Name: Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp and Crab Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups heavy cream; 1 cup clam juice; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional); 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 8 ounces small shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tail off; 8 ounces lump crab meat; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish; 9-12 oven-ready lasagna noodles; 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

If you're craving something rich, comforting, and a little luxurious, this Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp and Crab Recipe will hit all the right notes. Imagine layers of tender shrimp and sweet lump crab meat nestled in a creamy white sauce, baked until bubbling and golden—total kitchen magic.

A white baking dish holds a creamy, cheesy lasagna with about four visible layers of pasta sheets and thick white sauce mixed with cheese. The top layer is golden brown with melted cheese bubbling and lightly browned spots, sprinkled with small green herb bits. A silver serving spatula lifts a square piece, showing the soft layers and melted cheese stretching slightly. In the background, there is a loaf of bread resting on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp and Crab Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp and Crab Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp and Crab Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I still remember the first time I made this seafood lasagna for a dinner party—it was a huge hit! The combination of shrimp and crab with the velvety clam-infused sauce feels indulgent but still approachable, perfect for impressing without stress.

Comfort food elevated: Creamy, cheesy, and packed with seafood goodness, it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Easy layering: With oven-ready noodles and a simple sauce, the assembly is straightforward, even for busy evenings.
Fresh flavors: The subtle Italian seasonings and parsley brighten each bite beautifully.
Make-ahead friendly: Prep it in advance and bake when ready—perfect for entertaining.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you dive in, sourcing good-quality seafood is key—fresh or properly thawed shrimp and lump crab meat make all the difference. The sauce ingredients are pantry staples with a twist, thanks to the clam juice adding subtle briny depth.

Flat lay of fresh small shrimp with pink shells neatly arranged, lump crab meat in a small white ceramic bowl, a medium yellow onion whole and unpeeled, a handful of bright green fresh parsley sprigs, a bundle of oven-ready lasagna noodles stacked, a mound of shredded fresh mozzarella cheese, a small white bowl of creamy heavy cream, a small white bowl of pale clam juice, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a small white bowl of unsalted butter cubes, a small white bowl of finely grated parmesan cheese, a small white bowl containing a smooth mixture of pale flour, a small white bowl each with ground garlic powder, onion powder, nutmeg, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper arranged symmetrically, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Unsalted butter: I use unsalted to control the saltiness of the sauce perfectly.
All-purpose flour: This helps create a silky smooth roux for the white sauce.
Heavy cream: Gives the sauce that luscious, creamy texture everyone loves.
Clam juice: Adds a subtle seafood flavor that elevates the sauce without overpowering it.
Garlic powder: Provides gentle, mellow garlicky warmth.
Onion powder: Boosts savory depth unobtrusively.
Ground nutmeg (optional): Just a pinch gives a delightful spiced undertone.
Italian seasoning: Classic herb blend that ties everything together.
Grated parmesan cheese: Delivers sharp, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
Kosher salt: Needed to balance and enhance the flavors.
Black pepper: Adds a touch of subtle heat and complexity.
Olive oil: Perfect for sautéing onions and shrimp without masking their flavors.
Medium onion (finely chopped): Softens and sweetens the base of the seafood mixture.
Small shrimp: Peeled and deveined shrimp cook quickly and stay tender.
Lump crab meat: The star ingredient—big, sweet chunks that melt in your mouth.
Fresh parsley (chopped): Adds freshness and color, both inside the layers and as garnish.
Oven-ready lasagna noodles: Save time and effort with no boiling needed!
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that golden, gooey topping everyone adores.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp and Crab Recipe is such a versatile dish—you can easily make it your own by tweaking the ingredients or adding your favorite flavors. Don’t hesitate to experiment and find the perfect balance that suits your taste buds!

Variation: For a lighter twist, I’ve tried substituting half-and-half for the heavy cream. It makes the sauce a bit less rich but still deliciously creamy—perfect if you want to cut down a little on calories without sacrificing flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: If you're sensitive to gluten, swap the oven-ready lasagna noodles for gluten-free ones—I’ve done this successfully, and it works wonderfully while keeping all the great layers intact.
Seasonal Spin: Adding a handful of fresh spinach or thinly sliced zucchini between the layers gave me a fresh, vibrant edge and added a subtle crunch that paired beautifully with the shrimp and crab.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp and Crab Recipe

A close-up view of a creamy layered lasagna slice on a white textured plate, showing about four visible layers. The bottom layers consist of wavy pasta sheets with a light golden-yellow color, mixed with a white creamy cheese filling that looks soft and thick. The top layer is covered with melted pale yellow cheese that has small browned spots and is sprinkled with tiny green herb pieces. A silver fork held by a person's fingers is lifting the front part of the lasagna, showing the soft, creamy inside. The plate is placed on a clean white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Baking Dish

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter so the lasagna doesn’t stick. This quick prep step saves you from any post-baking frustration when it’s time to serve.

Step 2: Create That Luxurious White Sauce

Melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and whisk constantly until the mixture is smooth and forms a roux—about 1 minute. Slowly pour in 2 cups of heavy cream and 1 cup of clam juice while whisking to keep it lump-free. Let it simmer and thicken for 5 to 7 minutes; you’ll notice it becoming luscious and creamy. Then stir in garlic powder, onion powder, the optional nutmeg, Italian seasoning, ½ cup grated parmesan cheese, and season with kosher salt and black pepper. Once combined, remove it from the heat and set it aside.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp and Crab Mixture

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté 1 finely chopped medium onion for 3 to 4 minutes until soft and fragrant. Add 8 ounces of peeled, deveined shrimp and cook for just 2 to 3 minutes until they turn pink—watch carefully to avoid overcooking. Remove the pan from heat, then gently fold in 8 ounces of lump crab meat and ¼ cup of chopped fresh parsley. This mixture bursts with delicate flavors that complement the creamy sauce perfectly.

Step 4: Start Layering the Magic

Begin by spreading a thin layer of that delicious white sauce on the bottom of your prepared baking dish—this prevents sticking and adds moisture. Cover the sauce with a layer of 9 to 12 oven-ready lasagna noodles, overlapping slightly if needed. Next, spread one-third of the seafood mixture evenly over the noodles, followed by one-third of the white sauce. Sprinkle one-third of 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese on top. This layering creates the depth and balance that make this dish irresistible.

Step 5: Repeat the Layers

Repeat the layering process two more times—noodles, seafood mixture, sauce, and mozzarella. Be sure to finish with a final layer of noodles topped generously with the remaining sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese. This top layer is what will turn beautifully golden and bubbly during baking.

Step 6: Bake It Covered, Then Uncovered

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil, making sure it doesn’t touch the cheese (a little trick to avoid sticking). Bake in your preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. Then carefully remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and bubbling—utterly inviting!

Step 7: Rest Before Serving

Patience pays off here—let your lasagna rest for 10 minutes once it’s out of the oven. This resting time allows the layers to set perfectly, making slicing easier and giving the flavors a chance to meld into harmonious deliciousness. Garnish with extra chopped parsley for a fresh, colorful finish and get ready to dig in!

Top Tip

Creating a perfectly creamy and flavorful Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp and Crab requires a few little tricks that make a big difference in taste and texture. Here are some tips I've gathered to help you get it just right every time.

Sauce Consistency: When whisking in the heavy cream and clam juice, pour slowly and keep whisking constantly to avoid any lumps. This ensures a silky smooth white sauce that clings beautifully to the noodles and seafood.
Don't Overcook Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly, so sauté it just until it turns pink. Overcooking can make it rubbery, which detracts from the tender texture you're aiming for in your lasagna.
Layer Evenly: Make sure to spread the seafood mixture and sauce evenly across the noodles so each bite has a perfect balance of flavors—no dry spots here!
Rest Before Serving: Letting the lasagna rest for 10 minutes after baking helps it set properly, making it easier to slice and allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

How to Serve Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp and Crab Recipe

A round silver pan filled with three layers of food sits on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a bed of pale pink shrimp, neatly arranged to cover the base of the pan. On top of the shrimp is a thick layer of white fish pieces, flaky and soft in texture. Sitting right in the center is a small heap of finely chopped bright green herbs, adding a fresh contrast to the colors below. Next to the pan is a bunch of leafy green herbs and a red and white checkered cloth, enhancing the kitchen feel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a lovely pop of color and a hint of fresh herbaceous brightness to this rich seafood lasagna. For an extra touch, a light dusting of grated Parmesan on top just before serving enhances the cheesy goodness. You might also enjoy a few thin lemon wedges on the side, which brighten the whole dish wonderfully with a squeeze of fresh citrus.

Side Dishes

This creamy seafood lasagna pairs beautifully with simple, fresh side dishes that won’t overpower the main event. Consider serving a crisp Caesar or mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread are also excellent to help scoop up any extra sauce. For a vegetable, roasted asparagus or steamed green beans with a hint of lemon complement the flavors perfectly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp and Crab in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to deepen overnight, so leftovers can be just as delicious the next day.

Freezing

This lasagna freezes wonderfully! Let it cool completely after baking, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place a portion of the lasagna on a baking sheet or in an oven-safe dish, cover loosely with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave individual servings covered with a microwave-safe lid for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh seafood instead of frozen shrimp and crab?

Absolutely! Fresh shrimp and lump crab meat will work wonderfully in this Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp and Crab Recipe. Just be sure to adjust cooking times slightly to prevent overcooking the delicate seafood.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To keep the dish gluten-free, make sure to use gluten-free lasagna noodles and confirm that your clam juice and seasonings do not contain gluten ingredients. Otherwise, the sauce and seafood mixture are naturally gluten-free.

Can I prepare the seafood mixture in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the seafood mixture a few hours ahead and refrigerate it until you're ready to assemble the lasagna. Just add the crab meat and parsley close to assembling to keep them fresh and vibrant.

What can I substitute for clam juice if I can't find it?

If clam juice isn’t available, you can substitute with fish stock or a well-flavored seafood broth for similar depth. These alternatives complement the seafood flavors nicely without overpowering the white sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp and Crab Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a special occasion even when served on a weeknight. The creamy white sauce infused with clam juice alongside tender shrimp and sweet crab meat creates a luscious, comforting meal that delights every time. Whether you're cooking for family or entertaining guests, this lasagna is sure to impress and satisfy with every cheesy, bubbly bite. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do!