Imagine combining the indulgent flavors of shrimp scampi with the comforting layers of lasagna. That’s exactly what you get with this addictive and savory Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna! A delightful clash of succulent shrimp and creamy garlic butter sauce, layered perfectly to create a memorable meal everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent Flavor Fusion: The combination of garlic butter shrimp with creamy cheese is nothing short of heavenly.
- Easy Elegance: Despite its fancy name, this dish is surprisingly simple to prepare, making it perfect for impressing guests without the stress.
- Family Favorite: Layers of rich flavor will have everyone asking for seconds and maybe even thirds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna plays a role in building a dish that’s as delightful as it is comforting. The shrimp adds a natural sweetness, while the cheese and butter infuse the dish with richness, making every bite totally worth it.
- Lasagna noodles: These are the backbone of your layers, perfectly holding up to the creamy sauce.
- Large shrimp: Packed with protein and flavor, they’re the star of this sensational dish.
- Garlic: Provides that classic scampi flavor, which is both aromatic and comforting.
- Butter: Essential for creating a rich garlic sauce that envelops each layer.
- All-purpose flour: The thickening agent for your sauce, making it luscious and smooth.
- Milk: Adds creaminess to the sauce, balancing the garlic and cheese.
- Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses: These cheeses bring the ultimate creamy, gooey, and golden finish.
- Fresh parsley: A fresh pop of color and flavor that lightens up the dish.
- Lemon juice: Enhances the shrimp and garlic flavors, adding a zesty touch.
Variations
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna is wonderfully versatile. Whether you have specific dietary needs or just fancy trying something different, it’s easy to adapt to fit your taste.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap shrimp for mushrooms or spinach for a veggie take.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and flour for a seamless substitution.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic sauce for a spicy kick.
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. This usually means boiling them until they’re tender. Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside on a plate, covering them with a damp towel to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat and add minced garlic, cooking until fragrant. Toss in the shrimp, cooking until they’re pink and perfectly opaque. This should only take about 2-3 minutes per side, and then you can set them aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Using the same skillet, melt more butter, and add garlic, cooking until you smell that delicious scent. Stir in flour for a minute, ensuring it combines well. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth, letting it thicken nicely. Off the heat, melt in Parmesan, seasoning with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, start with a layer of sauce, followed by noodles, more sauce, shrimp, and a sprinkle of mozzarella. Keep going until all ingredients are used, finishing with mozzarella on top. Bake covered for 25 minutes, removing the foil to brown for an additional 10 minutes.
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna
- Shrimp Perfection: Don’t overcook your shrimp—they only need a few minutes until pink and tender.
- Sauce Consistency: Whisk continuously while adding the milk to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth sauce.
- Cheese Selection: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and gives a fresher taste than pre-grated cheese.
- Layering Logic: Ensure each noodle layer is coated with sauce to keep it moist and flavorful.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna
Garnishes
Top each serving with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a small squeeze of lemon juice. The parsley adds a lovely freshness, and the lemon boosts the flavors, cutting through the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pairing this dish with a light green salad and a drizzle of vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the lasagna. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up all the delicious sauces.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve it with a touch of elegance by placing a square of lasagna on individual plates, and garnish with lemon zest for an inviting pop of color. Alternatively, serve family-style in the baking dish, letting everyone help themselves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover lasagna tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to three days, allowing you to enjoy it throughout the week.
Freezing
This lasagna freezes beautifully! Assemble the dish but skip the baking step. Wrap it well and freeze for up to three months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking.
Reheating
To reheat individual servings, use the microwave for convenience. For reheating larger portions, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, ensuring the cheese re-melts perfectly.
FAQs
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Can I use pre-cooked shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked shrimp. Simply add them towards the end of cooking the garlic butter sauce to heat them through without overcooking.
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Is there a vegetarian substitute for shrimp?
Absolutely! Substitute shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or zucchini to maintain richness and a hearty texture.
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What type of milk is best for the sauce?
Whole milk gives the best creamy consistency, but you can use skim or plant-based milk if desired. Just keep in mind this may alter the sauce’s thickness.
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How can I ensure my sauce isn’t too thin?
If your sauce is too thin, let it simmer a bit longer so that it thickens up. Make sure to stir constantly to avoid sticking or burning.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited about trying this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna as I am about sharing it! It’s one of those comforting dishes that brings warmth and happiness to any table. Whether it’s for a cozy family dinner or a show-stopping recipe for guests, it’s sure to become a treasured favorite.
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Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna is a decadent, savory twist on traditional lasagna, featuring succulent shrimp cooked in garlic butter, layered with rich cheese sauce, and baked to perfection. It combines the flavors of classic scampi with the comforting appeal of lasagna, making it a crowd-pleasing dish for seafood lovers.
Ingredients
For the Lasagna:
- 1 box of lasagna noodles
- 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup of butter
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
- 2 cups of milk
- 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 1/2 cup of butter
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the lasagna noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the shrimp: In a large skillet, melt 1/2 cup of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Add the shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, approximately 2-3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the cheese sauce: In the same skillet, melt another 1/2 cup of butter. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk until no lumps remain. Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Assemble the lasagna: Spread a thin layer of cheese sauce at the bottom of a baking dish. Place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce. Top with more sauce, shrimp, shredded mozzarella, and chopped parsley. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a final layer of sauce and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Let rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen shrimp, but ensure they are peeled and deveined for easier eating.
- You can substitute part of the Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce.
- Let the lasagna rest for 5 minutes before slicing to prevent it from falling apart.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8th of dish)
- Calories: 470 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 165 mg
