Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna: A Recipe for Pure Indulgence

Are you on the hunt for a truly impressive dish that delightfully rewrites the culinary rulebook? Picture the luxurious, garlic-infused butteriness of a classic shrimp scampi, artfully layered between the comforting, cheesy embrace of lasagna. It might sound like a foodie’s fantasy, but we are thrilled to confirm it’s deliciously real. This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna stands as the pinnacle of fusion cooking, delivering a rich, flavour-forward meal that is sure to have everyone pleading for another portion. Prepare to elevate your dinner game with a recipe that is as elegant as it is wonderfully comforting.

Why You’ll Adore This Seafood Lasagna

We’re confident that this is far more than just another pasta bake; it is a culinary event. We have carefully combined two of our most cherished comfort foods to create a single, unforgettable casserole. Here is precisely why we are certain you will fall for this seafood lasagna from the very first mouthful:

• A Perfect Harmony of Flavours: The vibrant, garlicky scampi sauce elegantly cuts through the richness of the creamy béchamel and cheese, resulting in a beautifully balanced taste.
• Deceptively Easy to Prepare: Although it appears and sounds incredibly sophisticated, this dish is remarkably simple to put together. We will walk you through every stage, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience.
• Guaranteed to Impress Your Guests: It serves as the ideal centrepiece for a special occasion, a family gathering, or simply a cosy evening when you feel like indulging.
• Wonderfully Easy to Customise: As you will discover, this recipe can be easily adjusted to incorporate your personal favourite flavours, from a touch of heat to extra vegetables.

The Stars of the Show: Key Ingredients

The true wonder of this dish is rooted in the excellence of its parts. When you understand what each component contributes, you can be sure your lasagna will be nothing less than magnificent. We have detailed the essential players for you below.

The Shrimp (or Prawns)

Plump, succulent prawns are the very soul of this recipe. We suggest using large, raw prawns that have been peeled and deveined. This ensures they cook to a tender, juicy finish without turning rubbery. Whether you choose fresh from the fish counter or premium-quality frozen, the secret is to avoid overcooking them in the initial scampi step. For further guidance on choosing the best shellfish, you can refer to an expert resource like the one provided by Seafish on prawns and shrimps.

The Scampi Sauce

A traditional scampi sauce is a delightful medley of butter, garlic, white wine, and lemon juice. We use a hearty measure of garlic for a powerful flavour, which is then balanced by a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. The fresh lemon juice and parsley, introduced at the end, lift the entire sauce, lending it that distinctive, fresh character.

The Cheesy Layers

No lasagna would be complete without a generous amount of cheese, and we certainly do not skimp! Our recipe calls for a trio of cheeses to achieve the ultimate taste and texture:

• Ricotta: This offers a light, creamy, and subtly sweet foundation for the filling.
• Mozzarella: It provides that all-important, wonderful cheese pull along with a gentle, milky taste.
• Parmesan: This adds a salty, nutty complexity that harmonises all the layers perfectly.

Ingredients for Your Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna

Before we dive in, let’s assemble all our components. Getting your ingredients organised in advance, a technique known as ‘mise en place’, helps to make the cooking journey both seamless and pleasant.

For the Shrimp Scampi:

• 450g large raw prawns, peeled and deveined
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
• 60ml dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 30g fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Creamy White Sauce (Béchamel):

• • 60g unsalted butter
  • 60g plain flour
  • 950ml whole milk, warmed

A pinch of nutmeg

• Salt and white pepper to taste

For Assembly:

• 12-15 lasagna sheets (no-boil or fresh are ideal)
• 450g whole-milk ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 100g grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 400g shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese, divided
• 30g fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Step-by-Step Guide to the Perfect Shrimp Scampi Lasagna

Just follow our clear instructions, and you will have a magnificent lasagna all set for the oven. Let’s begin!

1. Prepare the Pasta and Cheese Filling: If you’re using standard lasagna sheets, cook them as per the packet instructions until al dente. Drain them and lay them out on a baking tray to stop them from sticking together. If you’re using no-boil sheets, this step can be skipped. In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, half of the Parmesan (50g), and a little salt and pepper. Mix well and set it aside.
2. Cook the Shrimp Scampi: In a large frying pan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over a medium heat. Tip in the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes, cooking for around 30 seconds until aromatic. Take care not to let the garlic burn. Add the prawns and cook for just 1-2 minutes on each side, until they have just turned pink. It is vital not to overcook them. Take the prawns out of the pan and set them to one side.
3. Make the Scampi Sauce: Pour the white wine and lemon juice into the pan to deglaze it, scraping up all the tasty browned bits from the bottom. Allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce a little. Take the pan off the heat and stir in the chopped parsley. Pour this flavourful sauce over the cooked prawns and toss gently to coat.
4. Create the Creamy White Sauce: In a saucepan, melt 60g of butter over a medium heat. Whisk in the flour and let it cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Steadily pour in the warm milk, whisking all the while to avoid any lumps. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, cooking for 5-7 minutes and stirring frequently, until it has thickened and can coat the back of a spoon. Remove from the heat and stir through the nutmeg, salt, and white pepper.
5. Assemble the Lasagna: Preheat your oven to 190°C (170°C fan). Lightly coat the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish with a thin layer of the white sauce. Place a single layer of lasagna sheets on top. Evenly spread half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta. Top this with a third of the prawn scampi mixture, a third of the remaining white sauce, and a third of the mozzarella. Repeat these layers one more time. Place a final layer of lasagna sheets, followed by the rest of the white sauce, the last of the prawns, and the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
6. Bake to Golden Perfection: Cover the dish with tin foil and bake for 25 minutes. Carefully remove the foil and continue to bake for a further 20-25 minutes, or until the top is bubbling and has turned a lovely golden-brown.
7. Rest and Serve: You must let the lasagna stand for at least 15 minutes before you cut into it. This is a vital step! It gives the layers time to settle, which guarantees you can serve neat, attractive portions. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley just before serving.

Watch How It’s Done: A Video Tutorial

For those of us who are visual learners, a video can be incredibly helpful! To help you picture the assembly, we have sourced an excellent, beginner-friendly tutorial that shows how to make a similar creation. It’s a superb way to build your confidence before you get started.

Pro Tips for an Unforgettable Shrimp Scampi Recipe

To guarantee your lasagna is an absolute success, we have put together a few extra pointers and tricks that truly elevate the final dish.

• Don’t Overcook the Prawns: This is our number one rule. Always remember that the prawns will have a second round of cooking in the oven, so remove them from the pan as soon as they turn pink.
• Fresh Is Always Best: When you can, opt for fresh garlic, lemon juice, and parsley. Their bright, zesty flavours are crucial for achieving an authentic scampi taste.
• The Cheese Factor: For the most satisfying melt, we strongly suggest grating your own block of mozzarella. Pre-shredded cheeses often include anti-caking powders that can inhibit a smooth melt.
• No-Boil vs. Regular Sheets: No-boil lasagna sheets are a brilliant time-saver and tend to soak up more sauce, which leads to a richer flavour. If you choose to use them, ensure you have plenty of sauce in the dish to cook them properly. This helps make it a truly easy lasagna recipe.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the finest qualities of this recipe is its versatility. Here are some of our favourite ways to make it your own:

• Introduce Some Greens: Wilted spinach or chopped asparagus can be mixed into the ricotta layer for an extra boost of nutrition and a splash of colour.
• Create a Seafood Medley: Don’t hesitate to add some bay scallops or lump crab meat with the prawns for an even more decadent seafood bake. If prawns are your favourite, you might also want to check out The Ultimate Crispy Baked Shrimp Recipe So Easy for another time.
• A Hint of Spice: For those who enjoy more heat, simply increase the quantity of red pepper flakes or add a finely diced red chilli along with the garlic.
• New Twists on Lasagna: If this creation has sparked your imagination for other inventive lasagnas, you may also like our Easy Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Recipe The Ultimate Comfort Food for a different yet equally comforting experience.

What to Serve with Your Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake

This rich and decadent bake is perfectly complemented by simple, fresh side dishes that enhance its flavours without being overpowering. We suggest:

• Crusty Garlic Bread: The ideal companion for soaking up every last drop of that incredible sauce.
• A Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad tossed in a sharp vinaigrette offers a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the lasagna.
• Roasted Asparagus or Broccoli: A side of simply roasted vegetables brings a wonderful texture and a wholesome element to your meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I prepare this lasagna in advance?

Of course! You can assemble the entire lasagna (before the baking stage) up to 24 hours ahead of time. Cover it well with foil and pop it in the fridge. You may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time when cooking it from chilled.

How should I store and reheat any leftovers?

Keep leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use a microwave for single servings, or place the dish back into an oven preheated to 175°C (155°C fan) until it is piping hot throughout.

Is it okay to use frozen prawns?

Yes, frozen prawns are a great option for this recipe. Simply ensure they are fully thawed before you begin to cook. The easiest method is to let them thaw in the fridge overnight. Pat them dry with a paper towel to get rid of any excess water before cooking.

What is the best white wine for a scampi sauce?

We advise using a dry, crisp white wine like a Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or an unoaked Chardonnay. Essentially, you should choose a wine that you would be happy to drink by itself.

Is there an alcohol-free alternative to the wine?

Certainly. If you’d rather cook without alcohol, you can replace the white wine with the same volume of chicken or vegetable stock, adding an extra squeeze of fresh lemon juice to replicate the wine’s acidity.

Your New Favourite Dinner Awaits

We have married the best of surf and turf, pasta and sauce, and comfort and sophistication to bring you this truly remarkable Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna. It is a dish that proves that sometimes, two wonderful things can come together to create something even better. We know it is a flavour journey you will want to embark on time and time again.

So, what are you waiting for? Why not give this spectacular recipe a go for your next special occasion? We are sure it will be a resounding success! Please do not forget to return and share how it went in the comments section below. We always enjoy hearing about your culinary creations!