If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances the rich creaminess of a white sauce with the delicate sweetness of shrimp, look no further than this Shrimp Lasagna with White Sauce and Cheese Recipe. It’s a luscious, layered masterpiece where tender prawns nestle within soft sheets of pasta, enveloped by a velvety white sauce and topped with a glorious blanket of melted cheese. Every bite melts beautifully in your mouth, making it a show-stopping meal perfect for family dinners or impressing friends. Plus, the blend of cheeses and fresh parsley adds just the right texture and brightness to keep this seafood lasagna absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is key to pulling off this shrimp lasagna. Each component plays its part: from the plump, juicy prawns to the creamy white sauce and perfectly cooked pasta sheets, the balance of flavors and textures comes through beautifully. Here’s exactly what you need to create this comforting dish:
- 500g clean and peeled prawns (shrimp): Fresh or thawed for that sweet seafood flavor that shines in every layer.
- 12 sheets of lasagna pasta: The foundation that holds the delicious layers together.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Adds richness to the sauce and helps sauté the aromatics.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Provides a subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with savory warmth and aroma.
- 1 cup cream (or heavy cream): Creates the luxurious, smooth texture of the white sauce.
- 1 cup milk: Lightens the sauce just enough without sacrificing creaminess.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, giving it a sharp, nutty flavor.
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese: Perfect for a gooey, golden topping.
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese: Adds a creamy richness and lovely tang to the layers.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Brightens the dish and adds a fresh herbal note.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning every component just right.
- Olive oil (for cooking shrimp and sautéing): A healthy oil that enhances flavor without overpowering.
How to Make Shrimp Lasagna with White Sauce and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, set your oven to 180°C (350°F)—this will ensure your lasagna bakes evenly to a perfect golden finish. Meanwhile, cook the lasagna sheets according to the package instructions, making sure they’re tender but still firm enough to hold their shape once layered. Drain them well and set aside to prevent sogginess later.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook quickly for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque—just the right degree of doneness to keep them juicy and tender. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside; you’ll be layering them soon!
Step 3: Create the Creamy White Sauce
Using the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until soft and fragrant, which should take about 3 to 4 minutes. Now pour in the cream and milk, stirring continuously. Let the mixture cook on low heat until it begins to thicken slightly. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper. Keep stirring gently until the cheese fully melts and your sauce is luxuriously creamy and smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna Layers
Take a baking dish and spread a thin layer of the white sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking. Add a layer of lasagna sheets, then distribute some cooked shrimp evenly on top. Dollop ricotta cheese and sprinkle chopped parsley over the shrimp for that fresh, herbal touch. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a generous layer of white sauce. Finally, sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese evenly over the top to create that beautiful golden crust as it bakes.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place your assembled lasagna into the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese on top turns golden brown and bubbles delightfully, promising a luscious crust hiding creamy layers beneath. Once out, let the lasagna cool for a few minutes so the layers set nicely for clean, perfect slices.
How to Serve Shrimp Lasagna with White Sauce and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley over each serving brings a wonderful pop of color and a refreshing contrast to the creamy richness. You could also add a few lemon wedges on the side to brighten up the flavors if you love a zesty twist with your seafood.
Side Dishes
Pair your shrimp lasagna with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is another excellent choice for sopping up all the divine creamy sauce left on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Shrimp Lasagna with White Sauce and Cheese Recipe in individual casserole dishes or ramekins for a charming personal touch. Alternatively, try layering in a glass baking dish so guests can admire those beautiful layers before digging in—because, really, food should please the eyes just as much as the palate!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This shrimp lasagna stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap to keep it fresh and prevent it from absorbing any fridge odors. It’s perfect for next-day lunches where you still crave that comforting homemade flavor.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this dish freezes very well. Wrap the cooled lasagna tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, or place it in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months, making it a great make-ahead meal to thaw on busy nights.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Warm it up in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 20 minutes or until heated through and bubbly again. Microwaving works too for single servings, but the oven will maintain the best texture and melt your cheese to perfection.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the dish.
Is it necessary to boil the lasagna sheets first?
Yes, boiling the sheets helps them become tender and flexible so they layer nicely without cracking during baking.
Can I substitute the white sauce with a store-bought version?
While homemade white sauce elevates the dish with fresh flavor, you can use a good-quality store-bought white sauce if you’re short on time.
What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
Ricotta adds creaminess, but cottage cheese or cream cheese are workable alternatives if you don’t have ricotta on hand.
Is this dish suitable for freezing after baking?
It’s best to freeze the lasagna before baking for optimal texture, though leftover baked portions can also be frozen and reheated well.
Final Thoughts
If you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to a meal that’s both comforting and impressive, this Shrimp Lasagna with White Sauce and Cheese Recipe is an absolute winner. The creamy sauce, tender shrimp, and perfectly cheesy topping come together so beautifully, it’s bound to become a favorite you’ll want to make again and again. Go on, dive into this deliciously layered delight and enjoy every mouthwatering bite!
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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
This Shrimp Lasagna with White Sauce and Cheese combines succulent prawns, creamy white sauce, and layers of tender lasagna sheets for a delightful seafood twist on a classic Italian favorite. Baked to golden perfection with mozzarella topping, it’s a comforting and elegant dish perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 500g clean and peeled prawns (shrimp)
Pasta
- 12 sheets of lasagna pasta
Sauce and Dairy
- 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
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Seasonings and Oils
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil (for cooking shrimp and sautéing)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven temperature to 180°C (350°F) to prepare for baking the lasagna later in the process. Meanwhile, cook the lasagna sheets according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to prevent sticking.
- Cook the shrimp: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the peeled prawns and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and are just cooked. Remove the cooked shrimp from the skillet and set them aside to be layered later.
- Prepare the white sauce: Using the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic over medium heat until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the cream and milk, then cook over low heat, stirring frequently until the sauce starts to thicken. Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue cooking until the sauce is creamy and cheese is fully melted.
- Assemble the lasagna: In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of the prepared white sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking. Add a layer of lasagna sheets, then evenly distribute a layer of cooked shrimp. Dollop ricotta cheese over the shrimp layer and sprinkle with some chopped fresh parsley. Repeat these layers—lasagna sheets, shrimp, ricotta, parsley, and white sauce—until all ingredients are used, finishing with a top layer of white sauce. Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese evenly on top for a bubbly, golden crust.
- Bake the lasagna: Place the assembled dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Bake until the top cheese is melted, golden brown, and the lasagna is heated through, giving it a rich and appealing crust.
- Serve: Remove the lasagna from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. This resting time helps the layers set for easier slicing. Garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired and serve warm to enjoy the creamy, cheesy, and flavorful seafood lasagna.
Notes
- Ensure the shrimp are cooked just until pink to avoid rubbery texture.
- Use fresh Parmesan and mozzarella cheese for the best flavor.
- Lasagna sheets can be pre-boiled or no-boil sheets may be substituted but follow package instructions accordingly.
- Letting the lasagna rest after baking improves sliceability and flavor melding.
- Fresh parsley adds a nice herbal freshness but can be substituted with basil or oregano if preferred.
