prepare This Recipe
Preparing Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna is simpler than it sounds, and the process is both fun and rewarding. The key to success is layering flavors carefully and ensuring each step is done with attention to detail. I’ll guide you through the full preparation, step by step, so you get perfect results every time.
Step 1: Prepare the shrimp
Start by thawing the shrimp if frozen. Once ready, pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside. Be careful not to overcook them as they will cook more in the oven later.
Step 2: Make the garlic butter sauce
In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the butter and garlic mixture and whisk continuously for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens, about 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in the cream cheese until smooth, then add grated parmesan and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Finally, squeeze in fresh lemon juice to brighten the sauce and stir well. This creamy garlic butter sauce is the heart of the dish, delivering rich, velvety flavor.
Step 3: Cook the lasagna noodles
If you are using regular lasagna noodles, boil them in salted water until al dente, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and lay them flat on a sheet of parchment paper or a clean kitchen towel to prevent sticking. For oven-ready noodles, you can skip this step, but make sure to slightly moisten them so they cook evenly in the oven.
Step 4: Assemble the lasagna
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased baking dish, spread a thin layer of the garlic butter sauce at the bottom to prevent sticking. Lay down your first layer of noodles. Then add a generous spoonful of the garlic butter sauce, spreading it evenly. Arrange half of the cooked shrimp over the sauce, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Repeat this layering: noodles, sauce, shrimp, mozzarella. For the top layer, place the final noodles, cover them with the remaining garlic butter sauce, and finish with a thick layer of mozzarella and a little extra parmesan.
Step 5: Bake
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top. Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before cutting and serving. This resting time helps the layers settle, making it easier to slice.
Quick and easy tips
This recipe is surprisingly quick once you get organized. Preparing the sauce and shrimp simultaneously saves time. You can also make the sauce ahead and store it in the fridge. Use pre-cooked shrimp if you want to save even more time—just be sure to add them gently to avoid overcooking.
Customizable
Feel free to customize this lasagna to suit your tastes. You can add fresh spinach or chopped tomatoes between layers for a veggie boost. Swap mozzarella for a blend of cheeses like fontina or provolone for a richer flavor. If you prefer a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Popular with many people
This dish is a hit for seafood lovers and pasta fans alike. Its rich garlic butter flavor combined with tender shrimp and creamy cheese makes it irresistible. Plus, it’s a great way to elevate a simple dinner or impress guests without hours in the kitchen.
By following these steps carefully, you’ll create a stunning Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna that is both elegant and comforting, perfect for any occasion.
PrintGarlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna – Lovely Recipes
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna combines the rich, buttery flavors of classic shrimp scampi with the comforting layers of lasagna. Each bite delivers tender shrimp, creamy garlic butter sauce, and melted cheese in perfect harmony. It’s an elegant yet easy dish that works well for family dinners or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 25
- Cook Time: 40
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Ingredients
- 9 lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)
- 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Thaw and pat dry the shrimp. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook shrimp for 2 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Sprinkle flour over the butter and garlic. Whisk continuously for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk, simmer until thickened (3-5 minutes).
- Stir in cream cheese until smooth, then add parmesan, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Mix well.
- Boil lasagna noodles until al dente if using regular noodles. Drain and set aside.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of sauce in a greased baking dish.
- Layer noodles, sauce, half the shrimp, and mozzarella. Repeat layers. Top with noodles, sauce, mozzarella, and parmesan.
- Cover with foil and bake 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10-15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use oven-ready noodles to save time.
Adjust garlic amount to your taste.
Fresh parsley adds color and freshness but is optional.
Lemon juice brightens the sauce nicely.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the dish.
Q: Do I have to boil the lasagna noodles?
A: If you use regular lasagna noodles, boiling them until al dente is recommended. However, oven-ready noodles can be used without boiling, just slightly moisten them before assembling.
Q: Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna a day before baking. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and bake it fresh when ready. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Q: What can I substitute for cream cheese?
A: If you don’t have cream cheese, you can substitute with mascarpone or ricotta for a slightly different but still creamy texture.
Q: Is this recipe suitable for kids?
A: Yes, the flavors are mild and appealing to many children, especially if you omit any spicy additions.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.