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If you’re craving something indulgent, comforting, and packed with the ocean’s best flavors, this Seafood Lasagna with Creamy Cheese Recipe is a total winner. It’s a delightful twist on a classic Italian favorite, layering tender lasagna noodles with a dreamy blend of cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan, perfectly mingled with succulent shrimp, scallops, and crab meat. Each bite bursts with rich, velvety textures balanced by fresh spinach and fragrant Italian herbs, making it a dish that’s as impressive as it is satisfying. Whether for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe never fails to bring warmth and smiles to the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that each play an important role in creating that luscious, creamy texture and vibrant flavor profile. From the fresh seafood to the creamy cheeses and fragrant herbs, every element contributes to a perfectly balanced seafood lasagna experience.
- 9 lasagna noodles (no-boil): Using no-boil noodles saves time and ensures soft, tender layers without fuss.
- 1 cup mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, crab meat): The star proteins that bring a taste of the sea with delicate textures and sweetness.
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened): Adds richness and the signature creamy base that holds everything together beautifully.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Enhances the sauce’s silkiness and lends a luxurious mouthfeel.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (whole milk): Melts to gooey perfection, creating those irresistible, stretchy cheese pulls.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated): Offers a sharp, nutty contrast that deepens the flavor complexity.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Provides a fragrant punch that brightens the creamy sauce.
- 2 cups fresh spinach (packed): Adds a pop of color, freshness, and a subtle earthy note to balance the richness.
- 2 tsp dried Italian herbs: Classic seasoning blend to infuse that authentic Mediterranean aroma.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for bringing all the flavors together perfectly.
How to Make Seafood Lasagna with Creamy Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This crucial step ensures your lasagna won’t stick and will get that beautiful golden crust we all adore. Having everything prepped ahead keeps the process smooth.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
Cook your lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until they reach the perfect al dente texture—firm but tender. Drain them carefully and set aside, as they’ll continue to soften slightly in the sauce while baking.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Seafood Mixture
In a mixing bowl, whisk together softened cream cheese, heavy cream, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs until ultra-smooth and dreamy. This sauce forms the luscious, velvety base that wraps around every bite of seafood.
Step 4: Fold in Seafood and Spinach
Gently fold your mixed seafood and fresh spinach into the creamy mixture, taking care not to break up the delicate shellfish. The spinach brightens the dish with a fresh green burst, while the seafood blends seamlessly in the creamy base.
Step 5: Layer Your Lasagna
Time to assemble! Start by spreading a layer of the creamy sauce on the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Add a layer of noodles, then spread a generous portion of your seafood mixture, and follow with more sauce and a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella. Repeat the layers until you use all your ingredients, finishing off with mozzarella on top for a golden, bubbly finish.
Step 6: Bake and Brown
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes to ensure everything cooks evenly and melds perfectly. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes so the cheese on top turns beautifully golden and irresistibly bubbly.
Step 7: Rest Before Serving
Once out of the oven, let your Seafood Lasagna with Creamy Cheese Recipe rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the layers to set, making serving much easier and letting the flavors deepen. Plus, patience here means every slice holds together perfectly.
How to Serve Seafood Lasagna with Creamy Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Just before serving, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or a light dusting of extra Parmesan for an elegant finish. A few lemon wedges on the side also brighten the rich flavors, adding a refreshing citrus zing that pairs beautifully with the seafood.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with crisp, simple sides like a mixed green salad with a zesty vinaigrette or lightly steamed asparagus. These fresh elements add a needed crunch and brightness to complement the creamy seafood lasagna.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try layering the seafood lasagna in individual ramekins for personal servings or use colorful, rustic ceramic dishes to enhance the visual appeal. Serving it family-style in a beautiful baking dish straight from the oven guarantees smiles and cozy vibes around the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Seafood Lasagna with Creamy Cheese Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the creamy sauce from drying out.
Freezing
If you want to make this dish ahead for convenience, it freezes wonderfully. Assemble the lasagna in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the lasagna with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. Removing the foil in the last 5 minutes will revive that melty cheese topping, making it taste just like freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use frozen seafood for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the seafood completely and pat it dry to avoid excess liquid, which could make the lasagna watery. Using fresh seafood is ideal, but frozen works well when handled properly.
Is it necessary to use no-boil noodles?
No-boil noodles are a time saver and make layering easier, but traditional noodles boiled al dente also work perfectly. Just adjust your sauce moisture slightly to ensure the noodles soften nicely in the oven.
Can I substitute the heavy cream with a lighter alternative?
For the creamiest results, heavy cream is best. However, you can use half-and-half or whole milk with a tablespoon of flour to thicken, but expect a slightly less rich texture.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the creamy sauce or sprinkling sliced jalapeños between layers can introduce a pleasant heat that complements the seafood flavors beautifully.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, swap the lasagna noodles with gluten-free varieties available in stores. Just ensure the rest of your ingredients, like Italian herbs and seafood, don’t contain any hidden gluten.
Final Thoughts
This Seafood Lasagna with Creamy Cheese Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites to make when I want to impress without stress. Its rich, comforting layers hide a freshness that keeps you coming back for more. Give it a try—you’ll find it’s a joyous way to celebrate the flavors of the sea with loved ones around the table.
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Seafood Lasagna with Creamy Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This creamy Seafood Lasagna combines tender no-boil lasagna noodles with a rich mixture of cream cheese, heavy cream, and a medley of fresh seafood including shrimp, scallops, and crab meat. Enhanced with garlic, Italian herbs, and fresh spinach, it’s layered with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, baked to golden perfection for a decadent and comforting meal perfect for seafood lovers.
Ingredients
Lasagna Base
- 9 lasagna noodles (no-boil)
Seafood Mixture
- 1 cup mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, crab meat)
- 2 cups fresh spinach (packed)
Creamy Sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tsp dried Italian herbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese Topping
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (whole milk)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the lasagna from sticking.
- Cook Lasagna Noodles: Boil the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain them well and set aside to cool slightly.
- Make Creamy Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, minced garlic, dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until the sauce is smooth and well blended.
- Add Seafood and Spinach: Gently fold the mixed seafood and fresh spinach into the creamy sauce mixture, ensuring even distribution without breaking up the seafood.
- Layer the Lasagna: Begin by spreading a thin layer of the creamy sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Place a layer of noodles over the sauce, then spoon a layer of the seafood mixture, followed by more sauce and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a topping of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to keep moisture in and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and golden brown.
- Rest Before Serving: Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes to allow the layers to set for easier slicing and serving.
Notes
- Using no-boil noodles saves time but you can substitute regular lasagna noodles if preferred.
- Ensure seafood is fresh or properly thawed before use for best flavor.
- Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.
- Leftover lasagna can be refrigerated and reheated within 2 days.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half and use part-skim mozzarella.
