Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe

If you love comfort food but crave something with a gourmet, coastal twist, Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna is about to become your new dinner obsession. Imagine the lush, lemony flavors of classic shrimp scampi layered between tender noodles, velvety ricotta, melty mozzarella, and plenty of herby goodness. Every bite is stacked with silky, buttery shrimp, a kiss of garlic, and big Italian-American personality. This is a dream-worthy main course that brings a little celebration to any table—perfect for impressing guests or making a weeknight feel fancy, yet totally doable for home cooks. You simply have to try Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna for your next gathering!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s chat about ingredients—each one in this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna plays its own starring role, delivering exactly the kind of flavor, creaminess, or structure this dish craves. With everything from fresh shrimp to a hint of lemon, the lineup might look simple, but together they create pure magic.

• Lasagna noodles: The backbone of our layers—cooked al dente, they hold everything together and soak up all the goodness.
• Large shrimp, peeled and deveined: These become juicy, sweet bites that shine through every cheesy, buttery layer.
• Unsalted butter: This is the heart of the scampi sauce, ensuring every forkful is luscious and rich.
• Minced garlic: No shrimp scampi is complete without it; it blooms in the butter, infusing the whole dish with aromatic warmth.
• Olive oil: Just a splash balances out the butter and helps the shrimp sauté to perfection.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a whisper of heat that tingles on the tongue without overpowering.
• Lemon zest and juice: The zest and juice bring brightness and cut through the richness for a truly craveable bite.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning every layer and making those flavors sing.
• Black pepper: Rounds out the flavor and adds a touch of savory depth.
• Chopped fresh parsley: For pop of freshness and color—you’ll love it both in and on top of the lasagna.
• Ricotta cheese: The creamy dreamy substance that creates luscious layers amidst the shrimp and noodles.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into that delightfully gooey topping everyone fights over.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: The sharp, nutty kick that ties the whole Italian-American flavor profile together.
• Large egg: Helps the ricotta layer set up beautifully, so slices hold their shape.
• Heavy cream: Makes the filling extra rich—just a couple tablespoons add so much silkiness!

How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna

Step 1: Prep the Noodles

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil and cooking your lasagna noodles just until al dente—they’ll soften more as they bake, so don’t overdo it. Drain them and lay flat on a clean kitchen towel to keep them from sticking together while you work on the shrimp and filling.

Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp Scampi

In a roomy skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter with the olive oil. Toss in the garlic and let it sizzle for about a minute—your kitchen will smell amazing. Add the shrimp, sprinkle over the red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of heat), then the lemon zest and juice, salt, and pepper. Stir everything gently, cooking for just 3 to 4 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and tender. Take the pan off the heat and stir in that vibrant fresh parsley.

Step 3: Make the Ricotta Mixture

While the shrimp cool slightly, mix together the ricotta, egg, Parmesan, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. You want this mixture to be creamy and well-combined; it’s your secret weapon for a pillowy ricotta layer in every slice of Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish with the last two tablespoons of butter. Spread a thin, even layer of the ricotta mixture on the bottom—this keeps the noodles from sticking and adds creaminess with each bite. Next, add a layer of noodles, more ricotta mix, a handsome helping of shrimp (with some of that glorious scampi sauce), and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella. Keep layering: noodles, ricotta, shrimp, mozzarella, until you run out, finishing with mozzarella and any last bits of shrimp right on top.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover your masterpiece with foil and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes, which lets it heat through and meld together. Remove the foil, bake 10 minutes longer until the top is golden, bubbly, and irresistible. Once it’s out, let it rest for 10 minutes—this is the hardest part, but it helps the lasagna set so those slices stay perfect when serving.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna

Garnishes

This dish loves a finishing touch! Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a pop of green, or add a little extra lemon zest for even more zing. A light dusting of Parmesan just before serving is always a welcome choice, accentuating both the flavor and visual appeal of your Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna.

Side Dishes

Crusty sourdough or a baguette pairs beautifully, perfect for mopping up any buttery, garlicky sauce that escapes your fork. For balance, serve this lasagna alongside a crisp mixed green salad with a bright vinaigrette or delicate sautéed spinach. The freshness of salad and bread nicely complements the luxurious, creamy main event.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna in individual ramekins for a dinner-party wow factor, or cut into smaller squares as an elevated appetizer at a cocktail gathering. If you’re celebrating, arrange slices on a bed of wilted greens and garnish artsy-style with slivers of lemon, parsley leaves, and confetti-style extra Parmesan. No matter how you serve it, this dish always brings that showstopper energy!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (lucky you!), store slices of Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious for up to three days—just be sure to let the lasagna cool completely before covering and chilling to preserve the texture.

Freezing

For longer keeping, you can freeze the assembled and fully baked lasagna. Let it cool, cut into individual servings, and wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap before placing in a freezer-safe container. It will keep its flavor and texture beautifully for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm individual slices in the oven at 350°F, loosely covered with foil to keep them moist. This method helps preserve that perfect cheesy top and maintains the shrimp’s tender texture. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just use a lower power setting and cover with a damp paper towel.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp for Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna?

You can, but be careful not to overcook—it’s best to add pre-cooked shrimp at the layering stage rather than sautéing, so they warm through as the lasagna bakes and stay juicy.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply swap out regular lasagna noodles for your favorite gluten-free alternative. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, so the substitution is easy.

What other seafood can I use instead of shrimp?

This lasagna is wonderfully flexible—scallops or lump crab make excellent alternatives, each adding their own sweet, tender note to the Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna experience.

Can I add extra vegetables?

Certainly. Extras like sautéed spinach, artichoke hearts, or even zucchini slices add both color and nutrition without overwhelming the creamy, seafood-forward flavors.

How do I know when the lasagna is cooked through?

The cheese on top will be golden and bubbly, and the sauce at the edges will be gently simmering. After letting it rest, a clean, hot knife should glide easily through each delicious layer.

Final Thoughts

Homemade Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna is pure magic—decadent yet easy, elegant yet comforting, and that combination of garlicky shrimp and cheesy layers is simply unforgettable. If you’re looking for something special to bring family and friends together, give this recipe a try and watch it become one of your most requested crowd-pleasers!

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