Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna is a luxurious twist on two beloved classics—Italian lasagna and buttery shrimp scampi. This dish brings together layers of rich, creamy ricotta, juicy garlic shrimp, and melted mozzarella all stacked between tender lasagna noodles. It’s a brilliant play of textures and flavors: the seafood notes shine through the garlicky lemon butter, while the cheese and pasta keep it comforting and familiar. It’s the kind of recipe that transforms your typical dinner into something memorable.
Whether you’re cooking for a special date night or serving up a family favorite on the weekend, this lasagna is sure to impress. It’s packed with elegance, yet simple enough to prepare with everyday ingredients. The wine-infused scampi sauce adds a burst of brightness to the lasagna, while the golden-baked cheese crust gives it that perfect finish. Pair it with a crisp white wine and a light salad to complete the meal.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
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1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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4 tbsp unsalted butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
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1 lemon, juiced and zested
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1 cup ricotta cheese
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1 egg
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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2 tbsp chopped parsley
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Olive oil
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a large skillet, heat butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
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Add shrimp and cook until pink. Remove shrimp and set aside.
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Deglaze skillet with wine, adding lemon juice and zest. Simmer to reduce slightly.
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In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with egg, salt, and pepper.
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Grease a baking dish with olive oil. Spread a small amount of sauce at the bottom.
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Layer noodles, ricotta mixture, shrimp, mozzarella, and sauce. Repeat layers.
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Finish with mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
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Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
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Garnish with parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 430 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Introduction to Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna is a culinary fusion that brings together the bold and comforting flavors of classic Italian lasagna and the zesty elegance of shrimp scampi. This innovative dish is both indulgent and refined, blending layers of tender lasagna noodles, creamy cheeses, and succulent shrimp bathed in a garlic butter and white wine sauce. It’s a seafood lover’s dream wrapped in the richness of a traditional lasagna, offering a restaurant-quality meal that can easily be prepared at home. This recipe stands out not just for its flavor but also for its visual appeal and layered texture, making it a showstopper for gatherings, special occasions, or a lavish weekend dinner.
Origins and Culinary Influence
The inspiration behind this dish is rooted in two classic recipes—Italian lasagna and shrimp scampi. Lasagna, with its origins in Italy, is traditionally made with layers of pasta, ricotta or béchamel, marinara sauce, and ground meat. Shrimp scampi, on the other hand, is an Italian-American creation that involves shrimp sautéed in garlic butter, lemon, and white wine. The marriage of these two iconic dishes is relatively modern and a testament to the creativity of home chefs and food enthusiasts who continually reinvent beloved meals.
The combination of pasta and seafood is not uncommon in Italian cuisine, but layering shrimp scampi within lasagna sheets offers an unexpected and luxurious twist. It’s a clever way to bring together creamy, cheesy richness with the light, bright flavors of garlic and citrus-laced shrimp. As a result, Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna has found a loyal following among those who crave comfort food with a gourmet flair.
Flavor Profile and Texture
The flavor of this dish is an intricate balance of rich and bright elements. The garlic butter sets a savory tone, providing a fragrant and deeply flavorful base for the shrimp. White wine (or sometimes chicken broth as a substitute) adds acidity and complexity, enhancing the natural sweetness of the shrimp. The lemon juice and zest bring freshness and a hint of tartness, elevating the overall dish.
Meanwhile, the ricotta cheese offers creaminess and helps to mellow out the boldness of the garlic and wine, while mozzarella provides that classic stretchy, gooey quality that every good lasagna needs. Parmesan, with its sharp and nutty flavor, adds another layer of depth. The noodles serve as a neutral backdrop, absorbing all the juices and flavorings from the sauce and shrimp.
Texture-wise, each forkful offers a delightful combination: the soft, structured layers of pasta; the tender, slightly crisp edges from baking; the juicy pop of well-cooked shrimp; and the creamy meld of cheeses all come together to create a satisfying mouthfeel.
Presentation and Serving Suggestions
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna is a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. When baked to perfection, the top layer becomes golden and bubbly, speckled with melted cheese and bright flecks of parsley. The interior reveals glistening layers of shrimp, cheese, and pasta—each infused with buttery garlic sauce.
Serve this dish in generous squares alongside a fresh green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or a crisp Caesar salad for contrast. A crusty garlic bread or warm focaccia makes a great accompaniment to mop up the extra sauce. For beverages, a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with the buttery shrimp and sharp cheeses, cutting through the richness and enhancing the citrusy undertones.
Nutritional and Dietary Considerations
While this dish is certainly rich and indulgent, it can be adapted to suit various dietary needs. For a lighter version, one might use part-skim ricotta and mozzarella, or substitute zucchini ribbons or gluten-free pasta sheets for traditional lasagna noodles. If you’re reducing carbs or calories, consider halving the cheese or adding extra vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers to increase the nutrient density.
For pescatarians or those seeking to reduce red meat intake, this lasagna is a perfect fit. It maintains the hearty, satisfying essence of traditional lasagna while offering the lighter, protein-rich option of seafood.
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna is a great candidate for meal prep. You can assemble it ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights or entertaining. It also freezes well: wrap individual portions in foil or store them in airtight containers for up to two months. When reheating, a covered bake at a moderate temperature ensures that the cheese melts evenly and the shrimp stays moist.
Leftovers keep for 2–3 days in the refrigerator and taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. For best results, reheat in the oven or an air fryer rather than the microwave to preserve the texture.
Why This Dish Stands Out
This recipe takes familiar comfort food and elevates it with elegance. It’s both rustic and refined, making it suitable for casual family dinners or more formal gatherings. It brings together diverse elements—seafood, pasta, cheese, garlic, lemon—into a single cohesive dish that’s as enjoyable to cook as it is to eat.
For anyone who loves shrimp scampi or lasagna, this dish offers the best of both worlds. It’s also a conversation starter; guests will be intrigued by the creative combination and impressed by the flavor payoff. And for food bloggers or content creators, it’s highly photogenic—a bubbling casserole dish of this lasagna makes for excellent food photography.
Customization Ideas
There are plenty of ways to make this recipe your own. Consider the following variations:
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Add Veggies: Incorporate spinach, artichoke hearts, or sautéed mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
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Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce for a subtle kick.
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Try Different Cheeses: Blend in Gruyère, Fontina, or Havarti for a more complex cheese flavor.
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Use Fresh Herbs: Basil, chives, or tarragon can be swapped or added for a more herbaceous profile.
This flexibility allows home cooks to tailor the dish to their preferences while maintaining its core appeal.
Cultural Appeal and Modern Relevance
In an era where food fusion and culinary creativity are highly celebrated, Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna is a shining example of how traditional recipes can be reinvented. It caters to contemporary tastes that appreciate both indulgence and innovation. Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have amplified the popularity of such unique recipes, making them trendy and desirable for a wide range of home cooks and food enthusiasts.
This dish also resonates with audiences who are looking to impress their family or dinner guests without having to resort to complicated or obscure ingredients. With its balanced mix of comfort and sophistication, it bridges the gap between casual and gourmet dining effortlessly.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna is more than just a meal—it’s a delightful culinary experience that combines the bold zest of seafood scampi with the hearty embrace of layered lasagna. Its creamy textures, vibrant flavors, and irresistible aroma make it a recipe worth mastering. Perfect for celebrations, romantic dinners, or simply elevating your weekly dinner routine, this dish is guaranteed to become a go-to favorite in your repertoire.
With endless opportunities for customization and a universally pleasing flavor profile, this lasagna proves that you don’t have to choose between elegance and comfort—you can have both on one plate. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a passionate beginner, preparing Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna is a rewarding and delicious endeavor.