Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna Recipe

Lasagna is beloved around the world as the ultimate comfort food—a warm, layered casserole of pasta, creamy sauces, and rich fillings baked to golden perfection. But what happens when you take that structure and swap the traditional meat and marinara for garlicky, buttery shrimp scampi? You get Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna, a sophisticated twist on two classics that feels both indulgent and refreshingly light.

This dish brings together everything people love about shrimp scampi—plump, juicy shrimp sautéed in garlic, butter, lemon, and white wine—and combines it with layers of lasagna noodles, creamy béchamel, and a blend of Italian cheeses to create a luxurious meal that’s perfect for date nights, seafood lovers, holiday dinners, or when you simply want to impress.

Unlike a red sauce lasagna, this white lasagna variation relies on a delicate balance of garlic, lemon, and rich dairy flavors. It’s not heavy or overwhelming—instead, it strikes a harmonious chord between the briny sweetness of shrimp and the velvety richness of garlic butter sauce. The pasta layers absorb the creamy filling while still holding their structure, making every slice both luscious and neatly layered.

What truly elevates this recipe is the layering of flavors: garlic browned gently in butter, a splash of dry white wine to deglaze and brighten the scampi, a homemade béchamel sauce enriched with Parmesan, and tender shrimp that melt in your mouth. When these elements are baked together under a golden cheese crust, the result is an unforgettable dish that reinvents lasagna in the most delicious way.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know to make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna from scratch—even if you’ve never made lasagna before. We’ll walk through each component in detail, from sautéing the shrimp and building a silky white sauce, to assembling and baking the final dish. Along the way, you’ll get expert tips, make-ahead advice, and variations for dietary preferences.

Whether you’re hosting dinner guests, making a romantic meal at home, or just looking to treat yourself to something special, this lasagna is the perfect blend of comfort food and culinary elegance. By the end of this recipe, you’ll not only have a stunning new dish to add to your repertoire—you’ll also understand the techniques and timing that make it truly shine.

Let’s begin by gathering everything you’ll need.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna

Stage 1: Preparing the Shrimp Scampi Filling

1. Prepare the shrimp
   Begin by peeling and deveining approximately 1 pound of large shrimp. Remove the tails if you prefer a cleaner bite, or leave them on for presentation. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. Dry shrimp will sear better and develop more flavor.

2. Season the shrimp
   Lightly season the shrimp with salt and freshly ground black pepper. You may also sprinkle a small amount of paprika or red pepper flakes if you want a subtle heat.

3. Sauté the shrimp
   Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter along with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. When the butter has melted and is beginning to foam, add the shrimp in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking. Cook the shrimp for about 1.5 to 2 minutes on each side, until they are pink and opaque but not overcooked. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

4. Prepare the scampi sauce base
   In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 4 cloves of finely minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning, until fragrant and golden.

5. Deglaze the pan
   Add 1/2 cup of dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio) to the pan. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet; these add flavor to the sauce. Allow the wine to simmer and reduce by half, about 3 to 4 minutes.

6. Add lemon juice and season
   Stir in the juice of one medium lemon (about 2 tablespoons), and season the sauce with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Remove from heat and return the cooked shrimp to the pan, tossing gently to coat them in the sauce. Set aside.

Stage 2: Making the Garlic Butter White Sauce (Béchamel with a Twist)

1. Melt butter
   In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat.

2. Add garlic
   Once the butter has melted, add 2 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently until the garlic softens but does not brown.

3. Make a roux
   Sprinkle 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour over the melted butter and garlic. Whisk continuously for about 2 minutes to cook the flour and remove its raw taste. This mixture, called a roux, will thicken the sauce.

4. Add milk and broth
   Gradually pour in 2 cups of whole milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Add 1/2 cup of low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth for additional flavor. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency, about 5 to 7 minutes.

5. Incorporate cheese and seasoning
   Reduce heat to low and stir in 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, white pepper (for a more subtle pepper flavor), and a pinch of nutmeg to enhance the béchamel’s richness.

6. Optional finishing touch
   For added depth, stir in 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley or basil. Remove from heat and keep warm.

Stage 3: Preparing the Lasagna Noodles

1. Boil the noodles
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 to 15 lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil noodles depending on preference). Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually 8 to 10 minutes.

2. Drain and cool
   Drain the noodles carefully and lay them flat on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a clean kitchen towel to prevent sticking. If using no-boil noodles, this step is not necessary.

Stage 4: Assembling the Lasagna

1. Preheat the oven
   Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to preheat while you assemble.

2. Prepare your baking dish
   Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

3. Start with a base layer
   Spread about 1/2 cup of the garlic butter white sauce evenly on the bottom of the dish to prevent the noodles from sticking.

4. Layer the noodles
   Place a single layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce, covering the bottom of the dish without overlapping.

5. Add the shrimp scampi mixture
   Spread about one-third of the shrimp scampi and their sauce evenly over the noodles.

6. Add white sauce
   Spoon a layer of the garlic butter white sauce over the shrimp, spreading it evenly.

7. Add cheese
   Sprinkle approximately 1/3 cup of shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese on top of the sauce layer.

8. Repeat layers
   Repeat the layering process—noodles, shrimp scampi, white sauce, and cheese—two more times or until ingredients are used up, ending with a final layer of noodles topped with white sauce and a generous sprinkling of shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Stage 5: Baking the Lasagna

1. Cover and bake
   Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning and bake for 30 minutes.

2. Uncover and brown
   Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown.

3. Rest before serving
   Remove the lasagna from the oven and allow it to rest for at least 10 to 15 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.

Stage 6: Serving the Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna

1. Slice and plate
   Using a sharp knife or spatula, cut the lasagna into portions. Use a wide spatula to lift the slices carefully and plate.

2. Garnish
   Garnish each serving with freshly chopped parsley or basil and a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired.

3. Pairing suggestions
   Serve alongside a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.