Here’s a sophisticated recipe for Shrimp Scampi Lasagna paired with Homemade Garlic Bread. Both dishes complement each other beautifully, creating a perfect balance between rich, garlicky flavors and creamy textures.
Shrimp Scampi Lasagna:
Ingredients:
- For the Shrimp Scampi Filling:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup white wine or chicken broth
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- For the Cheese Mixture:
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the Béchamel Sauce:
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk, warmed
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg, to taste
- For Assembly:
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (for layering)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the shrimp scampi filling:
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp, and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 2-3 minutes, turning until the shrimp turns pink.
- Deglaze the pan with white wine or broth, add lemon juice, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in chopped parsley, and set aside.
- Prepare the cheese mixture:
- In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, egg, mozzarella, Parmesan, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Prepare the béchamel sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 2 minutes to form a roux.
- Slowly whisk in the warm milk, cooking until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in Parmesan, season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg, and remove from heat.
- Assemble the lasagna:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Spread a thin layer of béchamel sauce on the bottom of the dish. Layer with lasagna noodles, followed by half the shrimp mixture, a portion of the cheese mixture, and some mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers.
- Finish with a final layer of noodles, béchamel sauce, and a generous topping of mozzarella.
- Bake:
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
- Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before serving, garnishing with fresh parsley.
Homemade Garlic Bread:
Ingredients:
- 1 large baguette or Italian loaf
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the garlic butter:
- In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, Parmesan (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Prepare the bread:
- Slice the baguette or loaf in half lengthwise. Spread the garlic butter evenly over the cut sides of the bread.
- Bake:
- Place the bread on a baking sheet, buttered side up, and bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden and the butter has melted into the bread. For extra crispiness, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Serve:
- Slice and serve the garlic bread alongside the Shrimp Scampi Lasagna for a cohesive and indulgent meal.
This recipe brings together the robust flavors of shrimp scampi in a lasagna format, with a light yet creamy béchamel sauce and layers of rich cheese. The garlic bread adds a crispy, buttery complement that perfectly rounds out the dish.
