If you’re craving a dish that brings the flavors of the sea together with creamy, cheesy comfort, this Seafood Lasagna with Bechamel and Ricotta Recipe is exactly what you need. Layers of fresh seafood, silky béchamel sauce, and a luscious ricotta mixture nestle between tender lasagna sheets, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that feels like a warm, indulgent hug. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner, it’s guaranteed to wow your taste buds and leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple but essential ingredients that come together to create a rich and satisfying dish. Each element plays a vital role, from the creamy béchamel sauce giving silkiness, to the fresh seafood adding that irresistible ocean flavor, and the cheeses providing depth and a gooey, golden finish.
- Butter: The base for creating a smooth and velvety béchamel sauce.
- All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- Milk: Adds creaminess and moistness to the béchamel sauce.
- Parmesan cheese (freshly grated): Adds a nutty, savory note that enhances the sauce and topping layers.
- Salt: Essential for balancing and elevating all the flavors.
- Ricotta cheese: Provides a creamy, slightly tangy richness that balances the seafood perfectly.
- Mozzarella cheese (shredded): Melts beautifully to create a bubbly, golden crust.
- Large egg (whisked): Binds the ricotta filling for a more cohesive texture.
- Dried parsley: Adds a subtle herbal freshness throughout the dish.
- Seafood mix: The star protein component, offering a variety of textures and flavors from the sea.
- Olive oil: For sautéing the seafood and adding a fruity richness.
- Lasagna noodles (fresh): Tender sheets that hold all the delicious layers together perfectly.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Seafood Lasagna with Bechamel and Ricotta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and to make sure your lasagna comes out in beautiful, neat slices once baked.
Step 2: Make the Luxurious Béchamel Sauce
In a saucepot over medium heat, melt the butter until foamy. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook it for about a minute to get rid of the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the milk while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens into a smooth, creamy coating. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and don’t forget to season with salt. This béchamel is the creamy heart of your lasagna that ties all the flavors together.
Step 3: Mix the Ricotta Cheese Filling
In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, the whisked egg, dried parsley, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything gently until you get a creamy, smooth filling that will lend richness and moisture to every layer.
Step 4: Cook the Seafood
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seafood mix, seasoning it with salt, pepper, and dried parsley. Let the seafood cook just for about three minutes until it’s cooked through but still tender. This step adds a tender, flavorful seafood layer that melts wonderfully with the béchamel and cheeses.
Step 5: Assemble the Layers of the Seafood Lasagna with Bechamel and Ricotta Recipe
Start by spreading some béchamel sauce evenly on the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Lay down your fresh lasagna sheets carefully over the sauce. Next, spread one-third of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by one-third of the cooked seafood, then a layer of béchamel sauce. Repeat these layers two more times, making sure to end with a generous layer of béchamel topped with shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan. This thoughtful layering ensures every slice is bursting with creamy and savory goodness.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the assembled lasagna in the preheated oven and bake for about 35 minutes. Keep an eye on it toward the end; if the top browns too quickly, cover with tin foil and continue baking until the cheese melts beautifully and the dish is heated through. This step gives you that perfect golden crust that everyone loves.
Step 7: Let It Rest Before Serving
When your seafood masterpiece is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for several minutes. This rest time is crucial—it helps the layers set so your slices hold together nicely, and gives you a moment to appreciate the wonderful aromas filling your kitchen.
How to Serve Seafood Lasagna with Bechamel and Ricotta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil sprinkled on top add a bright pop of color and fresh flavor that complements the rich layers beautifully. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can also elevate the dish with just a hint of fruity brightness.
Side Dishes
A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs wonderfully by cutting through the richness of the lasagna. Sautéed or roasted seasonal vegetables also make for a colorful, nutritious side that balances the meal effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual portions in small ramekins for an elegant touch at dinner parties. Alternatively, layer the lasagna in clear glass dishes so the stunning layers can be admired before digging in—this visual appeal adds excitement to mealtime every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your delectable seafood lasagna, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to three days, allowing you to savor the flavors the next day without losing the luscious texture.
Freezing
This seafood lasagna freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to two months, making it a lifesaver for busy days when you want a homemade meal ready in minutes.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw if frozen, then bake in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) until heated through, about 20 minutes. Cover with foil to keep the top from browning too much during reheating and remove it in the last few minutes for that perfect golden finish.
FAQs
Can I use frozen seafood mix for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you use frozen seafood, just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in your lasagna layers.
Is it necessary to use fresh lasagna noodles?
Fresh noodles work best for a tender, delicate texture, but you can substitute dried noodles—just be sure to cook them al dente beforehand to avoid over-soft layers.
Can I make the béchamel sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the béchamel sauce a day in advance. Store it covered in the fridge and gently reheat before assembling the lasagna.
What if I don’t have dried parsley for seasoning?
No worries! You can swap dried parsley with fresh parsley in slightly larger quantities or substitute it with other herbs like dill or basil for a different but delicious twist.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Definitely! Use gluten-free flour in the béchamel sauce and gluten-free lasagna sheets to accommodate gluten-free diets while preserving all the wonderful flavors.
Final Thoughts
There’s something wonderfully satisfying about this Seafood Lasagna with Bechamel and Ricotta Recipe. It’s perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a comforting, decadent meal at home. The creamy sauces, tender seafood, and melty cheeses come together like a dream in every bite. I encourage you to give it a try and make this beautiful dish a star in your kitchen—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels like a special occasion every time.
PrintSeafood Lasagna with Bechamel and Ricotta Recipe
This Seafood Lasagna is a delightful blend of creamy béchamel sauce, ricotta cheese, and a flavorful seafood mix layered between fresh lasagna noodles. Baked to perfection with mozzarella and parmesan cheese topping, it’s a rich and satisfying dish perfect for a seafood lover’s dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Béchamel Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Cheese Filling
- 10 oz ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 1 large egg (whisked)
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Seafood Mix
- 1 pound seafood mix
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
Other Ingredients
- 1/2 lb lasagna noodles (fresh)
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded) for topping
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish thoroughly and set it aside to prepare for assembling the lasagna.
- Prepare Béchamel Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and cook for about one minute to form a roux. Gradually add the milk while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens gently, then stir in the parmesan cheese and salt. Remove from heat once smooth and creamy.
- Make Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella, whisked egg, dried parsley, and salt. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. Set this mixture aside.
- Cook Seafood Mix: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the seafood mix along with salt, pepper, and dried parsley. Cook for approximately 3 minutes until seafood is just cooked through and fragrant. Remove from heat.
- Assemble Lasagna: Spread a layer of béchamel sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Place a layer of fresh lasagna sheets over the sauce. Spread one-third of the ricotta cheese filling over the noodles, followed by one-third of the cooked seafood mix and a portion of béchamel sauce. Repeat these layers two more times, finishing with a top layer of shredded mozzarella and freshly grated parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Place the assembled lasagna in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes. If the cheese on top begins to brown too quickly, cover the dish loosely with tin foil to prevent burning and continue baking until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it cool for several minutes to set. Slice into portions and serve warm for an indulgent seafood pasta experience.
Notes
- Ensure the seafood mixture is not overcooked during sautéing to keep it tender.
- Use fresh lasagna noodles for best texture and avoid pre-boiling them as fresh noodles cook in the baking process.
- You can substitute the seafood mix with shrimp, scallops, or crab meat depending on your preference.
- Letting the lasagna rest after baking helps the layers set for easier slicing.
- Cover with foil if the top cheese browns too rapidly during baking.