Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna With Lemon Herb Butter Swirl

Imagine the comforting layers of a classic lasagna, but infused with the bright, zesty flavors of shrimp scampi! This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna with Lemon-Herb Butter Swirl is a show-stopping dish that’s surprisingly achievable for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. We’re taking all the beloved elements of shrimp scampi – succulent shrimp, garlicky butter sauce, and a hint of lemon – and layering them between pasta sheets with a creamy ricotta filling and plenty of melted mozzarella. The final touch? A luscious lemon-herb butter swirl that elevates this lasagna to gourmet status. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this unforgettable seafood pasta creation!

What You’ll Need: The Ingredient Rundown

• Lasagna Noodles (12 noodles ≈250g / 9oz): We’re using traditional lasagna noodles as the foundation of our dish. Opt for oven-ready noodles to save time, or boil regular noodles until al dente.
• Raw Shrimp (300g / 10.5oz, peeled and deveined): The star of the show! We recommend using medium or large shrimp for the best texture and flavor. Ensure they are fully peeled and deveined for a seamless eating experience.
• Unsalted Butter (3 Tbsp / 42g / 1.5oz, divided): Butter is essential for creating that rich, flavorful scampi sauce. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dish.
• Olive Oil (2 Tbsp / 30ml / 2 fl oz): A good quality olive oil adds depth and complexity to the sauce, and helps prevent the butter from burning.
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Freshly minced garlic is a must for authentic scampi flavor. Don’t skimp – garlic is the heart and soul of this dish!
• Smoked Paprika (1 tsp / 5ml): A touch of smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky undertone that complements the shrimp and garlic beautifully.
• Lemon Zest (from 1 lemon): The zest provides a concentrated burst of lemon flavor, adding brightness and aroma. Be sure to zest only the yellow part, avoiding the bitter white pith.
• Lemon Juice (from 1 lemon ≈2 Tbsp / 30ml): Freshly squeezed lemon juice balances the richness of the butter and adds a tangy kick.
• Heavy Cream (1 cup / 240ml): Heavy cream creates a luxuriously smooth and creamy sauce that coats the noodles and shrimp.
• Low-Sodium Vegetable Broth (1 cup / 240ml): Vegetable broth adds depth of flavor to the sauce without overpowering the delicate shrimp scampi notes. Using low-sodium broth allows you to control the salt level.
• Ricotta Cheese (250g / 9oz): Ricotta cheese forms the creamy base of the lasagna filling, providing a delightful contrast to the savory shrimp scampi.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (2 cups / 200g): Mozzarella is the classic lasagna cheese, offering a gooey, melty texture and mild flavor.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese (½ cup / 50g): Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami-rich flavor that enhances the overall taste of the lasagna.
• Fresh Parsley (2 Tbsp / 30g, chopped): Fresh parsley adds a vibrant green color and a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
• Fresh Basil (2 Tbsp / 30g, chopped): Fresh basil complements the lemon and garlic flavors, adding a sweet and aromatic note.
• Toasted Pine Nuts (2 Tbsp / 30g, for garnish): Toasted pine nuts provide a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that adds a sophisticated touch.
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper (to taste): Seasoning is key! Adjust the salt and pepper to your preference.

Ingredient Substitutions

Don’t have everything on hand? Here are a few simple substitutions:

• Shrimp: You can substitute chicken or lobster, but adjust cooking times accordingly.
• Heavy Cream: Half-and-half can be used for a lighter sauce, but it won’t be as rich.
• Vegetable Broth: Chicken broth can be used as a substitute.
• Ricotta Cheese: Cottage cheese, blended until smooth, can be used in a pinch.

Bringing It All Together: Step-by-Step Assembly

1. Prepare the Baking Dish: Begin by lightly greasing a 22 x 33 cm (9 x 13 inch) baking dish. This prevents sticking and ensures easy serving.
2. First Layer – Sauce Foundation: Spread a thin, even layer of the warm lemon-herb butter sauce across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This creates a flavorful base that prevents the noodles from drying out.
3. Noodle Layer One: Carefully lay three lasagna noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping if necessary to cover the entire surface.
4. Ricotta Mixture – First Spread: Dollop approximately one-third of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the noodles. Gently spread it to create a consistent layer.
5. Shrimp Distribution – First Layer: Scatter one-third of the cooked shrimp over the ricotta mixture. Ensure the shrimp are distributed evenly for a balanced flavor in each bite.
6. Sauce Drizzle – First Layer: Drizzle another spoonful of the lemon-herb butter sauce over the shrimp. This adds moisture and enhances the flavor profile.
7. Mozzarella Sprinkle – First Layer: Sprinkle approximately one-third of the remaining mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
8. Repeat Layers: Repeat steps 2-7 two more times, creating a total of three layers of noodles, ricotta mixture, shrimp, sauce, and mozzarella.
9. Final Layer – Noodles, Sauce, and Cheese: For the final layer, place the remaining noodles, pour the remaining lemon-herb butter sauce evenly over the top, and generously sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
10. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This traps moisture and ensures the lasagna cooks evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
11. Uncover and Brown: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. The bubbling indicates the cheese is melted and the lasagna is heated through.
12. Resting Period: Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before cutting and serving. This allows the layers to set, making it easier to slice and serve neatly.

The Lemon-Herb Butter Drizzle: A Finishing Touch

While the lasagna rests, prepare the final flourish: a lemon-herb butter drizzle. In a small saucepan, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter with a splash of lemon juice over low heat. Stir until combined. This simple drizzle adds a bright, tangy flavor and a beautiful sheen to the finished dish. Drizzle in a zig-zag pattern over each serving just before serving.

Why This Lasagna Works: The Science of Flavor

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna isn’t just a fusion of flavors; it’s a carefully constructed dish that leverages the principles of culinary science. The richness of the ricotta and mozzarella is balanced by the bright acidity of the lemon and the herbaceous notes of parsley and basil. The shrimp provides a delicate sweetness and protein, while the smoked paprika adds a subtle depth of flavor. The lemon-herb butter sauce acts as a unifying element, binding all the components together and creating a harmonious blend of tastes and textures. The resting period is crucial, allowing the starches in the noodles to rehydrate and the flavors to meld, resulting in a lasagna that’s both structurally sound and incredibly flavorful.

Tips for Perfect Lasagna Noodles

Achieving perfectly cooked lasagna noodles is essential for a great lasagna. Undercooking results in tough noodles, while overcooking leads to mushiness. Cooking the noodles al dente – slightly firm to the bite – is the key. Adding a tablespoon of olive oil to the boiling water helps prevent sticking. If you’re short on time, you can use no-boil lasagna noodles, but be sure to add extra sauce to ensure they cook properly.

Serving Suggestions & Wine Pairings

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna is a substantial dish, so it pairs well with a light side salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette. A crisp, dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, complements the flavors of the lasagna beautifully. For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon is a refreshing choice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I make this lasagna ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate. Add about 15-20 minutes to the baking time.
• Can I freeze this lasagna? Yes, you can freeze baked or unbaked lasagna. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before baking (if unbaked) or reheating.
• What if I don’t have pine nuts? Toasted breadcrumbs or chopped walnuts make a good substitute for pine nuts.

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna with Lemon-Herb Butter Swirl is a show-stopping dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest for easy access later!

recipe garlic butter shrimp scampi lasagna

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• Author: Rachel Morgan
• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: General

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Description

This recipe combines the comforting layers of lasagna with the bright flavors of shrimp scampi, creating a show-stopping dish perfect for any occasion. Succulent shrimp and a creamy ricotta filling are layered with pasta and a luscious lemon-herb butter swirl.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 250g lasagna noodles
• 300g raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 42g unsalted butter, divided
• 30ml olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 5ml smoked paprika
• 1 lemon zest
• 30ml lemon juice
• 240ml heavy cream
• 240ml low-sodium vegetable broth
• 250g ricotta cheese
• 200g shredded mozzarella cheese
• 50g grated Parmesan cheese
• 30g fresh parsley, chopped
• 30g fresh basil, chopped
• 30g toasted pine nuts
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. First Layer – Sauce: Spread a thin layer of lemon-herb butter sauce on the bottom.
3. Noodle Layer One: Lay three lasagna noodles over the sauce.
4. Ricotta Mixture: Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
5. Shrimp Distribution: Scatter one-third of the shrimp over the ricotta.
6. Sauce Drizzle: Drizzle sauce over the shrimp.
7. Mozzarella Sprinkle: Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
8. Repeat Layers: Repeat layers two more times.
9. Final Layer: Add noodles, sauce, and remaining cheeses.
10. Cover and Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
11. Uncover and Brown: Remove foil and bake for 15 minutes.
12. Resting Period: Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Allowing the lasagna to rest after baking helps the layers set and makes it easier to slice. For a lighter sauce, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Pasta
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 550 kcal
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg