Mediterranean Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab

Mediterranean Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab

This Mediterranean Seafood Lasagna is a creamy, cheesy, and luxurious casserole layered with delicate shrimp, sweet crab meat, and rich béchamel sauce, infused with garlic, lemon zest, herbs, and Mediterranean cheeses. It’s the perfect showstopper for a special gathering or holiday dinner, combining the warmth of comfort food with the brightness of Mediterranean flavors.

Time Estimate

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Rest Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Servings: 6–8

Ingredients

For the Seafood Filling:

1 tbsp olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 small shallot, finely chopped

8 oz shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped

8 oz lump crab meat (real or high-quality imitation)

1 tbsp lemon juice

1 tsp lemon zest

Salt & black pepper, to taste

1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or dill (optional)

For the Cheese Mixture:

15 oz ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese, drained)

1 egg

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp dried basil

Salt & pepper to taste

For the Béchamel Sauce:

3 tbsp butter

3 tbsp all-purpose flour

2½ cups milk (warm)

1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt & pepper to taste

Additional Layers:

9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped, optional)

Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Seafood Filling

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.

Add shallots and garlic; sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Stir in chopped shrimp, cooking until pink (about 3–4 minutes).

Add crab meat, lemon juice, and zest. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs if using.

Remove from heat and set aside.

Make the Cheese Mixture

In a medium bowl, mix ricotta, egg, Parmesan, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.

Stir until smooth and set aside.

Make the Béchamel Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to remove raw flavor.

Gradually whisk in warm milk and continue stirring until thickened (5–7 minutes).

Stir in Parmesan, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.

Assemble the Lasagna

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Spread a thin layer of béchamel on the bottom of a 9×13″ baking dish.

Layer 3 lasagna noodles, then spread ⅓ of the ricotta mixture, ⅓ of the seafood, a few chopped sun-dried tomatoes (optional), and drizzle with béchamel.

Repeat layers twice more.

Top with remaining noodles, a final layer of béchamel, and shredded mozzarella.

Bake the Lasagna

Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.

Remove foil and bake another 15–20 minutes, or until golden and bubbling.

Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh herbs.

Tips

Use Quality Seafood:
Opt for fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp and lump crab for the best texture and flavor. Drain crab meat well to avoid watery lasagna.

Don’t Overcook the Shrimp:
Since the shrimp will bake again in the lasagna, cook it just until pink in the pan — this prevents it from becoming rubbery.

Cook Noodles Al Dente:
Slightly undercook your lasagna noodles so they don’t become mushy after baking.

Let It Rest Before Slicing:
After baking, allow the lasagna to sit for at least 10 minutes so the layers can set — it slices much cleaner this way.

Use Warm Milk for Béchamel:
Warming the milk before adding it to the roux helps the sauce come together faster and smoother.

Make Ahead Friendly:
Assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Add 10–15 minutes to baking time if cooking straight from the fridge.

Variations

Add Mediterranean Veggies:
Layer in sautéed spinach, artichoke hearts, zucchini slices, or roasted red peppers for extra color, flavor, and nutrients.

Make It Spicy:
Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced chili to the seafood mixture or béchamel for a bit of heat.

Cheese Swap:
Replace mozzarella with a mix of shredded provolone, fontina, or crumbled feta for a tangier Mediterranean flavor.

Herb Boost:
Mix fresh basil, dill, or oregano into the ricotta for a fragrant, herbaceous filling.

Tomato Touch:
If you prefer a red sauce base, add a thin layer of marinara or roasted tomato puree in place of béchamel — or swirl them together for a rosé-style layer.

Gluten-Free Option:
Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and swap flour in the béchamel with a 1:1 gluten-free blend or cornstarch slurry.

No-Boil Noodles:
Save time by using oven-ready noodles — just ensure your béchamel is slightly thinner to help cook the noodles evenly.

Q&A

Q: Can I use imitation crab meat instead of real crab?
A: Yes, you can. While real lump crab meat offers a more luxurious flavor, high-quality imitation crab can work well for a more budget-friendly version.

Q: Can I freeze seafood lasagna?
A: Yes! Assemble the lasagna (uncooked), wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) covered for 1 hour, then uncover and bake an additional 15–20 minutes.

Q: What kind of shrimp should I use?
A: Medium or large shrimp work best. Just make sure they’re peeled, deveined, and chopped into bite-sized pieces.

Q: Can I use a tomato-based sauce instead of béchamel?
A: Absolutely! A light Mediterranean-style tomato sauce or even a mix of béchamel and tomato (a rosé sauce) works beautifully.

Q: What side dishes pair well with this?
A: A crisp arugula or cucumber salad, grilled vegetables, or garlic-rosemary focaccia are all excellent Mediterranean-inspired sides.

Nutrition Facts

(Per Serving — Based on 8 servings)

Note: Values are approximate and may vary depending on exact ingredients and brands used.

Final Conclusion

This Mediterranean Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp & Crab is an indulgent yet refreshing twist on a classic comfort dish. The creamy béchamel, fresh herbs, juicy shrimp, and sweet crab layered with melty cheeses and tender noodles create a perfect balance of richness and light Mediterranean flair. Whether served for a holiday feast or a weekend dinner with loved ones, it’s a showstopper that leaves a lasting impression — elegant, cozy, and packed with coastal charm.