What is in seafood lasagna?

Seafood lasagna typically includes a mix of seafood like shrimp, crab, and scallops , layered between sheets of lasagna noodles with a creamy white sauce , a ricotta cheese mixture , and plenty of melted mozzarella and parmesan. Some recipes may also include spinach, lemon zest, or herbs to brighten the flavor. Our version features a unique clam chowder cream sauce for a richer, coastal twist.

What is the secret ingredient in lasagna?

For seafood lasagna, the secret ingredient is canned clam chowder . It brings a deep, oceanic creaminess that you simply can't get from plain béchamel or Alfredo. When paired with fresh lemon juice and parmesan, it enhances the seafood flavor and makes the sauce luxuriously thick and savory. Another underrated secret? Fresh lemon juice — it adds brightness that perfectly balances the creamy sauce.

What goes well with seafood lasagna?

Seafood lasagna pairs beautifully with fresh, light side dishes that contrast its richness. Consider serving it with: A lemony arugula salad or Caesar salad Garlic roasted asparagus or steamed broccolini Crusty garlic bread or herbed crostini White wine , like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay These pairings bring balance and make your meal feel complete without overpowering the seafood flavor.

Is lasagna better with ricotta or cottage cheese?

For seafood lasagna, ricotta is the preferred choice . It’s smoother, richer, and blends beautifully with garlic and herbs. While some traditional meat lasagnas use cottage cheese as a lower-fat option, ricotta gives you the creamy, indulgent texture that complements seafood best . If you only have cottage cheese on hand, try blending it for a smoother consistency — but ricotta will always yield the most luxurious bite.

Seafood Lasagna: The Ultimate Creamy Comfort Recipe for 2025 - Mary Recipes

Description

📋 Description

This Seafood Lasagna recipe is the ultimate comfort food with a luxurious twist — tender shrimp, sweet crab meat, and buttery scallops layered between pasta sheets with a rich clam chowder-based white sauce, herbed ricotta, and loads of melty cheese. Whether you’re serving guests or prepping a make-ahead family dinner, this dish delivers gourmet flavor in a surprisingly easy format. Perfect for holidays, special dinners, or weeknight indulgence.

Ingredients

Scale

🧂 Ingredients

Seafood Layer

1 lb shrimp (peeled, deveined, chopped)
1 lb crab meat or imitation crab (flaked)
12 oz scallops (quartered)
Salt & black pepper to taste
1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)

Ricotta Cheese Mixture

16 oz ricotta cheese
1 large egg
2 tsp minced garlic
½ cup fresh parsley (chopped)
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp ground black pepper

White Clam Chowder Sauce

18 oz canned clam chowder
1 cup heavy cream
3 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 pinch nutmeg (optional)

Pasta and Cheese

12 lasagna noodles (cooked or oven-ready)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1½ cups shredded parmesan cheese (divided)

Instructions

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Seafood

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add shrimp and scallops. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until shrimp turn pink and scallops begin to brown.
Gently fold in crab meat and cook for 1 minute to warm through. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.

Step 2: Mix Ricotta Layer

In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper.
Stir until smooth and well mixed.

Step 3: Make White Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together clam chowder, heavy cream, lemon juice, parmesan, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using).
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

Grease a 9×13” baking dish.
Spread a thin layer of white sauce on the bottom.
Add a layer of lasagna noodles.
Top with ⅓ of the ricotta mixture, ⅓ of the seafood, and a mix of mozzarella and parmesan.
Repeat this layer structure two more times.
Finish with noodles, remaining sauce, and a final layer of mozzarella and parmesan on top.

Step 5: Bake

Cover tightly with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
Uncover and bake for 10–15 minutes more until bubbly and golden brown.
Let rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing to serve.

Notes

💡 Notes

Seafood substitutions: You can swap scallops for cooked lobster or use all shrimp for a simplified version.
Vegetable additions: Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms between layers for extra flavor and nutrition.
Make-ahead tip: Assemble lasagna the night before and refrigerate. Add 5–10 minutes to bake time if chilled.
Freezing: Freeze before baking for best results. Thaw overnight in fridge before baking as usual.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired, Seafood

Nutrition

Calories: 610 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Fat: 35 g
Saturated Fat: 19 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 36 g
Cholesterol: 220 mg