Elegant Ina Garten Seafood Lasagna Recipe

Jazzy Ina Garten Seafood Lasagna Recipe: Ocean’s Finest Feast

Seafood lasagna whispers tales of oceanic decadence, inviting you into a world of culinary bliss.

Succulent marine treasures nestle between silky pasta layers, creating a symphony of flavors.

Delicate shellfish intermingle with rich, creamy sauce, transforming an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary feast.

Briny notes and velvety cheese create a harmonious dance on your plate.

Each forkful promises a journey through maritime elegance and Italian comfort.

Tender seafood weaves magic through traditional lasagna techniques.

You’ll fall in love with this gourmet masterpiece that bridges rustic charm and sophisticated taste.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 1 hour

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 8

What’s in Ina Garten’s Seafood Lasagna

For Seafood Mixture:
  • Crab Meat: Choose fresh, lump crab meat for a sweet, delicate flavor and tender texture.
  • Scallops: Select plump, pearly white scallops with a mild, buttery taste and firm consistency.
  • Shrimp: Pick firm, translucent shrimp with a clean ocean scent and no discoloration.
For Cheese Blend:
  • Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Opt for freshly grated cheeses for maximum melting and rich, complex flavors.
For Sauce And Filling Ingredients:
  • Clam Chowder: Select a creamy, high-quality brand with robust seafood undertones.
  • Heavy Whipping Cream: Choose full-fat cream for a luxurious, silky sauce texture.
  • Lemon Juice: Use fresh-squeezed for bright, zesty notes that enhance seafood flavors.
  • Ricotta Cheese: Pick smooth, creamy ricotta with a delicate, subtle taste.
  • Egg: Select fresh, large eggs for proper binding and richness.
  • Minced Garlic: Use fresh garlic cloves for a more intense, aromatic profile.
  • Chopped Parsley: Select bright green, crisp parsley leaves for fresh herbaceous notes.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Use high-quality sea salt and freshly ground black pepper for depth.
For Pasta:
  • Lasagna Noodles: Choose wide, flat noodles that hold sauce and layers beautifully.

Bakeware and Seafood Tools You’ll Need

  • Oven: Preheating tool for baking your lasagna to golden perfection.
  • 9×13-inch baking dish: Spacious pan for layering and baking the lasagna.
  • Nonstick cooking spray: Prevents lasagna from sticking to the dish.
  • Large mixing bowl: For combining seafood and creating delicious mixtures.
  • Separate mixing bowls: Essential for preparing cheese blends and sauces.
  • Whisk: Perfect for blending creamy sauce ingredients smoothly.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures precise ingredient quantities.
  • Medium bowl: Ideal for mixing ricotta filling.
  • Cutting board: For chopping herbs and preparing ingredients.
  • Sharp knife: Helps with precise ingredient preparation.
  • Colander: Used for draining cooked lasagna noodles.
  • Spatula: Great for spreading sauce and mixing ingredients.

How to Make Rich and Creamy Seafood Lasagna

How to Make Rich and Creamy Seafood Lasagna
  • Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F and grab a baking dish. Give it a quick spray with nonstick magic to keep everything from sticking.

  • Noodle Prep and Seafood Magic

Cook lasagna noodles following package guidelines until they’re perfectly tender. In a big bowl, gently toss together a medley of crab, scallops, and shrimp. Let these ocean gems mingle while you work.

  • Cheese and Sauce Symphony

Whip up a dreamy sauce by blending clam chowder, whipping cream, a splash of lemon, parmesan, salt, and pepper until silky smooth. In another bowl, mix mozzarella and parmesan cheeses for a rich topping.

  • Ricotta Fusion

Combine ricotta with egg, garlic, parsley, and a pinch of salt. Stir until everything is beautifully incorporated and looking creamy.

  • Layer Like a Culinary Artist

Start by painting the baking dish with a thin sauce layer. Arrange noodles, then generously scatter ricotta mixture, seafood medley, and cheese blend. Repeat this delicious dance twice more, finishing with a cascade of cheese on top.

  • Bake to Golden Perfection

Cover your creation and slide it into the oven for 30 minutes. Then uncover and bake an extra 10 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and bubbles with excitement.

  • Rest and Savor

Let the lasagna relax for 10 minutes after baking. This helps the layers settle and makes slicing a breeze. Cut into generous portions and dive into a seafood feast that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Tips for Balancing Seafood Flavors

  • Select Fresh Seafood: Choose high-quality, fresh seafood from a reputable fishmonger. Look for bright, firm pieces without any strong fishy odors to ensure the best flavor in your lasagna.
  • Substitute Seafood Options: Swap out different seafood based on availability or preference. Try using lobster, crab, white fish, or a combination of your favorite ocean treasures for a personalized twist.
  • Enhance Sauce Depth: Boost the sauce's complexity by adding a splash of white wine or a pinch of saffron. These ingredients will elevate the overall flavor profile and bring a gourmet touch to your seafood lasagna.
  • Make It Spicy: Kick up the heat by incorporating red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce into the cheese mixture or sauce. This will add a delightful warmth and excitement to each bite.

Serving Lasagna the Coastal Way

  • Pair with Fresh Salad: Complement the rich, creamy lasagna with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the dish's indulgent flavors.
  • Serve with Crusty Bread: Offer warm, crusty garlic bread or a rustic baguette to soak up the delectable seafood sauce and enhance the dining experience.
  • Wine Pairing Recommendation: Choose a chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to perfectly match the delicate seafood and creamy textures of the lasagna.
  • Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top just before serving to add a pop of color and bright, fresh flavor to the dish.

Storing Seafood Lasagna Without Losing Flavor

  • Preserve Freshness: Store leftover seafood lasagna in an airtight container within the refrigerator. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and texture.
  • Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Wrap individual portions or whole lasagna tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze up to 2 months for convenient future meals. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheat with Care: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. For best results, use the oven at 350°F, covering with foil to prevent drying. Add a splash of cream or sauce to maintain moisture and restore original creamy consistency.
  • Smart Portion Planning: Cut lasagna into single-serving portions before storing. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep a batch in the freezer for quick weeknight dinners or unexpected guests.
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Elegant Ina Garten Seafood Lasagna Recipe

Elegant Ina Garten Seafood Lasagna Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Ina Garten’s seafood lasagna combines delicate layers of shrimp, scallops, and crab with rich béchamel sauce. Coastal comfort meets elegant dining in this creamy, indulgent dish you’ll savor from first bite to last.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 g) crab meat (or imitation crab)
  • 12 oz (340 g) cooked scallops, quartered
  • 1 lb (454 g) cooked shrimp
  • 2 cups (473 ml) mozzarella cheese
  • 2 cups (473 ml) parmesan cheese
  • 16 oz (454 g) ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup (237 ml) heavy whipping cream
  • ½ cup (118 ml) parmesan cheese
  • 12 lasagna noodles, cooked
  • 18 oz (510 g) canned clam chowder
  • 3 tbsps (45 ml) lemon juice
  • ½ cup (118 ml) fresh chopped parsley
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tsps garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Warm the oven to 350°F (177°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
  2. Noodle Preparation: Cook lasagna noodles until al dente, drain, and set aside to cool slightly.
  3. Seafood Mixture: Gently combine crab meat, scallops, and shrimp in a mixing bowl, maintaining the integrity of the delicate seafood pieces.
  4. Cheese Blend: Mix mozzarella and parmesan cheeses thoroughly in a separate bowl until well integrated.
  5. Sauce Creation: Whisk clam chowder, heavy whipping cream, lemon juice, additional parmesan, salt, and pepper to develop a rich, flavorful sauce.
  6. Ricotta Layer: Blend ricotta cheese with beaten egg, garlic, parsley, and salt until smooth and well-incorporated.
  7. Layering Technique: Create a sauce base in the baking dish, then systematically layer noodles, alternating with ricotta mixture, seafood blend, and cheese. Repeat the layering process three times, ensuring the top is generously covered with remaining cheese.
  8. Baking Process: Cover and bake for 30 minutes at 350°F (177°C), then uncover and continue baking for 10 minutes until the top turns golden and slightly crisp.
  9. Serving Preparation: Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven to allow layers to set, then slice and serve the elegant seafood lasagna.

Notes

  • Seafood Selection: Choose fresh, high-quality seafood like lump crab meat, large scallops, and jumbo shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
  • Noodle Tip: Cook lasagna noodles slightly under al dente, as they’ll continue cooking in the oven and prevent becoming mushy.
  • Sauce Consistency: Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly to create a smooth, creamy base that evenly coats all ingredients.
  • Resting Magic: Allow lasagna to rest for 10 minutes after baking to help layers set and make cutting and serving cleaner and easier.
  • Prep Time: 1 hour
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 1200 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

Classical & Contemporary Cooking Techniques, Global Cuisine Appreciation, Nutrition & Menu Engineering, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Farm-to-Table Cuisine

Education

Southwestern Oregon Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts, Associate of Applied Science
  • Focus: Emphasis on mastering core culinary competencies, like safety and sanitation, hot, cold, and pastry techniques, while cultivating appreciation of global cuisines and developing operational skills in nutrition, menu design, costing, purchasing, and supervisory management.

Michael grew up in Oregon, where he learned early that food tastes better when it’s fresh, local, and made with care. 

After earning his degree from the Southwestern Oregon Community College, he focused his career on teaching others how to cook with the seasons, reduce food waste, and reconnect with what’s on their plate.

Michael keeps his cooking simple, sustainable, and full of flavor. His favorite part of the process? Watching people realize how easy and satisfying it can be to cook a single great meal from scratch.

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