Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna – Lovely Recipes

When I first created this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna, I wanted to bring together two beloved comfort foods into one unforgettable dish. Shrimp scampi is one of my go-to seafood meals whenever I crave something buttery, garlicky, and satisfying, while lasagna has always been a family favorite that reminds me of warmth and celebration. The idea of blending these two classics came from a desire to surprise my family with something both familiar and exciting. The very first time I served it, the aroma of garlic butter filled the kitchen, and the golden, bubbling layers of pasta, shrimp, and cheese instantly drew everyone to the table. That moment turned into a tradition, and this recipe became a regular highlight for dinner gatherings.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This lasagna is far from ordinary. Instead of a heavy tomato-based sauce, it features a light yet rich garlic butter cream sauce that pairs perfectly with tender shrimp. Every bite gives you a balance of creamy textures, delicate seafood flavor, and cheesy goodness. If you love shrimp scampi but also crave a hearty baked dish, this recipe is truly the best of both worlds. It is comforting without being overwhelming, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Versatile

What makes this dish even more appealing is its versatility. You can prepare it as a centerpiece for family dinners, serve it at holiday gatherings, or portion it into smaller servings for meal prep. It’s a recipe that works just as well for intimate meals as it does for festive celebrations. You can also adapt it to suit your taste—whether by adding extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, or by adjusting the cheese to your preference.

Affordable

Despite sounding like a restaurant-quality dish, this recipe is surprisingly affordable. Shrimp can often be found on sale, and the rest of the ingredients—pasta, butter, garlic, and cheese—are pantry staples that don’t require a big budget. By making it at home, you not only save money compared to dining out, but you also get to enjoy generous portions that can feed a whole family or provide several leftover meals.

Ingredients for the Recipe

To prepare Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna, you will need the following ingredients:

  • Lasagna noodles

  • Large shrimp, peeled and deveined

  • Butter

  • Fresh garlic, minced

  • Olive oil

  • Chicken broth (as an alternative to wine)

  • Heavy cream

  • Parmesan cheese, grated

  • Mozzarella cheese, shredded

  • Ricotta cheese

  • Fresh parsley, chopped

  • Lemon juice

  • Salt and black pepper

How to Prepare Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna

Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation

Making Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna may look like a big task, but with the right steps, it is actually quick and straightforward. Each layer comes together beautifully, and by the time it bakes, the result is a bubbling, golden dish that smells irresistible. Here’s how you can prepare it at home:

Step 1: Prepare the Lasagna Noodles

Begin by boiling a large pot of water with a pinch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook them until just al dente, because they will finish cooking in the oven. Drain them carefully, then lay them flat on a clean surface or parchment paper to prevent sticking. This step ensures your layers will be even and easy to assemble later.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

In a large skillet, melt a generous amount of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, stirring often so it does not burn. Place the shrimp in the pan and sauté them for just 2–3 minutes per side until they turn pink and slightly golden. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside, keeping the flavorful garlic butter in the pan for the sauce.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Cream Sauce

In the same skillet, add a touch of olive oil if needed, then pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any bits of flavor stuck to the bottom. Stir in the heavy cream and allow the sauce to simmer gently. Add lemon juice, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper, whisking until the sauce thickens into a velvety consistency. This creamy garlic butter sauce is what makes the lasagna rich and indulgent.

Step 4: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and some chopped parsley. Mix until smooth. This mixture will add creaminess and structure to your lasagna layers. For extra flavor, you can also stir in a small amount of Parmesan.

Step 5: Assemble the Lasagna

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish with butter or olive oil. Start with a thin layer of the garlic butter cream sauce at the bottom to prevent sticking. Place a layer of lasagna noodles on top, then spread a portion of the ricotta mixture, followed by a layer of shrimp, a sprinkle of mozzarella, and a drizzle of sauce. Continue layering until all ingredients are used, finishing with a final layer of noodles, sauce, and plenty of mozzarella and Parmesan on top.

Step 6: Bake the Lasagna

Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in the oven for about 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes until the top is golden, bubbly, and slightly crispy around the edges. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This resting time allows the layers to set, making it easier to serve neat portions.

Quick and Easy

Even though it looks impressive, this recipe is quite easy to follow. Most of the preparation time involves layering, while the oven does the rest of the work. Cooking the shrimp takes only minutes, and the garlic butter sauce comes together quickly, so the entire process is much faster than traditional meat lasagna.

Customizable

One of the best parts about this dish is how customizable it can be. If you love vegetables, try adding sautéed spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms in between the layers. For a stronger seafood taste, you can mix in scallops or crab meat along with the shrimp. The cheese can also be adjusted—some people enjoy a touch of Gruyère for an extra nutty flavor. If you prefer a lighter version, you can use low-fat ricotta and reduced-fat mozzarella without losing much of the richness.

Popular with Many People

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna is a true crowd-pleaser. It appeals to seafood lovers, pasta enthusiasts, and cheese fans alike. Whether you serve it at a dinner party, bring it to a potluck, or make it for your family, it never fails to get compliments. The combination of flavors feels gourmet, but it’s still approachable enough for casual gatherings. Because it is unique and unexpected, it often becomes the most talked-about dish at the table.

Print

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna – Lovely Recipes

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna combines the rich, garlicky flavor of shrimp scampi with the comforting layers of cheesy lasagna. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it is creamy, hearty, and surprisingly easy to prepare.

  • Author: Lura Skye
  • Prep Time: 25
  • Cook Time: 45
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 lasagna noodles
  • 1 ½ pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook lasagna noodles until al dente. Drain and set aside on parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
  3. Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and slightly golden. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add olive oil if needed. Pour in chicken broth to deglaze, scraping any bits from the pan.
  5. Stir in heavy cream and lemon juice. Simmer until slightly thickened. Whisk in Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper.
  6. In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, and parsley. Mix until smooth.
  7. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish.
  8. Spread a thin layer of garlic butter cream sauce on the bottom. Layer noodles, ricotta mixture, shrimp, mozzarella, and sauce. Repeat until all ingredients are used.
  9. Finish with noodles, sauce, and the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
  10. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
  11. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook the shrimp; they will continue cooking in the oven.

Allow the lasagna to rest before slicing for cleaner servings.

Add spinach or mushrooms for extra layers of flavor.

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp work perfectly as long as they are thawed completely before cooking. Make sure to pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture so they cook evenly and do not water down the sauce.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare the lasagna up to the assembly stage, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply place it in the oven, though you may need to add an extra 10–15 minutes to the cooking time.

Can I replace ricotta cheese with something else?
Yes, cottage cheese is a common substitute. It has a lighter texture but still provides creaminess. You can also blend it for a smoother consistency if you prefer.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Leftover lasagna should be cooled completely, then stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place a portion in the oven or microwave until heated through. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Can I use other proteins instead of shrimp?
Yes, you can swap shrimp for chicken, turkey bacon, or even vegetables for a meat-free option.

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star