Next, I gently fold in the lump crab meat into the shrimp mixture, being careful not to break apart the crab too much. It’s so beautiful and reminds me of summer days by the beach. In a mixing bowl, I combine the ricotta, half of the mozzarella, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This creamy mixture is pure bliss! Now, it’s time to assemble. In the baking dish, I start by spreading a layer of the sauce at the bottom, followed by three lasagna noodles, then a generous scoop of the ricotta mixture, and lastly, the shrimp and crab mixture. I repeat this process until the dish is full, finishing with sauce and a sprinkle of remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
Covering my lasagna with aluminum foil, I bake it in a preheated oven at 375°F for 25 minutes. The anticipation is almost unbearable as the scent fills my kitchen. Taking off the foil, I let it bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese bubbles up and turns a lovely golden brown. Before serving, I always let it rest for about 10 minutes—trust me, it makes a difference!
Pro Tips for Best Results
I’ve tested this recipe multiple times, and I’ve found that using fresh seafood really elevates the dish! If you can get your hands on fresh shrimp and crab, it’s absolutely worth it. On the other hand, if you can’t find fresh, frozen will work perfectly as well—just ensure you thaw it completely beforehand.
Another trick I’ve discovered is not to over-season the ricotta mixture. It should enhance the seafood flavors rather than mask them. I usually start with a little seasoning and build up from there. Lastly, if you find the sauce too thick after baking, you can always add a splash of heavy cream or broth when serving; it gives a nice silky finish that I adore.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake I’ve made (and learned from!) is overcooking the lasagna noodles. They should be slightly undercooked since they will continue to cook during the baking. I recommend keeping a close watch on the boiling process! (See the next page below to continue…)