Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe

I absolutely love this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe because it’s like the best of two worlds combined — the garlicky, buttery goodness of shrimp scampi meets the comforting, cheesy layers of classic lasagna. When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how the bright lemon and garlic flavors in the shrimp blend so perfectly with the creamy ricotta and mozzarella layers. It’s one of those dishes that feels indulgent but still fresh, making it a real standout for a cozy dinner or special occasion.

You’ll find that this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe works wonderfully when you want to impress guests or just treat yourself to something a little different from the usual pasta night. It’s elegant yet approachable, and honestly, after making it once, I kept coming back to it whenever I craved something comfortingly luxurious but with a seafood twist. Plus, the lemon and garlic keep it bright, so it’s not overly heavy like some lasagna can be.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients in this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe work wonderfully together to create that perfect balance of rich, creamy, and zesty flavors. When shopping, aim for fresh shrimp and good-quality cheese to really make a difference.

• Large shrimp: Look for peeled and deveined shrimp for convenience and quick cooking.
• Unsalted butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness of your dish.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds that punchy, aromatic flavor that’s key for scampi.
• White wine (optional): Adds depth and richness, but you can skip it if you prefer.
• Fresh lemon juice: The bright acidity that balances the butter and cream.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): Just a hint of heat to keep things interesting.
• Fresh parsley: Fresh parsley brings a lovely herbaceous note.
• Lasagna noodles: Regular or no-boil noodles will both work; just adjust cooking times accordingly.
• Ricotta cheese: Adds creamy, slightly sweet texture—don’t substitute with cottage cheese here.
• Mozzarella cheese: Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully for gooey layers.
• Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan is essential for that nutty, salty kick.
• Eggs: Helps bind the ricotta cheese mixture so it doesn’t spread too much.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs to complement the seafood and cheese.
• Nutmeg (optional): Just a pinch brings subtle warmth to the cheese filling.
• Heavy cream: Used to create a rich, velvety base for the layers and topping.

Variations

I love playing around with this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe to suit different moods and dietary needs. It’s super versatile, so don’t hesitate to tweak ingredients to make it your own little masterpiece.

• Spicy Kick Variation: I sometimes add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to the shrimp to give the dish a bit more heat — my family goes crazy for it!
• Vegetarian Version: Swap shrimp for sautéed mushrooms or zucchini ribbons to keep the garlic butter flavor without seafood.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles or thinly sliced zucchini as a noodle substitute for a grain-free version.
• Herb Variations: Try adding fresh basil or tarragon along with parsley for a different herbal profile that brightens the creaminess.

How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe

Step 1: Make the Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

Start by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant — you want it to smell amazing, about 1 to 2 minutes, but be careful not to let it brown. Then add the shrimp, cooking for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. This step is key — overcooked shrimp get rubbery, so watch them closely. Once cooked, stir in the white wine, lemon juice, red pepper flakes if using, and salt and pepper. Let it all cook together for another couple of minutes, then remove from heat and toss in the fresh parsley. This mixture is where all the magic happens!

Step 2: Cook the Lasagna Noodles

While the shrimp is cooling, cook your lasagna noodles according to the package directions until al dente. I always recommend saving a cup of the pasta water just in case — it can be a game-changer if you find the layers a bit dry when assembling. Once cooked, drain and set aside, laying them flat on a sheet so they don’t stick together.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a medium bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, half the mozzarella, half the Parmesan, eggs, Italian seasoning, and nutmeg if you’re using it. The eggs help the cheese mixture set up nicely while baking, so don’t skip them! Make sure everything is blended until smooth and creamy — this will give you those luscious, rich layers everyone loves.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of heavy cream on the bottom of your 9×13-inch baking dish — this prevents sticking and adds richness. Start layering with noodles, then a layer of cheese mixture, followed by a layer of shrimp scampi. Repeat these layers as many times as your dish allows, finishing with a final noodle layer on top. Pour the remaining heavy cream over the top noodles and sprinkle on the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses for that golden crust.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes to let everything meld and steam together. Then remove the foil and bake an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden. Let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing so the layers settle — this makes it easier to serve and lets the flavors deepen.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe

Garnishes

I always sprinkle more fresh chopped parsley right before serving — it adds such a fresh pop of color and flavor that complements the richness of the dish. Sometimes, I add a little extra grated Parmesan on top for that lovely salty finish. A few lemon wedges on the side are great too if someone wants a little more citrus brightness.

Side Dishes

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette — it cuts through the richness. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is also a family favorite to mop up any leftover sauce. For veggies, I love roasted asparagus or steamed green beans with a squeeze of lemon.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving this lasagna in individual ramekins for a pretty, personalized touch — it makes it feel extra festive. You can also layer it in a deep-dish pie pan for a taller, dramatic presentation. Adding edible flowers or microgreens on top can elevate the look when entertaining.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After it’s cooled, I store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It reheats wonderfully, and the flavors actually meld even more overnight. Just be sure to let it come to room temp for 20-30 minutes before reheating for even warming.

Freezing

I’ve had great luck freezing assembled but unbaked lasagna in a sealed container for up to 2 months. When ready to cook, just thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed — add an extra 10 minutes to the bake time just in case. This is a lifesaver for meal prep or unexpected guests!

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the lasagna with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until bubbly. You can finish it uncovered for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the top again. The microwave works in a pinch, but you might lose some of that lovely texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes when I want to wow the people I love with something special but totally doable. The marriage of shrimp scampi flavors with creamy, cheesy layers makes it unique and memorable — it’s a real crowd-pleaser. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover just how delicious and comforting this twist on lasagna can be. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll be planning it for your next dinner party or cozy night in!

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