Creamy Shrimp & Crab Lasagna Recipe

"Decadent and rich; but, absolutely delicious. This is NOT HEART HEALTHY by any means. But, it is a nice treat. And, this is not necessarily a week night dinner; but, it sure makes a great weekend dinner - or a dish to entertain with. One note, I do suggest using the classic lasagna noodles vs the NO BOIL noodles for this particular recipe. It just seems to work better. Serve with a nice citrus salad on the side; and, of course crusty bread. Who doesn't have garlic bread with Italian dishes? NOTE: I like to cook my own shrimp; however, you can buy cooked fresh or frozen, or ... many grocery stores will steam them right on the spot; which is a huge time saver. But, always use what is on sale for the best price."

Step by Step Method

Step 1

Pasta ... Cook the pasta according to package directions, in plenty of salted water. Set on a baking sheet to cool. For my pan, 3 noodles were enough to cover each layer; so larger pans may require 4 noodles - just keep that in mind.

Step 2

NO BOIL NOODLE TIPS: Soak for 10-15 minutes in very hot water in the same pan you are using for the dish. Pour out the water, dry; and, prep the dish for the lasagna. NOTE ... I prefer regular noodles; but, the NO BOIL will work if you follow these directions.

Step 3

Seafood Spinach Cheese ... I like to use cottage cheese for this recipe; but, I like a really smooth texture; so, I puree it in the food processor. It isn't necessary; but, I just like the texture it has. Don't worry if you don't, it will taste the same. Then, add the cottage cheese to a small bowl with the cooked and cooled diced shrimp, crab meat, spinach, mozzarella, a pinch of nutmeg, salt, pepper; then, mix to combine.

Step 4

Cheese Sauce ... Melt the butter in a pot on medium heat; then, add the flour, and cook a couple of minutes until completely combined, stirring often. Then, add the milk (room temp, NOT COLD); and whisk until everything is smooth, and the sauce begins to thicken. It should take about 3 minutes; stirring often. Remove from the heat, and stir in the parmesan cheese. If you want, you can add a splash of vermouth or white wine when you add the milk. OPTIONAL, but, it is good.

Step 5

Lasagna ... Add 2/3 cup of the cheese sauce to the bottom of the pan, lightly prepped with a non-stick spray. Then, add 3 (or 4 if needed) of the cooked and cooled lasagna noodles. Next add 1/2 of the seafood spinach cheese mixture; and top with another 2/3 cup of the cheese sauce. Repeat - 3 noodles, the remaining seafood spinach cheese mixture; and another 2/3 cup of the cheese sauce. Finish with the last 3 noodles, the remaining cheese sauce; and the mozzarella cheese.

Step 6

Bake ... Cover with foil; and, bake in a 350 degree oven on the middle shelf for 25 minutes. Then, uncover and cook another 20 minutes. Remove from the oven, cover with foil; and, rest 10 minutes before serving.