Introduction
Transforming simple, everyday ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal is easier than you think! This Creamy Shrimp Scampi Lasagna takes the best of Italian comfort food and elevates it to a whole new level of deliciousness. Get ready to impress your family with this stunning and flavorful lasagna that’s surprisingly easy to make.
Why This Works
This recipe is a winner because it combines the comforting familiarity of lasagna with the bright and zesty flavors of shrimp scampi. The creamy sauce, perfectly cooked shrimp, and layers of pasta create a symphony of textures and tastes that everyone will adore. It’s also impressively easy to assemble, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Key Ingredients
- 🦐 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 🍝 9 lasagna noodles (oven-ready preferred)
- 🧈 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 🧄 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 🌿 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 🧀 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 🧀 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 🍷 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 🍋 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 🍅 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 🥛 1 cup heavy cream
- 🧂 Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2️⃣ In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
3️⃣ Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
4️⃣ Pour the white wine into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and crushed tomatoes. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
5️⃣ Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce heat to low and simmer for another 5 minutes.
6️⃣ In a separate bowl, combine the cooked shrimp, half of the mozzarella cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese with the sauce.
7️⃣ Layer 3 lasagna noodles in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread half of the shrimp mixture over the noodles. Repeat layers with 3 more noodles, the remaining shrimp mixture, and the final 3 noodles. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
8️⃣ Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
9️⃣ Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Handy Tips
- Using oven-ready lasagna noodles saves you a pre-boiling step!
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the shrimp. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick!
Heat Control
Maintaining medium heat while cooking the garlic and shrimp is crucial to prevent burning. The low simmer for the sauce allows the flavors to meld beautifully without scorching. The oven temperature of 375°F ensures the lasagna cooks evenly and the cheese melts perfectly.
Crunch Factor
While this lasagna is creamy and decadent, you can add a bit of crunch by sprinkling some toasted breadcrumbs or chopped nuts on top before baking.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For a richer flavor, use a high-quality Parmesan cheese.
- Add a splash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- To save time, use pre-cooked shrimp. Just gently warm it in the sauce at the end.
Storage Tips
Leftover lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This lasagna makes a wonderful gift! Package individual portions in attractive disposable containers, tied with a ribbon and a small sprig of rosemary.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Shrimp Scampi Lasagna: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce.
🌟 Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Scampi Lasagna: Increase the amount of lemon zest and juice for a brighter, more citrusy flavor.
🌟 Spinach and Shrimp Scampi Lasagna: Add a cup of fresh spinach to the sauce along with the shrimp.
🌟 Creamy Tomato and Basil Shrimp Scampi Lasagna: Stir in a handful of fresh basil leaves at the end of cooking the sauce for a fresh, herbaceous note.
Troubleshooting
- Lasagna is dry: Add a little more heavy cream or tomato sauce to the mixture.
- Shrimp is overcooked: Cook shrimp for a shorter time to prevent rubbery texture.
- Cheese isn’t browned enough: Broil the lasagna for the last few minutes of baking, watching closely to prevent burning.
FAQ
- Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
- Can I substitute other types of pasta? While lasagna noodles work best, you could try other wide pasta shapes.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes. Assemble the lasagna but don’t bake it until you’re ready to serve. Refrigerate it and add 15-20 minutes to the baking time.
- Can I freeze this lasagna? Yes, assemble the lasagna, freeze it unbaked, and then bake from frozen, increasing baking time by about 30-45 minutes.
Conclusion
This Creamy Shrimp Scampi Lasagna is sure to become a family favorite! It’s a delicious and impressive dish that’s easier to make than you might think. We hope you enjoy it! Share your creations with us on social media using #AngelRecipes!