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If you love rich, comforting pasta dishes but want something more special than the usual classic lasagna recipe, this Shrimp Crab Lasagna is about to become your new favorite. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender shrimp and sweet imitation crab, it brings together the hearty comfort of traditional lasagna and the irresistible flavors of luxurious seafood dishes. Whether you’re looking for impressive seafood appetizers, crowd-pleasing mains, or unique recipes for dinner, this dish checks every box.

This seafood variation is perfect for anyone who loves comforting pasta but wants a fun twist on the best lasagna recipe. While traditional lasagna leans heavily on marinara and beef, this version swaps the red sauce for a smooth, velvety white sauce that pairs beautifully with seafood. Even better? It can be prepped in advance, making it ideal for holiday gatherings, special occasions, or lazy dinners when you want something indulgent without too much effort.

For cooks who enjoy experimenting with imitated crab recipes or want new ways to use shrimp beyond shrimp appetizers for party, this creamy seafood lasagna offers something unique and unforgettable.

Shrimp Crab Lasagna

This creamy, cheesy Shrimp Crab Lasagna is a luxurious twist on classic lasagna, combining tender shrimp, sweet imitation crab, and layers of rich white sauce and melty cheese. Perfect for seafood lovers, special occasions, lazy dinners, and anyone wanting a comforting yet elevated dish. It’s simple to assemble, incredibly flavorful, and a unique way to enjoy easy lasagna with a coastal flair.

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Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

10 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings 4

Ingredients

  

• Seafood Filling
• 1 lb shrimp peeled & deveined, chopped
• 1 lb imitation crab chopped
• 1 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning optional
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
• White Sauce
• 4 tbsp butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• Lasagna Layers
• 9 –12 lasagna noodles cooked or no-boil
• 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese for topping
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese for topping

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Seafood Filling
• Melt 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium heat.
• Add shrimp, garlic, salt, pepper, and Old Bay.
• Cook just until shrimp turn pink (2–3 minutes). Do not overcook.
• Remove from heat and chop shrimp if needed.
• In a large bowl, combine shrimp, imitation crab, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and parsley. Mix well.
• Make the White Sauce
• Melt 4 tbsp butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
• Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
• Slowly pour in chicken broth while whisking until smooth.
• Add heavy cream, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder.
• Simmer until thickened, about 3–5 minutes.
• Remove from heat.
• Assemble the Lasagna
• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Spread a thin layer of white sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish.
• Add a layer of noodles.
• Spread ⅓ of the seafood filling over the noodles.
• Add a layer of white sauce.
• Repeat layers (noodles → seafood mixture → sauce) until ingredients are used.
• Finish with a final layer of noodles, sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
• Bake
• Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
• Remove foil and bake another 15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
• Let rest 10–15 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Use no-boil noodles for a true lazy lasagna version.

Don’t overcook shrimp, they will finish cooking in the oven.

Add spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.

Lump crab meat can replace imitation crab for a premium version.

Store leftovers up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Can be assembled a day ahead and baked before serving.

Serve with salad, garlic bread, or roasted veggies for a complete comfort-food meal.

Why Make Shrimp Crab Lasagna?

The mix of shrimp and imitation crab creates a deliciously tender and sweet filling that tastes far more expensive than it is. Assembling lasagna feels instantly comforting, and switching to seafood brings an unexpected elegance. The result is creamy, savory, and perfectly layered—rich enough to feel indulgent yet balanced enough to enjoy any time of the year.

This recipe is also ideal for anyone wanting an upgrade from easy lasagna or lazy lasagna, because even though the flavors are sophisticated, the process is straightforward. You’re essentially preparing a flavorful seafood filling and layering it with noodles and cheese. The ingredients are easy to find, budget-friendly, and beginner-friendly, making this a wonderful homemade lasagna recipe for anyone who loves cooking.

Plus, this dish offers a refreshing alternative to heavy beef or sausage lasagnas. It’s a wonderful fusion of Italian comfort with coastal flavors—creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly smooth.

Ingredients and Flavor Profile

Shrimp brings a juicy, delicate bite, while imitation crab adds a sweet ocean flavor that holds up beautifully in creamy sauces. Combining mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan gives the lasagna its signature cheesy pull and richness. A silky white sauce—often made with butter, garlic, cream, and seasonings—ties everything together.

Fresh herbs like parsley and basil brighten the dish. For extra depth, you can add spinach, lemon zest, or a touch of Old Bay, making it even more flavorful.

These simple additions bring a restaurant-quality feel to what remains a very approachable recipe for beginners and experienced cooks alike.

How to Make Shrimp Crab Lasagna

If you want to know exactly how to make lasagna with seafood, don’t worry—the process is straightforward.

1. Prepare the seafood filling:
   Sauté shrimp in butter until just cooked, then chop into small pieces. Mix with chopped imitation crab, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, and herbs. The result is creamy, flavorful, and perfect for layering.

2. Make the creamy sauce:
   Create a thickened white sauce using butter, flour, broth, and cream. This acts as the binder for the lasagna and blends beautifully with seafood.

3. Prepare lasagna noodles:
   You can boil noodles traditionally or use no-boil sheets for a convenient lazy lasagna option.

4. Layer the lasagna:
   Spread sauce at the bottom, then layer noodles, seafood mixture, sauce, and cheese. Repeat until your pan is full.

5. Bake:
   Bake until the top is golden, the sauce bubbles, and the kitchen smells absolutely heavenly.

The finished dish is cheesy, creamy, and wonderfully comforting—everything you want from comfort food recipes, but with a refreshing seafood twist.

How to Serve

Shrimp Crab Lasagna shines as a main dish for family dinners, date nights, and gatherings. Serve it with:

• Garlic bread

• A crisp green salad

• Roasted vegetables

• Lemon-butter asparagus

If you want to create a full seafood-themed dinner, pair it with light seafood appetizers like shrimp cocktail, crab dip, or buttery stuffed shrimp.

This lasagna also slices beautifully when slightly cooled, making it an excellent dish for potlucks and holidays.

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Tips for Success

• Don’t overcook the shrimp. It will finish cooking in the oven.

• Use high-quality cheese for best flavor and melting texture.

• Let the lasagna rest 10–15 minutes before slicing to keep layers from sliding.

• Try no-boil noodles if you want the easiest version of easy lasagna.

• Make ahead: Assemble 24 hours ahead and bake before serving.

• Add spinach or mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.

• Try lump crab meat if you want a more premium version.

Following these tips ensures a smooth, creamy lasagna every single time.

Final Thoughts

This Shrimp Crab Lasagna brings together everything you love about lasagna—cheese, layers, richness, and comfort—while adding the elegance of seafood. Whether you’re exploring new recipes for dinner, craving meals that feel special, or simply want a fresh spin on a homemade lasagna recipe, this dish delivers every time.

It’s creamy, satisfying, and full of coastal flavor, making it a perfect combination of comfort and sophistication. From family dinners to special celebrations, this lasagna is guaranteed to impress.