There is something utterly delightful about the aroma of garlic wafting through your kitchen while you prepare a meal. Now imagine combining that heavenly scent with tender shrimp nestled between layers of creamy cheese and pasta. Enter garlic butter shrimp scampi lasagna—a dish that’s not just a feast for the eyes but a party for your taste buds.
This recipe is perfect for those nights when you want to impress family or friends without spending hours in the kitchen. The luscious flavors meld together so perfectly that it feels like you’ve just walked into a five-star restaurant. Just wait until you hear the “oohs” and “aahs” at the dinner table!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This garlic butter shrimp scampi lasagna balances rich flavors with ease of preparation.
- The vibrant colors make it visually stunning on any dinner table.
- It’s versatile enough to enjoy any night of the week, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a special occasion.
Everyone was raving about this dish at our last family gathering; even my picky cousin went back for seconds!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Lasagna Noodles: Opt for no-boil noodles to save time; they cook beautifully as the sauce simmers.
- Large Shrimp: Use fresh or frozen shrimp—just ensure they’re peeled and deveined for convenience.
- Garlic: Fresh cloves are best; they pack a punch of flavor that powdered garlic simply can’t match.
- Unsalted Butter: This will be your flavor base—always melt it over low heat to avoid burning.
- Cream Cheese: Provides creaminess and helps bind the layers together; let it soften before mixing.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese adds texture and enhances the savory profile of the dish.
- Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle on top brings freshness and vibrant color to your finished masterpiece.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that complements seafood beautifully—don’t skimp on this!
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning—adjust according to your taste preference.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Begin by gathering all your ingredients and prepping them accordingly. Chop fresh parsley, mince garlic, and if using frozen shrimp, defrost them under cold water.
Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt half the butter before adding minced garlic until fragrant. Toss in the shrimp until they turn pink; this should take around 3-4 minutes.
Create the Creamy Mixture: In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese with Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
Layer It Up!: Start layering in a baking dish by placing noodles at the bottom. Add half of your creamy mixture followed by half of the sautéed shrimp mixture. Repeat this process.
Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes before removing foil to bake an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly.
Add Finishing Touches: Once out of the oven, let it sit for 10 minutes before garnishing with chopped parsley. This allows flavors to settle while keeping everything intact.
Now you have an incredible garlic butter shrimp scampi lasagna that’s sure to impress! Enjoy each layer of deliciousness as you dig in—it’ll feel like a warm hug on your plate!
You Must Know
- Garlic butter shrimp scampi lasagna combines rich flavors, creamy textures, and a hint of zest.
- This dish is perfect for impressing guests or indulging on a cozy night in.
- With layers of pasta and shrimp, it’s comfort food at its finest.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing the shrimp in garlic butter before layering them with noodles and sauce. This ensures maximum flavor infusion while ensuring the pasta cooks perfectly.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out shrimp for chicken or add veggies like spinach or zucchini to boost nutrition and flavor. Experiment with cheeses too; ricotta works beautifully!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven to maintain that delicious creamy texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To prevent soggy lasagna, make sure to drain excess sauce before layering.
- Use fresh herbs for a burst of flavor, and let your dish rest briefly after baking for better slicing.
Creating this garlic butter shrimp scampi lasagna was a game changer during my family’s last gathering; everyone couldn’t stop raving about it!
FAQ
Can I make garlic butter shrimp scampi lasagna ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble it a day ahead, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
What type of cheese should I use?
Ricotta and mozzarella are excellent choices for creaminess and flavor.
How do I know when the shrimp are cooked?
Shrimp turn pink and opaque when fully cooked, usually taking 3-5 minutes.
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna
Garlic butter shrimp scampi lasagna is a rich, creamy dish that combines succulent shrimp and layers of cheesy goodness for a delightful meal everyone will adore.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients
- 9 no-boil lasagna noodles
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Toss in the shrimp and cook until pink, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat.
- In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- In a baking dish, layer three lasagna noodles at the bottom. Spread half of the creamy mixture over the noodles, followed by half of the sautéed shrimp. Repeat layering.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley.
Notes
- To enhance flavor, consider adding spinach or zucchini between layers.
- For added creaminess, mix in ricotta cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the lasagna (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 175mg
