Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna

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When I first thought about fusing shrimp scampi with lasagna, I wasn’t sure how well the two would play together. But after one bite, I was hooked. Creamy, garlicky, and rich with perfectly cooked shrimp nestled between layers of lasagna noodles and melted cheese—this recipe delivers comfort food at its luxurious best.

I’ve always loved how shrimp scampi sings with flavor, but layering it into a lasagna takes the experience to another level. It’s indulgent, yes—but also surprisingly balanced. The citrus and garlic cut through the richness, and the texture is everything: tender shrimp, velvety sauce, and golden bubbly cheese on top. This is not your average weeknight dinner—it’s the showstopper you make when you want to impress without the stress.

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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna

• It’s an unexpected twist on two beloved classics.
• The creamy garlic butter sauce adds decadence without being overly heavy.
• Shrimp keeps it light and elegant, ideal for special occasions or elevated dinners.
• Melts beautifully into a bubbling, cheesy top layer that’s irresistible.
• Make-ahead friendly: Prep it earlier and bake when ready.

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What Kind of Shrimp Should I Use?

For this Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna, I recommend using large or extra-large shrimp—either fresh or frozen (just make sure they’re thawed completely). They should be peeled and deveined for the best texture and ease of eating. Tail-off shrimp work best in lasagna so you don’t have to worry about removing them mid-bite. Wild-caught shrimp tend to have better flavor, but good-quality farm-raised shrimp will also work just fine.

If you’re short on time, pre-cooked shrimp can be used, though I highly suggest gently reheating them in the garlic butter sauce just until warmed through to avoid rubbery results.

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Options for Substitutions

Cooking should always leave space for flexibility. Here’s how you can make this lasagna your own without sacrificing the wow factor:

• Pasta Sheets: Gluten-free lasagna noodles or even fresh pasta sheets work beautifully in place of traditional dry ones.
• Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter and a creamy cashew sauce instead of the dairy-based bechamel.
• Cheese Swap: Can’t find mozzarella? Try provolone or a blend of fontina and parmesan for a gooier top.
• Seafood Variety: Not a shrimp fan? Scallops or lump crab meat can be a delicious alternative.
• Lemon Boost: Add a bit of lemon zest to your sauce for extra brightness.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute shrimp with sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a garlicky, creamy veggie lasagna.

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Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna

Let’s talk about the essential elements that make this lasagna so indulgent and memorable. Each ingredient plays a role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this dish stand out.

• Lasagna Noodles
  These are the sturdy foundation of the dish. They hold the rich sauce and shrimp together in perfect balance, and create the signature layered effect. Use oven-ready or pre-boil them if needed.
• Shrimp
  The star protein. Tender, sweet, and rich—shrimp add both flavor and elegance. Cook them gently in garlic butter so they remain juicy and soft, not rubbery.
• Garlic Butter
  Fragrant, rich, and essential. Melted butter with minced garlic is the base of our scampi sauce and infuses the entire lasagna with bold, mouthwatering aroma.
• Heavy Cream
  This brings the silkiness. It thickens into a luscious sauce when combined with butter and cheese, bathing each layer in rich flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese
  Sharp, salty, and nutty. Parmesan helps deepen the sauce and adds a savory umami kick. It also works well for topping and browning.
• Mozzarella Cheese
  Mild and melty. Mozzarella adds that gooey, stretchy cheese factor that no lasagna is complete without. It melts beautifully over the top.
• Ricotta Cheese
  Creamy and mellow, it provides structure and a rich texture to the middle layers. It complements the shrimp without overwhelming them.
• Fresh Parsley
  A pop of green to brighten the richness. It adds freshness and makes the dish look finished and vibrant.
• Lemon Juice
  Just a splash cuts through the cream and butter with a subtle tang—balancing the richness with acidity.
• Salt & Black Pepper
  Essential for seasoning and depth. Don’t be shy with these; they pull everything together.

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Step 1: Cook the Lasagna Noodles

If you’re not using oven-ready noodles, start by boiling the lasagna sheets in salted water until al dente. Drain and lay them flat on a lightly oiled surface or parchment paper to prevent sticking.

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Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add minced garlic. Once fragrant, toss in the shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until just pink and opaque. Remove them from the pan and set aside. You’ll chop them roughly once they cool.

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Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Cream Sauce

In the same pan, add more butter if needed and stir in additional garlic. Pour in heavy cream and let it simmer gently until slightly thickened. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. The sauce should be smooth and coat the back of a spoon.

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Step 4: Mix Ricotta Filling

In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese with a bit of salt, pepper, and a handful of chopped parsley. You can also stir in a small amount of the garlic cream sauce for extra richness.

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Step 5: Assemble the Lasagna

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased baking dish, begin with a thin layer of sauce. Add a layer of noodles, then spoon on some ricotta mixture, scatter chopped shrimp, drizzle more cream sauce, and sprinkle mozzarella. Repeat layers until the dish is full, finishing with noodles, sauce, and plenty of mozzarella and Parmesan on top.

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Step 6: Bake

Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbly. Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end if you want a crisp top.

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How Long to Cook Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna

In total, the lasagna should bake for about 40 to 45 minutes:

• Covered Bake: 25 minutes at 375°F (190°C) with foil. This keeps moisture in and prevents the top from browning too fast.
• Uncovered Bake: 15–20 minutes to let the top turn golden and the sauce bubble up.
• Optional Broil: 2–3 minutes at the end for a lightly crisped, caramelized cheese topping.

Let the lasagna rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers firm up for cleaner servings.

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Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna

• Don’t overcook the shrimp: They’ll cook again in the oven, so keep them just barely pink during the sauté phase.
• Layer smartly: Start and end with sauce, and make sure each layer gets an even spread of ricotta, shrimp, and mozzarella.
• Go easy on the lemon: A little brightens the dish, but too much can overpower the delicate sauce.
• Use freshly grated cheese: Pre-shredded versions contain anti-caking agents that can affect melting.
• Let it rest: This gives the cheese time to settle, so your slices hold together beautifully.
• Balance the salt: Between cheese and shrimp, there’s already some saltiness—taste the sauce before adding more.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even the most luscious recipes can be sabotaged by a few missteps. Here’s what to avoid when making Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna:

• Overcooking the shrimp: The biggest culprit. Shrimp turn rubbery fast, so keep them just-cooked before layering them in.
• Skipping the resting time: If you slice too soon after baking, the layers will fall apart. Give it 10–15 minutes to settle.
• Thin sauce: Don’t rush the sauce. Simmer it gently until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
• Watery ricotta: If your ricotta is too wet, drain it in cheesecloth or mix in an egg for a firmer texture.
• Uneven layering: Skipping corners or piling ingredients in the center leads to lopsided slices and uneven baking.
• Burnt top: Always cover the dish with foil for the first part of baking. Only remove it to brown the top near the end.

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What to Serve With Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna?

Pairing sides with this luxurious dish can really elevate the entire meal. Here are some options that complement the flavors without overwhelming them:

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus

A crisp-tender veggie side that mirrors the garlic notes in the lasagna.

Lemon-Dressed Arugula Salad

A peppery, citrusy salad helps cut through the richness of the cream and cheese.

Crusty Artisan Bread

Perfect for mopping up any extra sauce. Bonus if it’s warm from the oven.

Caprese Salad Skewers

Tomato, mozzarella, and basil on toothpicks offer a refreshing, bite-sized contrast.

Chilled White Wine Sangria

A light, citrus-forward drink keeps things bright and balances the creamy dish.

Garlic Butter Mushrooms

Savory, earthy mushrooms echo the butter and garlic theme beautifully.

Roasted Grapes with Thyme

Sweet, herbaceous, and a little unexpected—this side offers a fun textural contrast.

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Storage Instructions

This Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna keeps surprisingly well, making it a great option for leftovers or advanced meal prep.

• Refrigerator: Once fully cooled, cover tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. It will keep for up to 3 days in the fridge.
• Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave at medium power for 2–3 minutes, or reheat the whole dish in the oven at 325°F (160°C) covered, for 15–20 minutes until heated through.
• Freezing: You can freeze this lasagna, though the texture of the shrimp and cream sauce may be slightly altered after thawing. If freezing, wrap tightly in two layers of foil and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble the lasagna up to a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

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Estimated Nutrition

Please note: these values are approximate and based on one serving out of eight total portions.

• Calories: 520–580 kcal
• Protein: 32g
• Fat: 34g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Sugar: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 740mg
• Cholesterol: 220mg

This lasagna is rich in protein thanks to the shrimp and cheese, with a fair amount of fat from the butter and cream. To lighten it up, consider using part-skim ricotta and reducing the cheese slightly without compromising flavor.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What size shrimp should I use for this lasagna?

Large or extra-large shrimp (31/40 count per pound) work best. They’re meaty enough to stand out in the layers and stay juicy after baking.

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Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Let it sit at room temp for about 20 minutes before putting it in the oven.

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What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

For best results, reheat covered in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through. Individual slices also reheat well in the microwave on medium power for 2–3 minutes.

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Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

Yes, but it’s best to briefly toss them in the garlic butter sauce just to coat—don’t overheat or they’ll turn rubbery during baking.

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How do I prevent watery lasagna?

Make sure your ricotta isn’t too wet (you can drain it) and cook down your cream sauce enough to thicken. Also, don’t skip the resting period after baking—it helps the layers firm up.

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Is this dish kid-friendly?

If your kids enjoy shrimp and cheesy pasta, they’ll probably love this! You can reduce the garlic a bit if needed to suit younger palates.

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What kind of cheese can I use instead of ricotta?

Cottage cheese is a great substitute. You can also try a béchamel base or even mascarpone for a richer twist.

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Can I freeze individual portions?

Yes! Slice cooled lasagna into individual squares, wrap each in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Perfect for grab-and-go meals later.

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Conclusion

This Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna is more than just a fusion dish—it’s an elegant, cozy, and utterly satisfying meal that marries the best parts of seafood and Italian comfort food. Whether you’re serving it on a special occasion or just treating yourself midweek, it’s sure to impress.

It’s creamy without being heavy, garlicky without overpowering, and full of luxurious textures and flavors. Once you make it, don’t be surprised if it becomes a new favorite in your recipe rotation.

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