Pin This Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Lasagna brings together creamy Alfredo layers, savory Italian cheeses, and spicy Cajun shrimp for a mash-up that is pure comfort with a Southern kick. Every bite is a blend of cozy pasta, tender seafood, and bold flavors that impress every time I make it. If you love lasagna but crave something new and vibrant, this dish will win you over with its punchy heat and lusciousness.
I first tried this recipe when visiting New Orleans and it instantly became a celebration staple in my home. Even my friends who claim not to love shrimp go back for seconds.
Ingredients
- Large shrimp: fresh or frozen add juicy seafood flavor to every bite buy sustainably caught if possible for the best taste
- Oven-ready lasagna noodles: save you the hassle of boiling pick a sturdy brand that bakes up tender not mushy
- Red and green bell peppers plus yellow onion: give sweetness crunch and vibrant color look for firm glossy peppers with no soft spots
- Fresh garlic: brings sharpness skip pre-chopped for the boldest bite
- Heavy cream: creates a rich Alfredo base reach for full-fat for classic velvet texture
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: melts smoothly opt for low-moisture for best layering
- Grated Parmesan cheese: adds nutty salty depth grate your own if possible for a fresher result
- Unsalted butter: is key for sautéing and balancing richness use high-quality dairy for full flavor
- Olive oil: for searing the shrimp extra-virgin works best for taste and aroma
- Cajun seasoning: delivers signature heat choose a reputable brand or homemade blend with lots of paprika garlic and a bit of thyme
- Salt: enhances flavors choose fine sea salt for even seasoning
- Black pepper: for a slight bite grind fresh for the boldest flavor
- Crushed red pepper flakes: add heat if you like things spicier adjust to your liking or skip entirely
- Chopped fresh parsley: brightens and finishes the whole dish pick vibrant flat-leaf parsley for the most fragrance
Instructions
- Prep the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit so it is ready when you need to bake the lasagna
- Cook the Cajun Shrimp:
- In a large skillet heat olive oil over medium-high for about two minutes Toss shrimp with one tablespoon Cajun seasoning Coat every piece evenly to ensure bold flavor Sauté shrimp for two to three minutes just until pink and curled Remove shrimp from skillet do not overcook or they will be tough
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet add butter Let it melt and sizzle Add finely chopped onions and diced bell peppers Sauté for four to five minutes stirring often until starting to soften Add minced garlic and stir for one more minute until fragrant
- Make the Alfredo Sauce:
- Pour in heavy cream slowly while stirring to avoid curdling Bring to a gentle simmer then lower heat to prevent scalding Stir in one cup mozzarella three fourths cup Parmesan the rest of the Cajun seasoning salt black pepper and red pepper flakes if using Keep stirring for about three minutes until cheese melts and mixture is smooth and a bit thick Remove from heat so it does not get too thick
- Layer the Lasagna:
- In a nine by thirteen inch baking dish spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom Place three to four lasagna noodles over Add more sauce layer with one third of the shrimp and scatter parsley Repeat until you have three layers Finish with noodles the last of the sauce and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan
- Bake to Perfection:
- Cover tightly with aluminum foil Bake for thirty minutes Uncover and bake ten to fifteen minutes more until lasagna is bubbly and golden cheese is toasted Let rest for ten minutes before serving This helps everything set up neatly for slicing
- Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley right before serving Bring to the table while still warm and bubbly ready to wow your guests
Pin Shrimp is my favorite in this dish for its sweet snap against creamy cheese My family always gathers in the kitchen for the first slice even sneaking bites straight from the dish The aroma alone makes it impossible to wait
Storage Tips
Let the lasagna cool completely before covering and refrigerating Store in an airtight container for up to three days Warm slices gently in the oven or microwave for lunch or dinner Leftovers are just as creamy the next day
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap shrimp for cooked chicken breast or andouille sausage if you want a different protein For a vegetarian version use sautéed mushrooms and extra peppers You can also use a combination of provolone and mozzarella for the cheese layers
Serving Suggestions
This lasagna shines with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette but a side of garlic bread is never refused I sometimes add a simple cucumber salad for freshness A cold glass of Sauvignon Blanc or light Chardonnay is the perfect pairing
Cultural and Seasonal Notes
This recipe brings together the Italian roots of lasagna with bold Cajun notes from the American South It is a celebratory mash-up once popularized in Southern fusion kitchens If you want to make it more autumnal add some sautéed spinach or roasted mushrooms
Seasonal Adaptations
Fresh corn stirred into the layers brings a summery sweetness Butternut squash purée mixed into the sauce makes it extra cozy in fall Try a sprinkle of smoked paprika for earthier winter flavor
Success Stories
Friends have raved about this recipe at potlucks and one even requested it for her birthday dinner Little ones love the creamy layers and grown-ups love the subtle heat It quickly becomes a requested favorite
Freezer Meal Conversion
Assemble the lasagna but do not bake Wrap tightly and freeze for up to two months Bake directly from frozen covered for one hour then uncover for up to twenty more minutes Keep an eye on the top so the cheese gets golden without burning
Pin This Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Lasagna is a symphony of flavors and textures perfect for any occasion Impress your friends and family with this unique Italian-Southern fusion.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I substitute the shrimp?
Yes, cooked chicken or andouille sausage make delicious alternatives to shrimp in this dish while keeping the bold flavor profile.
- → How spicy is the final dish?
The heat mainly depends on your Cajun seasoning and whether you include red pepper flakes. Adjust seasoning for milder or spicier taste.
- → What vegetables work well in the layers?
Bell peppers and onions are key, but you can also add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for added flavor and texture.
- → Can I use regular lasagna noodles?
Oven-ready noodles simplify assembly, but you may use cooked traditional lasagna noodles if preferred.
- → Are there recommended wine pairings?
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Chardonnay complements the richness and spice, balancing the flavors beautifully.
- → Is this dish suitable for pescatarians?
Yes, it’s based on seafood and dairy ingredients and fits well within a pescatarian diet.