Description
Indulge in a symphony of flavors with this decadent Seafood Lasagna. Layers of creamy sauce, tender seafood, and melted mozzarella create an unforgettable dish perfect for special occasions or a luxurious weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
Cream Sauce:
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 8 oz clam juice
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper, or to taste
Lasagna:
- 1 lb lasagna noodles
- Olive oil
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and cleaned
- ½ bunch fresh parsley, chopped (1 Tbsp reserved for garnish)
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 1¼ tsp kosher salt, divided
- 3 cups part-skim ricotta cheese
- 1½ oz Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 8 oz lump crab meat
- 8 oz cooked lobster meat, chopped
- 1 lb shredded mozzarella
- Cooking spray
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
Heat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C).
Step 2: Make the Cream Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 Tbsp butter. Add flour, stirring for ~2 minutes until lightly toasted.
Whisk in the clam juice, then milk. Add 1½ teaspoons of salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper for seasoning.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, or until it thickens.
Step 3: Cook Noodles
Cook the lasagna noodles in a large pot of salted water until they reach an al dente texture.
Spread noodles on a baking sheet, brush lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Sauté Seafood
Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet set over medium heat. Add garlic, cook until golden (~3 mins).
Pour in wine, boil until nearly evaporated (~3 mins).
Add shrimp, cooking until pink and just done (~4 mins).
Remove heat, stir in ¼ cup chopped parsley, lemon juice, and ¼ tsp salt. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Step 5: Prepare Ricotta Mixture
Combine ricotta, Parmesan, remaining 1 tsp salt, and ¼ tsp pepper in a bowl. Mix well; season further if desired.
Step 6: Assemble Layers
Coat the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish with ½ cup of the prepared cream sauce.
Add a layer of one-third of the noodles, followed by half of the ricotta mixture, half of the shrimp, lobster, and crab, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella.
Repeat the layering process using half of the remaining noodles, the rest of the ricotta mixture, remaining seafood, 1 cup mozzarella, and top with 1 cup of the cream sauce.
Finish by layering the remaining noodles, covering with the last of the cream sauce, and sprinkling over the final 2 cups of mozzarella.
Step 7: Bake
Cover with foil sprayed side down, bake for 30 minutes. Uncover, continue baking 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Allow the lasagna to rest for a minimum of 15 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with remaining parsley.
Why you’ll love this recipe
This Seafood Lasagna is a guaranteed showstopper. The combination of rich cream sauce, succulent seafood, and gooey cheese creates a symphony of textures and flavors that will leave everyone wanting more. It’s perfect for special occasions, holidays, or any time you want to impress your guests with a truly memorable dish. Plus, it can be made ahead of time, making it ideal for entertaining.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a crisp green salad and a light vinaigrette.
- Pair with a crusty bread for soaking up the delicious cream sauce.
- Accompany with a chilled glass of dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
Tips:
- Don’t overcook the lasagna noodles. They should be al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
- Use high-quality seafood for the best flavor.
- Make sure the cream sauce is thick enough to coat the noodles and seafood.
- Let the lasagna rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing to allow the cheese to set and the flavors to meld.
- For an extra touch of flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ricotta mixture or cream sauce.
- Substitute clam juice with seafood broth or white wine if preferred.
- Use gluten-free noodles and flour for a GF version.
- Make ahead and refrigerate or freeze before baking.
Preparation Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 50-55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Nutrition Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving size.)
- Calories: Approximately 600-700 per serving
- Protein: 40-50g per serving
- Sodium: 800-1000mg per serving
Conclusion
This Seafood Lasagna is a culinary masterpiece that is sure to impress. With its layers of creamy sauce, tender seafood, and melted cheese, it’s a dish that is both elegant and satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply looking for a special meal to share with your loved ones, this lasagna is a perfect choice. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to create a culinary experience that will be remembered long after the last bite.
Questions and Answers About This Recipe
Q1: Can I use frozen seafood for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen seafood. Make sure to thaw it completely before cooking and pat it dry to remove any excess moisture.
Q2: Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the refrigerator. You can also freeze it before baking.
Q3: What kind of wine should I use for the seafood?
A: A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works well. Avoid sweet wines, as they will clash with the seafood’s flavor.
Q4: Can I substitute the ricotta cheese?
A: If you don’t have ricotta cheese, you can use cottage cheese or a combination of cream cheese and sour cream.
Q5: How do I prevent the lasagna from drying out?
A: To prevent the lasagna from drying out, make sure to cover it with foil during the first half of baking. This will help trap the moisture and keep the noodles and filling from becoming dry.
