Description
Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Lasagna
Ingredients:
For the Alfredo Sauce:
2 tbsp butter
2 garlic cloves
(minced)
2 cups heavy cream
1½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Filling:
500g shrimp
(peeled and deveined)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 egg
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
For the Layers:
9 lasagna noodles
(cooked and drained)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
Chopped parsley
(for garnish)
Instructions:
Prepare the Alfredo Sauce:
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant
.
Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually add Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth and creamy. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste
.
Cook the Shrimp:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season shrimp with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sauté shrimp until pink and cooked through (about 2-3 minutes per side). Set aside
.
Make the Cheese Mixture:
In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and shredded mozzarella. Mix until smooth
.
Assemble the Lasagna:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Spread a thin layer of Alfredo sauce at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place 3 lasagna noodles on top
.
Spread ⅓ of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by a layer of shrimp and Alfredo sauce. Repeat the layers two more times, finishing with Alfredo sauce on top.
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top layer
.
Bake:
Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden
.
Serve:
Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh and vibrant touch
.
This creamy shrimp Alfredo lasagna is luxurious and packed with flavor, making it perfect for a special dinner. Enjoy every indulgent bite!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed guide for perfect assembly. First, ensure all components are prepped: sauce is ready, shrimp are cooked, and noodles are boiled al dente. For assembly, use a standard 9×13-inch dish. The key is thin, even layers. Start with sauce to prevent sticking. Add noodles, then use a spatula to spread the ricotta mixture carefully to avoid tearing the pasta. Distribute shrimp evenly. Repeat, pressing layers down gently. The final top layer should be sauce with a generous cheese topping. Covering with foil for the first half of baking ensures even cooking without drying out the edges.
Serving Suggestions
This rich lasagna pairs beautifully with light, acidic sides to balance the creaminess. Serve with a crisp arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette, or roasted asparagus. For a heartier meal, add garlic bread. A chilled, crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the seafood and cream sauce perfectly.
How-to Summary
In summary: 1) Make a garlic-Parmesan Alfredo sauce. 2) Sauté seasoned shrimp. 3) Mix ricotta, egg, and mozzarella. 4) Layer sauce, noodles, ricotta mix, and shrimp in a dish. 5) Top with mozzarella, bake covered (25 min) then uncovered (15 min) at 350°F. 6) Rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare this lasagna ahead of time? Yes. Assemble completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Can I use a different protein? Absolutely. Diced cooked chicken or scallops work well. For a vegetarian version, use sautéed spinach and mushrooms.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire dish, covered with foil, in a 300°F oven until warmed through.
My sauce seems too thick. What can I do? Alfredo sauce thickens as it cools. If it’s too thick before assembling, whisk in a small amount of warm milk or pasta water until it reaches a pourable consistency.
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles? Yes, but ensure there is ample sauce surrounding them. You may need to add a little extra cream or broth to the sauce to provide enough moisture for the noodles to cook properly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overcooking the shrimp before baking, as they will toughen. Sauté just until pink. Do not skip resting the lasagna after baking; this allows the layers to set for cleaner slices. Ensure your Alfredo sauce is on a low simmer when adding cheese to prevent it from breaking or becoming grainy. Finally, do not over-layer the ricotta mixture, as too much can make the final dish overly dense.
Conclusion
This Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Lasagna transforms classic flavors into a stunning, crowd-pleasing casserole. By following the step-by-step guide and heeding the tips provided, you can avoid common pitfalls and create a restaurant-quality dish at home. It’s a luxurious yet straightforward recipe perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a special family dinner. The combination of succulent shrimp, rich Alfredo, and creamy cheeses is truly unforgettable.