This Seafood Lasagna Deserves To Be On Your Dinner Table

This Seafood Lasagna Deserves To Be On Your Dinner Table is a medium Italian-American recipe that serves 6. 550 calories per serving. Recipe by Mr. Make It Happen on YouTube.

Prep: 30 min | Cook: 53 min | Total: 1 hr 38 min

Cost: $153.61 total, $25.60 per serving

Ingredients

  • 12 pieces Extra Large Shrimp (peeled, deveined, cut into thirds)
  • 8 oz Lobster Claw Meat (cooked, cut into bite‑size pieces)
  • 8 oz Lump Crab Meat (cooked, flaked)
  • 9 sheets Lasagna Noodles (regular, not no‑boil)
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Basil Leaves (torn, optional if wilted)
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley (finely chopped)
  • 8 oz Ricotta Cheese (whole‑milk, full‑fat)
  • 8 oz Sour Cream (full‑fat)
  • 6 oz Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated; 1/2 cup for sauce, remainder for ricotta mix)
  • 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
  • 1 cup Sharp White Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
  • 1 large Egg (beaten, added to ricotta mixture at the end)
  • 2 tsp Garlic Paste (or 2 minced garlic cloves)
  • 2 cups Heavy Cream (full‑fat)
  • 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter (cut into cubes)
  • 2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour (for roux)
  • 1 tsp Lobster Base (concentrated, adds umami; low‑sodium if possible)
  • 2 tbsp Avocado Oil (high smoke point for sautéing shrimp)
  • 1 tsp Lemon Bay Seasoning (or Old Bay, Cajun blend, to taste)
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper
  • pinch Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional for heat)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Seafood

    Trim the extra‑large shrimp, removing the vein if desired, and cut each shrimp into thirds. Roughly chop the lobster claw meat into bite‑size pieces, leaving a few larger chunks for visual appeal. Flake the lump crab meat. Set all seafood aside.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Season and Sauté Shrimp

    Heat 2 tbsp avocado oil in the large skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle the shrimp pieces with 1 tsp Lemon Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are pink and about 60‑70% done, roughly 4‑5 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Make Ricotta‑Cheese Mixture

    In a mixing bowl combine 8 oz ricotta, 8 oz sour cream, and 4 oz grated Parmesan. Add torn basil, chopped parsley, 2 tsp garlic paste, and season with Lemon Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning. Finally, stir in the beaten egg just before the mixture is set aside.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Prepare the Béchamel (Lobster) Sauce

    In the same skillet used for the shrimp, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add 1 tsp lobster base and stir. Sprinkle 2 tbsp flour over the butter and stir to form a roux; cook for about 30 seconds. Gradually whisk in 2 cups heavy cream, bringing to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, adjusting salt as needed. Remove from heat once the sauce coats the back of a spoon.

    Time: PT10M

  5. Par‑Cook Lasagna Noodles

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna sheets and cook for 5‑6 minutes, until just al dente. Drain and lay the noodles flat on a clean kitchen towel or wet paper towel to prevent sticking.

    Time: PT8M

    Temperature: 212°F

  6. Assemble the Lasagna

    Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spread a thin layer of béchamel sauce on the bottom of the 9x13 baking dish. Lay three lasagna sheets overlapping slightly. Spoon a thin layer of the ricotta mixture over the noodles and smooth. Distribute half of the prepared seafood (shrimp, lobster, crab) evenly. Sprinkle a mixture of shredded mozzarella and sharp cheddar. Repeat layers (sauce, noodles, ricotta, seafood, cheese) until the dish is filled, ending with a final layer of noodles, béchamel sauce, and a generous topping of mozzarella, cheddar, and a few extra seafood pieces for presentation.

    Time: PT10M

  7. Bake the Lasagna

    Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 5‑10 minutes, until the top is golden‑brown, bubbly, and the sauce is set.

    Time: PT35M

    Temperature: 350°F

  8. Rest Before Serving

    Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest, uncovered, for 15 minutes. This allows the layers to set and makes slicing easier.

    Time: PT15M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
550
Protein
30g
Carbohydrates
45g
Fat
25g
Fiber
2g

Dietary info: Contains dairy, Contains gluten, Contains shellfish, Not vegan, Not vegetarian

Allergens: Shellfish, Dairy, Egg, Gluten

Last updated: April 7, 2026

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This Seafood Lasagna Deserves To Be On Your Dinner Table

Recipe by Mr. Make It Happen

A festive, creamy seafood lasagna packed with shrimp, lobster claw meat, and lump crab, layered with ricotta‑parmesan mixture and topped with mozzarella and sharp cheddar. Perfect for a holiday dinner or special occasion.

MediumItalian-AmericanServes 6

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
40m
Prep
58m
Cook
12m
Cleanup
1h 50m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$153.61
Total cost
$25.60
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Do not overcook the shrimp; they should be only 60‑70% done before baking.
  • Ensure the béchamel sauce is thick enough to hold the layers together.
  • Par‑cook the lasagna noodles only until al dente to avoid a mushy texture.
  • Bake until the top is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw shrimp with clean hands and wash surfaces to avoid cross‑contamination.
  • Use oven mitts when removing the hot baking dish.
  • Be careful when working with hot oil; avoid splatter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of seafood lasagna in Italian-American cuisine?

A

Seafood lasagna blends traditional Italian layered pasta with the coastal bounty of the United States, especially popular in New England and the Gulf Coast where shrimp, lobster, and crab are abundant. It became a festive holiday dish for Italian‑American families who wanted a richer, more celebratory twist on classic lasagna.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of seafood lasagna in Italian-American cooking?

A

In New England, the dish often features lobster and clams with a creamy white sauce, while in the Gulf Coast versions you’ll find more shrimp and crab with a hint of Cajun seasoning. Some regions add tomatoes for a rosso‑style sauce, but the white béchamel version is the most common for holiday celebrations.

cultural
Q

How is seafood lasagna traditionally served in Italian-American holiday meals?

A

It is typically served as a main course after a light salad and before a hearty meat dish, accompanied by crusty bread and a glass of white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay. The lasagna is sliced while still warm, allowing the creamy sauce to ooze out.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is seafood lasagna traditionally associated with in Italian-American culture?

A

Seafood lasagna is a popular choice for Christmas Eve, New Year's celebrations, and special family gatherings where a luxurious, seafood‑rich dish is desired. It’s also served at coastal festivals and seafood feasts.

cultural
Q

What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for seafood lasagna versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional ingredients include extra‑large shrimp, lobster claw meat, lump crab meat, ricotta, Parmesan, mozzarella, and a white béchamel sauce flavored with lobster base. Substitutes can include scallops for shrimp, imitation crab for lump crab, or a no‑boil noodle to save time, but the flavor profile changes slightly.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making seafood lasagna from the YouTube channel Mr. Make It Happen?

A

Common errors include overcooking the shrimp before baking, using a runny béchamel sauce that makes the lasagna soggy, and boiling the lasagna noodles too long. Also, forgetting to season the ricotta mixture before adding the egg can lead to bland layers.

technical
Q

Why does this seafood lasagna recipe use a thick béchamel sauce instead of a tomato‑based sauce?

A

The thick béchamel provides a rich, buttery backdrop that lets the delicate flavors of shrimp, lobster, and crab shine without being overwhelmed by acidity. It also helps bind the layers together, preventing the lasagna from becoming watery during baking.

technical
Q

Can I make the seafood lasagna ahead of time and how should I store it before baking?

A

Yes, you can assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Keep the béchamel and ricotta mixtures chilled separately, then combine when assembling. Bake directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the seafood lasagna is done cooking?

A

The top should be golden‑brown and bubbly, with the cheese melted and slightly crisp. The interior layers should be firm enough to slice cleanly, and a thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165°F. The sauce should be set, not runny.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Mr. Make It Happen specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Mr. Make It Happen specializes in approachable, step‑by‑step home cooking tutorials that focus on comfort foods, holiday meals, and creative twists on classic dishes, often featuring clear visuals and practical tips for home cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Mr. Make It Happen's approach to Italian‑American cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Mr. Make It Happen emphasizes budget‑friendly ingredient swaps, detailed prep‑time breakdowns, and real‑world kitchen hacks, whereas many other channels focus on high‑end techniques or gourmet plating. The channel aims to make festive dishes like seafood lasagna accessible to everyday home cooks.

channel

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