Name: Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Ingredients: 12 lasagna noodles; 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 4 tablespoons butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 cup dry white wine; 2 cups heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; Salt and pepper, to taste

Seafood lovers, this one’s for you. When I first crafted this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna, I had one goal in mind: to bring together the elegance of shrimp scampi with the comfort of a creamy, layered lasagna. The result? A luscious, garlicky, buttery creation that will make even the most traditional lasagna loyalist take a second look. It’s indulgent but balanced, rich yet not overwhelming — the kind of dish you dream about and immediately crave again.

This isn’t your everyday lasagna. It’s layered with a velvety garlic cream sauce, succulent shrimp sautéed in butter and white wine, and ribbons of pasta that absorb every drop of flavor. Whether it’s for a weekend dinner party, a romantic night in, or just because you’re feeling fancy on a Tuesday, this lasagna knows how to make an impression.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna

Flavor Explosion: It’s buttery, garlicky, cheesy, and just the right amount of briny from the shrimp.
Restaurant-Worthy: It looks and tastes like something you’d order at a high-end coastal bistro.
Comfort Meets Elegance: Think of it as Italian luxury meets seafood bliss.
Make-Ahead Friendly: It reheats beautifully, making it a great option for dinner prep.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings — you’ll be asked for the recipe, guaranteed.

What Kind of Shrimp Should I Use?

For the best texture and flavor, I always go with large or jumbo shrimp — peeled, deveined, and tail-off. They hold up beautifully in the layers and give that satisfying bite in every forkful. Fresh is wonderful if you can find it, but frozen shrimp work perfectly too — just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess water in your sauce. If you’re short on time, pre-cooked shrimp can be used, but toss them in at the very end of cooking to avoid overcooking.

Options for Substitutions

This lasagna is flexible enough to cater to different needs without losing its charm:

Pasta Sheets: Regular lasagna noodles, no-boil sheets, or even gluten-free versions all work well.
Seafood: Not into shrimp? Swap in scallops, lump crab, or lobster meat.
Cheese: Ricotta is a classic, but mascarpone or cottage cheese can step in for a smoother or lighter filling.
Cream Sauce: Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter béchamel.
Wine-Free Version: Replace the white wine with vegetable broth and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
Garlic Alternative: If you’re garlic-sensitive, a touch of shallot or leek can provide a milder flavor base.

This dish invites personalization without compromising on richness or flavor.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna

Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the layers of flavor and comfort in this unique lasagna:

Lasagna Noodles
Essential for structure, they form the foundation and layers that hold everything together.
Shrimp
The star of the show — tender, juicy, and briny, shrimp add the seafood punch that defines the dish.
Garlic
Fresh garlic infuses the butter and sauce with deep, aromatic flavor that complements the shrimp.
Butter
Used for sautéing and building the scampi base, it adds richness and helps create the signature sauce.
Olive Oil
Blended with butter, it helps balance richness while adding a subtle fruity flavor.
White Wine
Dry white wine deglazes the pan, adding brightness and depth to the sauce. It’s a key scampi element.
Heavy Cream
Creates a luscious, velvety béchamel that coats the noodles and shrimp luxuriously.
Parmesan Cheese
Grated fresh, it provides sharp, nutty undertones that enhance the creaminess.
Mozzarella Cheese
Melted and stretchy, it gives the dish that classic lasagna pull and a comforting texture.
Ricotta Cheese
Adds a creamy, slightly sweet layer that contrasts beautifully with the savory shrimp and garlic.
Parsley or Fresh Herbs
Brightens the entire dish and adds a pop of freshness to balance the richness.
Salt and Pepper
Fundamental for seasoning every layer to bring out the best in each ingredient.

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Start by patting the shrimp dry and seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, melt butter with a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Toss in the shrimp and sauté for 2–3 minutes per side until just pink and opaque. Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for another 1–2 minutes to deglaze the pan. Remove shrimp and set aside, reserving the garlic butter-wine sauce.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

In the same skillet, melt a bit more butter if needed, then whisk in heavy cream and some of the reserved garlic butter-wine mixture. Let it simmer gently until slightly thickened. Stir in grated Parmesan until melted and smooth. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of chopped parsley.

Step 3: Cook the Lasagna Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay them flat on a baking sheet or towel to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased baking dish, begin with a thin layer of cream sauce at the bottom. Add a layer of noodles, spread ricotta cheese evenly, scatter some cooked shrimp, then spoon over the cream sauce and sprinkle with mozzarella. Repeat the layers until you run out of ingredients, finishing with noodles topped with sauce and plenty of mozzarella and Parmesan on top.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then uncover and bake for another 15–20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling. Let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing to help the layers set.

How Long to Cook Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna

The total cooking time in the oven is 40 to 45 minutes:

25 minutes covered with foil to let the cheese melt and the layers heat through evenly without browning too quickly.
15 to 20 minutes uncovered to allow the top to become bubbly and beautifully golden brown.

Don’t forget to let it rest for at least 10–15 minutes after baking. This step is crucial — it helps the layers firm up and makes slicing easier without all the filling sliding out.

Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna

Undercook the noodles slightly (if you’re not using no-boil) — they’ll finish cooking in the oven.
Use fresh garlic — the flavor is deeper and more aromatic than pre-minced versions.
Don’t overcook the shrimp — they’ll finish cooking in the oven, so sauté them just until pink.
Layer with purpose — make sure each layer has a balance of shrimp, cheese, and sauce for consistent bites.
Add wine slowly — deglaze gradually to avoid overpowering the garlic with acidity.
Use freshly grated cheeses — they melt better and taste significantly richer than pre-shredded.
Let it rest before cutting — this really helps the structure and presentation.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Using Overcooked Shrimp
Shrimp cook quickly — if they’re rubbery, the texture can ruin the creamy, delicate lasagna layers. Just a couple of minutes per side is enough.
Skipping the Sauce Layer at the Bottom
Always start your lasagna with sauce on the base of the dish to prevent the noodles from sticking and drying out.
Forgetting to Drain Noodles Properly
Wet noodles can water down your sauce and make the dish soggy. Lay them flat and dry slightly before layering.
Not Seasoning Each Component
The ricotta, cream sauce, and shrimp all need their own bit of seasoning — don’t rely on one element to carry the flavor.
Using Pre-Shredded Cheese
It doesn’t melt as smoothly due to anti-caking agents. Always go for freshly grated if you can.
Skipping the Resting Time
Tempting as it is to dive in right away, give the lasagna time to settle or you’ll end up with a runny mess.

What to Serve With Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna?

Arugula and Lemon Salad

A peppery and zesty salad balances the richness of the lasagna beautifully.

Garlic Bread

Crispy, buttery, and ideal for scooping up any extra sauce on your plate.

Roasted Asparagus with Lemon

Light and fresh, asparagus adds a nice snap and complements the seafood flavor.

Caprese Salad

Tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a cool contrast.

A Glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio

A crisp white wine enhances the garlic and shrimp without overwhelming the dish.

Steamed Broccolini

Its slightly bitter crunch pairs nicely with the creamy textures.

Lemon-Herb Roasted Potatoes

Earthy and citrusy, they’re a hearty but bright side dish.

Grilled Peaches or Nectarine Slices (for summer)

A touch of sweetness that unexpectedly works with the buttery seafood profile.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerating:
Let the lasagna cool completely before covering it tightly with foil or transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat individual portions in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes or in the microwave in 1-minute intervals until hot.

Freezing:
Yes, Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna freezes well! Wrap the entire pan tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place portions in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating Tip:
Add a splash of cream or a small piece of butter on top of your serving before reheating to revive the creamy texture.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

This is based on a generous portion (1/8th of a 9×13 dish):

Calories: ~530 kcal
Protein: ~33g
Fat: ~35g
Carbohydrates: ~28g
Sugar: ~3g
Fiber: ~2g
Sodium: ~710mg
Cholesterol: ~210mg

Nutritional values may vary based on brands used and exact portion sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble it up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Just increase the bake time by 10–15 minutes if baking straight from the fridge.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

Yes, but add them only during the layering stage — skip sautéing to avoid making them tough or rubbery.

What if I don’t want to use wine?

No problem! Substitute with low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth and a squeeze of lemon juice for that acidity.

Can I make this lasagna gluten-free?

Yes. Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and ensure your broth, wine, and other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

Can I swap ricotta for something else?

Definitely. Cottage cheese works as a protein-rich substitute, or mascarpone for a silkier texture.

What type of pan should I use?

A standard 9×13-inch baking dish works perfectly. Ceramic or glass dishes help with even heating.

How do I prevent the top from overbrowning?

Cover the lasagna with foil for the first part of baking, then uncover during the last 15–20 minutes to get that golden top without burning.

Can I use other seafood besides shrimp?

Yes! Scallops, crab, or even a mix of seafood will work beautifully — just adjust cooking times based on what you choose.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna is a true showstopper — rich, comforting, and decadently creamy while still capturing the brightness of a classic shrimp scampi. It bridges the best of seafood and Italian comfort in every bite. Whether you’re entertaining or just treating yourself to something out of the ordinary, this dish delivers sophistication without being fussy. And once you try it, you might just find yourself making it a regular rotation in your kitchen. Bon appétit!