Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna – A Creamy, Cheesy Seafood Dream

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna combines the indulgent richness of traditional lasagna with the bright, savory flavors of shrimp scampi. If you love the buttery-garlic-lemon profile of classic shrimp scampi and the layered goodness of lasagna, this recipe is about to become your new obsession.

Unlike classic tomato-based versions, this creamy seafood lasagna is all about garlic butter, lemon zest, and tender shrimp layered with cheeses and pasta.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

Seafood & Pasta

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 9 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente or oven-ready

Garlic Butter Sauce

• 6 tbsp unsalted butter

• 6 cloves garlic, minced

• Zest and juice of 1 lemon

• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

Cheese Filling

• 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella

• ½ cup Parmesan cheese

• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional: fresh parsley or chopped spinach

How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna

1. Sauté the Shrimp

• In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter.

• Add garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 min).

• Stir in shrimp and cook just until pink (2–3 mins).

• Add lemon juice, zest, and chicken broth.

• Remove from heat.

2. Make the Cheese Sauce

• In a saucepan, melt the remaining 4 tbsp butter.

• Whisk in cream, then slowly add ricotta, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning.

• Simmer until creamy and slightly thickened (about 5 mins).

• Season with salt and pepper.

3. Assemble the Lasagna

• Preheat oven to 375°F.

• Spread a layer of sauce at the bottom of a 9×13” baking dish.

• Layer noodles, shrimp, sauce, mozzarella.

• Repeat for 3 layers.

• Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.

4. Bake and Rest

• Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.

• Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

• Rest 10 minutes before serving.

Tips for Perfect Shrimp Scampi Lasagna

• Don’t overcook shrimp—they will finish cooking during baking.

• Layer evenly to avoid a soggy or top-heavy lasagna.

• Use full-fat dairy for best richness and consistency.

• Let it rest before slicing to keep the layers neat.

Variations You’ll Love

One of the best things about Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna is its flexibility. With a few simple tweaks, you can make it lighter, spicier, dairy-free, or even gluten-free—without losing the indulgent flavor and creamy texture that makes this dish so crave-worthy.

Here’s how you can easily adapt this lasagna to fit your taste and dietary needs:

🥬 Spinach or Kale Version: Add a Nutrient Boost

If you love greens or want to add more fiber and vitamins, this one’s for you:

• Lightly sauté fresh spinach or kale in olive oil with a pinch of salt

• Squeeze out excess moisture before layering

• Add between your cheese layers for a savory, earthy contrast

• Works great with ricotta, balancing richness with freshness

💡 Pro Tip: Frozen spinach can also be used—just thaw and drain well before layering.

🌶️ Spicy Kick: Bring the Heat

For those who like a little extra flavor punch, try this spicy version:

• Add ½–1 tsp red pepper flakes to the garlic butter shrimp while sautéing

• For more heat, sprinkle Cajun seasoning into the cheese sauce

• Top the lasagna with a pinch of chili flakes for color and a bold finish

🔥 Warning: Taste as you go—the heat builds!

🍄 Mushroom Lovers’ Edition: Umami Overload

Mushrooms bring a deep, meaty flavor that complements shrimp beautifully:

• Sauté sliced cremini, baby bella, or shiitake mushrooms in olive oil with garlic

• Layer mushrooms over the shrimp or mix into the cheese sauce

• Add a pinch of thyme or rosemary for an earthy twist

🍄 Texture Tip: Don’t crowd the pan—cook mushrooms in batches to get a nice golden sear.

🥥 Dairy-Free Option: Still Creamy, No Cheese

Yes, you can enjoy this creamy dish without dairy!

• Swap out cream with full-fat coconut milk or oat cream

• Use vegan mozzarella and ricotta (store-bought or homemade)

• Make sure your broth and noodles are dairy-free and plant-based

• Add nutritional yeast to boost that cheesy flavor naturally

🌱 Flavor Boost: Add lemon zest and a splash of white balsamic for brightness.

🌾 Gluten-Free Version: No Compromises Needed

Whether you’re gluten-sensitive or just cutting back, you can enjoy this lasagna fully:

• Use gluten-free lasagna noodles—available in rice, corn, or lentil options

• Double-check your broth, cheese, and seasonings for hidden gluten

• Cook noodles al dente to avoid mushy texture during baking

✅ Pro Tip: Bake uncovered for the last 10 minutes to help firm up gluten-free noodles.

With these creative versions, your garlic butter shrimp scampi lasagna can evolve into multiple dishes that suit your lifestyle and cravings—without compromising on taste or wow factor.

Storage & Freezing Instructions

Whether you’re planning ahead or saving leftovers, this garlic butter shrimp scampi lasagna holds up beautifully with the right storage method. From fridge to freezer, here’s how to keep every layer tasting fresh and flavorful.

🧊 Refrigerator Storage (Up to 4 Days)

For short-term storage, the fridge is your best friend:

• Allow lasagna to cool completely before refrigerating

• Transfer to an airtight container or cover your baking dish tightly with foil or wrap

• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days

To Reheat:

• Reheat individual slices in the microwave (1–2 minutes)

• Or reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes

• Add a splash of broth or cream before reheating to restore moisture if needed

💡 Quick Tip: Use a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel to avoid drying out the top layer.

❄️ Freezer Storage (Up to 3 Months)

Planning to freeze it? Great news—this seafood lasagna freezes surprisingly well!

For Whole Lasagna:

• Let the lasagna cool fully

• Wrap the entire pan tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil

• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months

For Individual Servings:

• Cut into single portions

• Wrap each slice in plastic and foil

• Place in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for easy grab-and-reheat meals

To Thaw and Reheat:

• Thaw overnight in the fridge

• Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 25–30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly

🔥 Do Not Thaw on the Counter: Always thaw in the fridge to maintain food safety and texture.

With these tips, your garlic butter shrimp scampi lasagna will stay just as comforting and delicious days—or even weeks—later.

What to Serve with Shrimp Scampi Lasagna

• Light green salad with lemon vinaigrette

• Roasted asparagus or garlic broccoli

• Crusty bread or garlic knots

• Lemonade or sparkling citrus water

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Overcooking shrimp before baking

❌ Skipping sauce between layers (leads to dryness)

❌ Using raw garlic without sautéing

❌ Not letting lasagna rest before cutting

❌ Forgetting to taste and season cheese sauce

🎯 Fix: Cook shrimp briefly, taste your sauce, and always rest before slicing!

FAQ – Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna

If you’re getting ready to try this creamy seafood twist on lasagna, you’re probably wondering about substitutions, prep shortcuts, and food safety. We’ve rounded up the most common questions to help you make the best version of this dish—whether you’re cooking it for a dinner party or meal-prepping for the week ahead.

🍤 Can I use precooked shrimp?

Yes, you can use precooked shrimp, especially if you’re in a hurry. However, it’s important to not fully recook them, or they’ll turn rubbery.

• Gently warm them in the garlic butter sauce for just a minute or two

• Then layer them as usual in your lasagna

• This method still lets them soak up the scampi flavor without overcooking

💡 Pro Tip: Add precooked shrimp toward the end of the sauté step—just until heated through.

🧀 Can I make this without ricotta?

Definitely! If you’re out of ricotta or just not a fan, there are tasty alternatives:

• Cottage cheese – a lighter, slightly tangier swap

• Mascarpone – richer and creamier for a more indulgent filling

• Vegan cheese spread – great for dairy-free diets

Make sure to blend or mash cottage cheese slightly for a smoother texture.

❄️ Can I freeze this lasagna before baking?

Absolutely—you can prepare it in advance and freeze it unbaked, which is great for meal prepping or holiday hosting.

Here’s how:

• Assemble lasagna completely in a foil or freezer-safe baking dish

• Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil

• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months

When ready to bake:

• Thaw overnight in the fridge

• Bake covered at 375°F for 45–55 minutes, or until hot and bubbly

• Uncover for the final 10 minutes for a golden top

🧊 Bonus Tip: You can also freeze individual unbaked portions in ramekins for single-serving convenience.

🥬 Can I add vegetables to this lasagna?

Yes, and it’s a great way to balance the richness of the dish with freshness and color.

Try adding:

• Sautéed spinach or kale – adds nutrients and depth

• Thinly sliced zucchini or squash – lightly cooked before layering

• Sautéed mushrooms – bring an umami flavor that pairs beautifully with shrimp

Always cook and drain vegetables first to avoid adding excess water to your lasagna.

🌡️ How do I know it’s cooked through?

The best way to ensure doneness—especially with seafood—is to use a thermometer.

• The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C)

• Look for bubbling edges and melted, golden cheese on top

• Let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing to set the layers

Final Thoughts on Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna

This garlic butter shrimp scampi lasagna is a luxurious, crowd-pleasing twist on a classic. It’s indulgent, rich, and layered with fresh seafood flavor and creamy cheeses. Whether for Sunday dinner, holidays, or special gatherings, this dish is a guaranteed favorite.

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