If you’ve ever imagined a dish that perfectly blends the delicate sweetness of shrimp with the rich, creamy comfort of cheese and velvety white sauce, you need to try this Shrimp Lasagna with White Sauce and Cheese Recipe. It’s a luxurious yet surprisingly approachable meal that layers tender prawns, luscious béchamel-like sauce, and three kinds of cheese between sheets of tender lasagna pasta. With each bite, you get a harmony of textures and flavors that feels indulgent but fresh. Whether it’s a special occasion or simply a night when you want to treat yourself, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorite go-tos.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients for this dish come together in a way that’s simple but essential. Each component plays a specific role, from the juicy shrimp adding a sweet seafood punch to the creamy cheeses creating that melt-in-your-mouth goodness. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this dish to life:
- 500g clean and peeled prawns (shrimp): Fresh or thawed, these provide the star protein with a delicate ocean flavor.
- 12 sheets of lasagna pasta: Cooked to al dente, these form the perfect base and layers.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Used for sautéing and building the creamy white sauce.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Provides an aromatic zing that complements the shrimp perfectly.
- 1 cup cream (or heavy cream): Makes the sauce luxuriously smooth and rich.
- 1 cup milk: Balances the creaminess and thins the sauce slightly for a perfect consistency.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a salty nuttiness that enriches the sauce deeply.
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully on top, forming a bubbly, golden crust.
- ½ cup ricotta cheese: Adds creamy pockets throughout the layers.
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped: Sprinkled in and on top for fresh herbal brightness and color.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning every layer just right.
- Olive oil (for cooking shrimp and sautéing): Adds a fruity richness and helps prevent sticking.
How to Make Shrimp Lasagna with White Sauce and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pasta
Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F) to get it ready for baking later. Cook your lasagna sheets according to the package instructions until they are perfectly al dente. Once cooked, drain and set them aside on a clean surface so they don’t stick together while you prepare the rest.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter along with a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the cleaned prawns and cook them just until they turn pink, which takes about 2 to 3 minutes—be careful not to overcook or they’ll get tough. Once done, transfer the shrimp to a plate and keep them warm.
Step 3: Prepare the Creamy White Sauce
Using the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter and sauté your chopped onion and minced garlic until softened and aromatic. This step infuses the sauce with a wonderful base flavor. Then pour in the cream and milk, stirring gently as you simmer the sauce on low heat until it starts to thicken. Fold in the grated Parmesan cheese along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely and the sauce turns creamy and smooth, signaling it’s perfectly ready.
Step 4: Assemble Your Shrimp Lasagna with White Sauce and Cheese Recipe
Now comes the fun part. In your baking dish, begin by spreading a thin layer of the luscious white sauce on the bottom—this ensures the pasta won’t dry out. Lay down your first layer of lasagna sheets, then scatter a generous amount of cooked shrimp over them. Dollop spoons of ricotta cheese and sprinkle chopped parsley for that burst of color and flavor. Repeat this layering process—white sauce, pasta, shrimp, ricotta, parsley—until all ingredients are used. Finish by topping the lasagna with the remaining white sauce and a thick blanket of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Place your assembled lasagna in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is beautifully golden and bubbling with melted mozzarella. This step transforms the dish into a cheesy masterpiece and locks all those flavors together.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Once out of the oven, let your Shrimp Lasagna with White Sauce and Cheese Recipe rest for a few minutes before cutting into it. This resting time allows the layers to set slightly, making each slice nice and neat. Garnish with extra fresh parsley if you want to add a touch of fresh herbal vibrancy just before serving.
How to Serve Shrimp Lasagna with White Sauce and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a few basil leaves adds a lovely pop of green that brightens the rich layers visually and taste-wise. A light drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also enhance the seafood flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish is rich and satisfying, so pairing it with light, crisp sides is a winning idea. Consider a simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, roasted asparagus, or lightly steamed broccoli to add freshness and crunch. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette also pairs wonderfully if you want to soak up every bit of that creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress your guests by serving the lasagna in individual ramekins or mini baking dishes for personalized portions. You can also add a sprinkling of toasted pine nuts or a dash of smoked paprika on top for a creative flavor twist and visual appeal. Layering with thin slices of zucchini or spinach for extra greens inside is another fun variation to personalize your Shrimp Lasagna with White Sauce and Cheese Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which might be rare given how delicious this is), cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps the flavors vibrant and the texture just as satisfying.
Freezing
This lasagna freezes well if you want to prepare it in advance. Assemble it completely, then cover tightly and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftover portions in the oven at 175°C (350°F) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and bubbly again. Alternatively, you can microwave individual slices, but the oven will bring back that fresh-baked texture much better.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat the shrimp dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture, which could affect the sauce consistency.
Is it necessary to cook the lasagna sheets before assembling?
Yes, cooking the pasta beforehand ensures they are tender inside after baking. However, if you use no-boil lasagna sheets, adjust the sauce quantity slightly to allow for proper cooking.
Can I substitute the cream with a lighter option?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk, but keep in mind that the sauce will be less rich and creamy. Adding a little extra cheese can help maintain the texture.
What type of cheese works best aside from those listed?
Gruyere or fontina are excellent alternatives for a more complex flavor and equally good melting quality in the sauce layers.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Simply swap regular lasagna sheets for certified gluten-free pasta sheets. Most other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check labels to be safe.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp Lasagna with White Sauce and Cheese Recipe is a gorgeous way to elevate a classic comfort food with fresh seafood and indulgent creaminess. It’s straightforward enough for a weeknight treat but special enough to impress guests at a dinner party. Give it a try—you’re going to love how effortlessly impressive and delicious this dish turns out every time.
Print
Shrimp Lasagna with White Sauce and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A rich and creamy shrimp lasagna layered with tender prawns, a luscious white sauce made with cream and Parmesan, and a blend of cheeses including mozzarella and ricotta. This savory seafood lasagna baked to golden perfection offers a delightful twist on the classic Italian favorite.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Pasta
- 500g clean and peeled prawns (shrimp)
- 12 sheets of lasagna pasta
White Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cream (or heavy cream)
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil (for cooking shrimp and sautéing)
Cheese and Garnish
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F). Meanwhile, cook the lasagna sheets according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain them well and set aside for assembly.
- Cook the shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with a drizzle of olive oil. Add the prawns and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
- Prepare the white sauce: Using the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until softened and fragrant. Pour in the cream and milk, stirring constantly over low heat until the sauce starts to thicken. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, season with salt and pepper, and cook gently until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Assemble the lasagna: Lightly grease a baking dish. Start by spreading a thin layer of the white sauce at the bottom. Layer with lasagna sheets, then a portion of the cooked shrimp, spoonfuls of ricotta cheese, and sprinkle some chopped parsley. Repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used, finishing with a top layer of white sauce. Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese evenly over the surface.
- Bake: Place the assembled lasagna into the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top turns golden brown and bubbly, signaling the lasagna is perfectly cooked.
- Serve: Remove the lasagna from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes. Slice, garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute the cream with whole milk for a lighter sauce, but the texture will be less rich.
- Fresh parsley adds a bright flavor; feel free to garnish generously.
- Boil lasagna sheets just until al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
