Name: Seafood Lasagna Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (for béchamel sauce); 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups milk; salt and freshly ground pepper; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for sautéing); 1 tablespoon finely chopped onion; 1 garlic clove, minced; 3/4 lb boneless flounder fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 pound scallops; ½ cup dry white wine; 2 cups thinly sliced mushrooms; 1 cup crushed canned tomatoes; 3/4 cup heavy cream; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes; 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley; ¼ teaspoon dried oregano; ¼ teaspoon dried basil; 9 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package directions; 1 cup grated Swiss cheese; 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Introduction to Seafood Lasagna Recipe

Hey there, fellow food lovers! If you’re anything like me, some days just call for a hearty, comforting Seafood Lasagna Recipe that’ll bring a little joy to your busy life. The beauty of this dish lies in its rich layers of creamy béchamel, succulent shrimp, and tender scallops. It’s family-friendly too, which means no one will turn their nose up at dinner time!

Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just want to treat your family to something special, this dish is sure to delight. Let’s dive into this culinary adventure together!

Why You’ll Love This Seafood Lasagna Recipe

Let’s face it—life is busy! This Seafood Lasagna Recipe not only packs a punch in flavor but is surprisingly easy to whip up. With layers that meld together beautifully, it’s perfect for cozy family dinners or when you want to impress friends without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, who can resist that creamy goodness? Trust me, one bite will have everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients for Seafood Lasagna Recipe

Now, let’s gather the stars of our Seafood Lasagna Recipe! Here’s a quick run-down of what you’ll need to make this dish sing.

Unsalted butter: Used for our rich béchamel sauce and to sauté, it adds depth and creaminess.
All-purpose flour: This thickens the béchamel sauce, creating that luxurious texture we crave.
Milk: Essential for our béchamel, it brings a lovely creaminess.
Salt and freshly ground pepper: These are your flavor warriors, bringing balance to the dish.
Onion and garlic: A must for sautéing, they add aromatic warmth that builds the base of flavor.
Seafood: We’ll use flounder, shrimp, and scallops, each offering distinct textures and flavors that complement each other.
Dry white wine: This enhances the seafood flavors, adding a lovely acidity.
Mushrooms: Thinly sliced, they enrich the sauce with umami notes.
Canned tomatoes: They add a touch of acidity and sweetness to balance the creaminess.
Heavy cream: For that luscious finish, it makes every layer so indulgently creamy.
Red pepper flakes: Just a pinch adds warmth without overwhelming the dish.
Fresh parsley, dried oregano, and basil: These herbs lift the flavors, adding freshness and a hint of green.
Lasagna noodles: The backbone of our layers, these will hold everything delicious together.
Swiss and Parmesan cheese: For the ultimate cheesy topping, giving that golden crust everyone loves.

For exact measurements, you can find those at the bottom of the article—perfect for printing out your recipe!

How to Make Seafood Lasagna Recipe

Let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into the process of creating this Seafood Lasagna Recipe. Don’t worry, I’ll guide you through each step, making it as easy as pie (or lasagna, in this case).

Step 1: Make the Béchamel Sauce

Start by melting 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, stirring continuously until it turns golden and bubbly, about 1-2 minutes. Then, gradually add in 2 cups of milk, whisking away those pesky lumps.

Keep stirring until the sauce thickens. This can take around 5 minutes, so be patient! Season it all with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Trust me, this creamy sauce is the heart of your lasagna!

Step 2: Sauté the Seafood

In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Toss in 1 tablespoon of finely chopped onion and a minced garlic clove. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the seafood: 3/4 lb of flounder, 1 pound of shrimp, and 1 pound of scallops.

Cook until the shrimp turns a lovely shade of pink, stirring gently. This step only takes about 4-5 minutes, so keep an eye on it! Once done, transfer the seafood mixture to a bowl and set it aside. Your kitchen should smell divine!

Step 3: Deglaze with Wine

In the same skillet, pour in ½ cup of dry white wine, scraping up any brown bits left from the seafood. This is where the magic happens! Let it simmer for about a minute to cook off some alcohol, then transfer the mixture back to the bowl with the seafood.

This added depth will infuse our lasagna with incredible flavor!

Step 4: Cook the Mushrooms and Make the Sauce

Add 2 cups of thinly sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they’ve softened. Now, stir in the crushed canned tomatoes, heavy cream, and your béchamel sauce. Don’t forget the ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes, 3 tablespoons of fresh parsley, and dried herbs for seasoning.

Breathe in that aroma; it’s pure heaven! Make sure to taste and adjust seasonings as needed. This sauce is liquid gold!

Step 5: Assemble the Lasagna

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Butter a casserole dish to ensure nothing sticks. Start layering by spreading a thin layer of the sauce at the bottom of the dish. Lay down 3 cooked lasagna noodles, then half of the seafood mixture, followed by more sauce.

Repeat this process until you reach the top! Finish with remaining sauce and top it all off with 1 cup of grated Swiss cheese and 1/2 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese.

Step 6: Bake to Bubbly Perfection

Cover your casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes. You want it hot and bubbly. Remove the foil in the last 10 minutes to allow the cheese to get that glorious golden color.

Once it’s ready, let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This wait builds suspense—trust me, it’s worth it!

Tips for Success

Prepare your ingredients beforehand to streamline the cooking process.
Don’t overcook the seafood. It continues to cook in the oven!
Feel free to mix and match seafood depending on what’s available.
Let your lasagna rest before serving to set the layers nicely.
For extra flavor, add a splash of lemon juice before serving.

Equipment Needed for Seafood Lasagna Recipe

Medium saucepan: For making the béchamel sauce; a large skillet can work too.
Large skillet: You need this for sautéing seafood and cooking mushrooms; any frying pan will do.
Casserole dish: For baking; an 8×12 inch baking dish is ideal.
Whisk: Essential for smoothing out sauces; a fork can work in a pinch!
Spatula: For layering and serving; a large spoon can also work nicely.

Variations of Seafood Lasagna Recipe

Vegetarian Option: Replace seafood with sautéed spinach, zucchini, and artichokes for a delicious veggie twist.
Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or even some diced jalapeños to heat things up!
Different Cheeses: Use ricotta or a blend of mozzarella for a creamier texture that’s oh-so-satisfying.
Gluten-Free: Swap regular lasagna noodles for gluten-free varieties; it tastes just as good!
Herb Variations: Experiment with other herbs like thyme or dill to introduce new flavors.

Serving Suggestions for Seafood Lasagna Recipe

Side Salad: Pair with a fresh Caesar or mixed greens salad to add crunch and acidity.
Garlic Bread: Serve alongside warm garlic bread to soak up every bit of delicious sauce.
Wine Pairing: A chilled Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio perfectly complements the flavors.
Presentation: Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color before serving.

FAQs about Seafood Lasagna Recipe

Can I use frozen seafood for this Seafood Lasagna Recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen seafood works well. Just make sure to thaw and drain it properly before cooking to avoid excess moisture in your lasagna.

Can I prepare Seafood Lasagna ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the lasagna a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even evaporated milk. These will still add creaminess, though the texture will be slightly different.

How do I store leftovers of Seafood Lasagna?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the oven or microwave for a quick meal. The flavors often get better the next day!

Is Seafood Lasagna a good dish for meal prepping?

Definitely! This dish freezes well. Just wrap portions tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for a quick, satisfying meal.

Final Thoughts on Seafood Lasagna Recipe

Cooking this Seafood Lasagna Recipe is not just about feeding the family; it’s about bringing everyone together for a special moment. The creamy layers meld together like a warm hug on a chilly evening. Each bite is an embrace of delicious flavors, inviting compliments from both kids and adults alike. Whether you serve it for a fancy gathering or a cozy family night, the joy it brings is priceless. So roll up your sleeves, share this delightful dish, and create beautiful memories around the dinner table. Trust me, you’ll want to revisit this recipe time and again!