Name: Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp, Crab, and Cheesy Bechamel Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 Tbsp salted butter; 1 medium yellow onion (1½ cup, 180g, diced); 1 rib celery (½ cup, 60g, diced); 2 garlic cloves (1 Tbsp, minced); 12 oz. shrimp (chopped, tail-off, peeled & deveined); 8 oz. imitation crab (chopped); ¼ cup frozen spinach (35g, thawed and squeezed); 1 tsp lemon juice; ¼ tsp Cajun seasoning; ¼ cup salted butter (57g); ¼ cup all-purpose flour (30g); 3 cups whole milk (24 fl oz.); ½ cup Parmesan cheese (50g, finely grated); ½ tsp Old Bay seasoning; 12 lasagna noodles (uncooked); 1 cup cottage cheese (8 oz., 225g); 1 Tbsp fresh parsley (finely chopped); 2 cups mozzarella cheese (8 oz., shredded)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 46 reviews

Diving into this Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp, Crab, and Cheesy Bechamel Recipe feels like treating yourself to a luxurious ocean feast wrapped in layers of tender pasta and creamy goodness. The delicate shrimp and sweet crab mingle perfectly with a rich, velvety bechamel sauce loaded with melted cheeses, creating a dish that’s both impressive and comforting. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a weekend dinner, this recipe brings the taste of the sea right to your table in a way that’s approachable yet elegant. If you love seafood and creamy pasta, this is definitely one lasagna recipe you’ll want to keep close to your heart.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows many white bowls and clear glass bowls arranged on a white marbled surface. There are fourteen bowls filled with different ingredients: a large white bowl full of shredded cheese, another bowl with chopped onions, and one with small peeled shrimp, a bowl with chopped green herbs, another with minced garlic, a bowl of green chopped vegetables, a bowl with chopped cooked spinach, a bowl of diced seafood, a bowl of flour, grated cheese, and three small bowls with various spices and seasonings. There is also a white measuring cup with milk, a stick of butter rind, and uncooked lasagna pasta sheets placed flat at the front. The lighting is bright and natural. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, from building layers of flavor to contributing texture and vibrant colors that make this dish as beautiful as it is delicious. Keeping it simple yet impactful means you get a wonderful balance without any fuss.

Salted butter: Adds a creamy richness and helps build the savory base when sautéing veggies and making the bechamel.
Yellow onion: Provides a subtle sweetness and depth, softening beautifully when sautéed.
Celery: Brings a slight crunch and aromatic freshness to the seafood filling.
Garlic cloves: Infuses every bite with a warm, inviting flavor that seafood loves.
Shrimp (chopped): Tender and juicy, these add a perfect seafood pop with savory sweetness.
Imitation crab (chopped): Brings a mild, flaky texture and complements the shrimp without overwhelming the dish.
Frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed): Adds a touch of vibrant green and earthiness to balance the richness.
Lemon juice: Brightens the filling with a splash of freshness and a mild tang.
Cajun seasoning: Adds a kick of warmth and subtle spice, awakening the seafood flavors.
All-purpose flour: The building block of the bechamel, crucial for that smooth, thick texture.
Whole milk: Creates a silky, creamy base for the cheesy bechamel sauce.
Parmesan cheese: Delivers a nutty, salty punch to enrich the white sauce.
Old Bay seasoning: Infuses that classic seafood spice mix for an authentic taste.
Lasagna noodles (uncooked): Soft yet firm sheets that hold all the layers together beautifully.
Cottage cheese: Adds creaminess and subtle tang in dollops throughout.
Fresh parsley: Provides a bright, herbal note and lovely garnish.
Mozzarella cheese (shredded): Melts into a bubbly, gooey topping that crowns this dish with melty perfection.

How to Make Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp, Crab, and Cheesy Bechamel Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Cook the Pasta

Start by heating your oven to 375°F and cooking the lasagna noodles in salted water until they’re just tender—this ensures they’ll finish cooking perfectly in the oven without getting mushy. Drain and lay them flat on parchment paper with a little oil drizzle to keep them from sticking together later.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Seafood

In a large skillet, melt a tablespoon of butter over medium heat and gently sauté diced onion, celery, and garlic until they soften and become fragrant. Then, add the chopped shrimp, imitation crab, thawed spinach, lemon juice, and a hint of Cajun seasoning. Cook just until the shrimp are pink and opaque—overcooked seafood can get rubbery, so keep an eye here. Remove from heat to keep the flavors fresh and vibrant.

Step 3: Mix the Cottage Cheese and Parsley

In a small bowl, stir together the cottage cheese and freshly chopped parsley. This mixture adds lovely creaminess and pops of freshness throughout the layers and balances the richness of the bechamel and cheese perfectly.

Step 4: Make the Cheesy Bechamel Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt a quarter cup of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook it for about a minute — this cooks out any raw taste and creates the roux, the base for a luscious sauce. Slowly pour in the whole milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Let it gently simmer until it thickens into a smooth, pourable sauce. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan and Old Bay seasoning, giving the sauce a silky richness with a gentle seafood-inspired warmth.

Step 5: Assemble the Lasagna Layers

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Start by spreading a thin layer of your cheesy bechamel sauce on the bottom. Layer three noodles with slight overlap, half of the seafood mixture, dollops of the cottage cheese blend, a third of the bechamel, and a sprinkling of mozzarella. Then repeat the layering once more. Finally, top with the last three noodles, the remaining sauce, and the rest of the mozzarella for that golden bubbly finish.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes to let all the flavors meld and the noodles cook through. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes, allowing the cheese to brown beautifully. For the final touch, switch to broil and cook for 3-5 minutes to get a perfectly golden crust. Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes — patience here means cleaner slices and a better eating experience.

How to Serve Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp, Crab, and Cheesy Bechamel Recipe

A white rectangular baking dish filled with a baked lasagna that has a top layer of golden brown melted cheese with dark toasted spots indicating a crispy texture. Scattered small green parsley pieces are sprinkled on top for color contrast. The lasagna's edges show slightly browned and bubbling cheese that curls over the sides. In the background, lemon halves and green herbs rest on a white marbled surface, along with a white and blue striped cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley right before serving adds a burst of color and brightness that cuts through the richness. A light grating of extra Parmesan on top can also elevate the cheesy flavor and make it feel extra indulgent.

Side Dishes

Pair this seafood lasagna with a crisp green salad tossed with a lemon vinaigrette to bring a refreshing contrast. Steamed asparagus or garlic roasted green beans also make for wonderful, simple sides that complement the creamy, layered flavors without competing for attention.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, serve individual portions in shallow ramekins and garnish each with a lemon wedge and a small sprig of dill or parsley. Alternatively, offer a variety of crusty artisan breads alongside for soaking up every last bit of that luscious cheesy bechamel sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover seafood lasagna keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days if you cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. The flavors deepen and meld even more after sitting overnight, making for a delicious next-day meal.

Freezing

This lasagna freezes wonderfully too! For best results, freeze before baking: assemble in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

Reheating

To reheat, warm individual slices in the oven at 350°F covered with foil to maintain moisture, about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave slices on medium power, but the oven will help keep the texture and cheese nice and melty.

FAQs

Can I use fresh crab instead of imitation crab?

Absolutely! Fresh crab meat adds an even richer and more authentic seafood flavor. Just be mindful of the price and handle the delicate meat carefully when mixing it in the filling to avoid breaking it up too much.

Is it necessary to make the bechamel sauce from scratch?

Making the bechamel sauce fresh really elevates this dish, offering a silky, creamy texture and fresh flavor you won’t get from shortcuts. However, if pressed for time, you could experiment with store-bought white sauces but homemade is highly recommended for the best results.

Can I substitute gluten-free noodles?

Yes! Many gluten-free lasagna noodles work well, but be sure to follow package instructions for cooking times, as they can vary. The key is to prevent mushiness while ensuring they soften enough for layering.

What if I don’t have Cajun or Old Bay seasoning?

You can substitute with a blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and a pinch of celery salt to capture a similar warmth and seafood-friendly spice. Both seasonings add subtle layers that make the flavors pop.

How long does it take to prepare and bake this seafood lasagna?

Overall, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 20 minutes, including prep, assembling, and baking. The result is totally worth the time investment, especially when serving friends and family a memorable meal.

Final Thoughts

This Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp, Crab, and Cheesy Bechamel Recipe is a true celebration of contrasts: creamy yet light, rich yet fresh, simple ingredients elevated into a show-stopping dish. Whether you’re impressing guests or treating yourself to a cozy night in, this lasagna will bring smiles and satisfied sighs around the table. Don’t hesitate—grab those ingredients and start layering your way to seafood bliss tonight!