Name: Shrimp and Crab Lasagna with Alfredo Sauce and Toasted Breadcrumbs Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 12 sheets of lasagna noodles; 1 pound crab meat; 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 cups shredded mozzarella; 2 cups ricotta cheese; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 4 cups Alfredo sauce; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes; 2 sprigs parsley, finely chopped; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/2 cup breadcrumb topping

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 9 reviews

I have a real soft spot for this Shrimp and Crab Lasagna with Alfredo Sauce and Toasted Breadcrumbs Recipe because it brings together the best of the sea in a creamy, cheesy, and comforting way that’s just irresistible. From the delicate sweetness of the crab and shrimp to the rich Alfredo sauce, and that golden, crunchy breadcrumb topping, it feels like an indulgent celebration on a plate. Every bite feels like a perfectly balanced flavor adventure that I love sharing with friends and family.

Why You’ll Love This Shrimp and Crab Lasagna with Alfredo Sauce and Toasted Breadcrumbs Recipe

What makes this dish truly stand out for me is its incredible flavor profile. The delicate shrimp and crab mingled with creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella cheese create a luscious texture, while the Alfredo sauce adds that smooth, velvety richness that ties everything together. The toasted breadcrumb topping gives an unexpected but wonderful crunch that breaks up the softness and adds visual appeal. I find the balance of textures and flavors absolutely divine, which keeps me coming back to this recipe over and over.

Besides tasting fantastic, the recipe is surprisingly straightforward to prepare, which I really appreciate. It’s a wonderful option for special family dinners or entertaining guests, thanks to its impressive presentation and decadent ingredients. I love that although it feels fancy and festive, the steps are quite manageable and the ingredients accessible. This is a perfect dish when you want to elevate a meal without spending all day in the kitchen. It always impresses and feels like a celebration on any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

In a clear glass bowl on a white marbled texture, there is a mix of seafood pieces. The dish has large round seared scallops with a golden brown crust on the top and sides. Around these scallops are soft pink shrimp, slightly curled, showing their light reddish-orange shells. Scattered throughout are shredded pieces of white crab meat with bright red streaks, adding a touch of color contrast to the mostly pale seafood. The textures range from smooth and tender scallops to delicate crab flakes and firm little shrimp. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients in this Shrimp and Crab Lasagna with Alfredo Sauce and Toasted Breadcrumbs Recipe are wonderfully simple but essential for capturing the dish’s rich, layered flavor. Each one plays an important role, from the tender seafood and smooth cheeses to the creamy Alfredo and crispy topping that finishes the whole creation with a satisfying crunch and golden hue.

Pro Tip ✨

Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

12 sheets of lasagna noodles: The perfect sturdy base to hold all the layers together.
1 pound crab meat: Sweet and delicate, it’s the star flavor of this dish.
1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined: Adds lovely texture and a subtle briny sweetness.
2 cups shredded mozzarella: For gooey, stretchy cheesiness in every bite.
2 cups ricotta cheese: Smooth and creamy, blending perfectly with the seafood.
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty kick to the layers and topping.
1 cup heavy cream: Makes the cheese mixture luxuriously creamy.
4 cups Alfredo sauce: The rich and velvety foundation that brings everything together.
1/2 teaspoon chili flakes: A gentle heat to lift the flavors without overpowering.
2 parsley sprigs, finely chopped: Adds fresh color and subtle herbal notes.
1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning the seafood perfectly.
2 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth.
2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing the garlic and seafood with flavor.
1 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a mild spicy depth.
1/2 cup breadcrumb topping: Toasted for a crunchy, golden finish.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain them carefully and lay them flat on a sheet or tray so they don’t stick together, giving them time to cool.

Step 2: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for about one minute until fragrant. Add the shrimp and cook just until they turn pink and opaque, about 3 to 4 minutes. Then stir in the crab meat, season with salt, black pepper, and chili flakes, and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes before removing from heat.

Step 3: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the ricotta, half of the Parmesan, one cup of mozzarella, chopped parsley, and the heavy cream until smooth and creamy. This mixture will add richness and tie the layers together beautifully.

Step 4: Lightly spread some Alfredo sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish; this keeps the lasagna from sticking. Lay down a single layer of noodles, then evenly spread a portion of the cheese mixture over the noodles. Spoon some of the seafood mixture on top, then drizzle generously with more Alfredo sauce. Repeat these layers two more times, finishing with noodles and sauce on top.

Step 5: Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan and mozzarella evenly over the top, followed by the breadcrumb topping. Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the oven for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the breadcrumbs have turned a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 6: Once baked, let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes slicing easier. For a pretty finishing touch, I like to sprinkle a little more fresh parsley on top just before presenting it to the table.

Servings and Timing

This recipe comfortably serves 6 people, making it ideal for a family dinner or small gathering. The prep time, including boiling noodles and making the seafood and cheese mixture, takes about 25 minutes. Baking time totals around 40 minutes, including covered and uncovered stages. Allowing 10 minutes of resting time at the end means you’ll have this fabulous dish ready to enjoy in about 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish.

How to Serve This Shrimp and Crab Lasagna with Alfredo Sauce and Toasted Breadcrumbs Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a four-layer white lasagna in a clear glass baking dish. Each layer alternates between smooth, creamy white sauce mixed with green spinach pieces and light pasta sheets. The second layer includes some light pink shredded filling, likely cooked meat or seafood, mixed with the creamy sauce and spinach. The top layer is a golden brown melted cheese crust with some darker toasted spots. The dish rests on a white marbled surface, with a portion already missing, showing the moist textures inside. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve this Shrimp and Crab Lasagna with Alfredo Sauce and Toasted Breadcrumbs Recipe, I love pairing it with light, fresh sides that complement the richness rather than compete with it. A simple arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or a crisp cucumber and tomato salad works wonderfully. The brightness cuts through the creamy seafood layers perfectly. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette are optional if you want something to soak up extra sauce, but honestly, the lasagna is so rich and filling that it often stands beautifully on its own.

Presentation-wise, I like to serve individual portions on warm plates, ideally cutting the lasagna into neat squares so that each piece shows off its layers of cheesy seafood goodness. Garnishing with extra chopped parsley or a light sprinkle of Parmesan just before serving adds a fresh, colorful pop. For drinks, I find a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Chardonnay pairs flawlessly, as their acidity balances the creaminess of the dish. If you prefer cocktails, a gin and tonic with a twist of lime is refreshing alongside the lasagna. Non-alcoholic drinkers can enjoy sparkling water with a lemon wedge or a lightly brewed iced tea.

This dish feels right at home for a special weeknight dinner, celebratory holiday meal, or even a casual dinner party where you want to wow guests with minimal fuss. I always recommend serving it warm, straight from the oven, so that the cheese is perfectly melted and the breadcrumb topping is still crunchy.

Variations

I love how versatile this Shrimp and Crab Lasagna with Alfredo Sauce and Toasted Breadcrumbs Recipe is, and I often play around with ingredient substitutions depending on what I have on hand or dietary needs. For example, if you’re not a seafood fan, swapping the shrimp and crab for cooked chicken breast or sautéed mushrooms gives you a delicious alternative without losing the creamy texture. If you want to intensify the seafood flavor, a splash of white wine in the Alfredo sauce works wonders.

For those following a gluten-free diet, using gluten-free lasagna noodles and gluten-free breadcrumbs makes this dish accessible without sacrificing flavor or structure. If you’re vegan or dairy-free, I recommend swapping the cheeses for plant-based alternatives and using a vegan Alfredo sauce made with cashews or coconut milk; just keep in mind the texture will be a bit different but still delicious. I also like to experiment with adding fresh herbs like basil or dill to enhance the flavor twist.

Another variation I enjoy is trying different cooking methods, such as assembling this lasagna in smaller individual ramekins for personalized portions or baking it in a slow cooker on a low setting for a few hours if I want to prep early and serve later. Both methods produce wonderful, tender results with those iconic bubbly, golden tops.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, I always store them in airtight containers to maintain freshness. I recommend dividing the leftover lasagna into individual portions so it’s easy to reheat just what you need. Properly stored in the refrigerator, leftovers will keep well for 3 to 4 days without losing too much moisture or flavor.

Freezing

This lasagna freezes beautifully, which is one of the reasons I make it in larger batches sometimes. To freeze, I either portion it before freezing or freeze the whole dish tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It’s best to consume frozen lasagna within 2 to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat leftover lasagna is in the oven. Set it to around 350°F (175°C), cover the lasagna with foil to prevent drying out, and heat it for about 20 to 25 minutes until warmed through. If reheating individual portions, you can also microwave on medium power but watch the timing closely to avoid rubbery shrimp or dried-out edges. Adding a splash of Alfredo sauce or a little cream on top before reheating helps keep it moist and creamy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp and crab for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture in the dish. Fresh is always lovely, but frozen works well and is often more convenient.

Is it necessary to boil the lasagna noodles before layering?

Yes, boiling the noodles until al dente ensures they cook through fully and aren’t chewy once baked. You can also opt for no-boil noodles, but be sure your Alfredo sauce is plentiful and slightly thinner to help them soften properly during baking.

Can I make the Alfredo sauce from scratch for this recipe?

Definitely! Homemade Alfredo sauce using butter, cream, garlic, and Parmesan adds a wonderful fresh touch. Using store-bought Alfredo saves time but if you have the time, making your own elevates the taste beautifully.

What can I substitute for the breadcrumb topping if I don’t have any?

If you’re out of breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, panko, or even toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts can provide that satisfying crunch and golden finish.

How do I prevent the seafood from overcooking?

The key is to cook the shrimp just until pink and opaque — about 3 to 4 minutes on medium heat — and only add the crab to warm briefly. Overcooked shrimp becomes rubbery, so keep a close eye during sautéing.

Conclusion

I truly hope this Shrimp and Crab Lasagna with Alfredo Sauce and Toasted Breadcrumbs Recipe inspires you to bring a bit of ocean-side luxury to your table. It’s one of those dishes that feels both elegant and comforting, perfect for sharing with loved ones. Once you try it, I’m sure it’ll become a favorite like it is for me—so creamy, flavorful, and satisfying that you’ll want to make it again and again!