Imagine a dish that combines the luxurious richness of succulent shrimp, the comforting embrace of cheese-filled ravioli, and the classic layers of a traditional lasagna. This Shrimp and Ravioli Lasagna is not just a meal; it's a culinary adventure that transforms ordinary dinner into an extraordinary dining experience. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home, this recipe marries Italian tradition with seafood elegance in every single bite.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 9-12 ravioli, cooked
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Clean and prepare the shrimp by peeling and deveining. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning.
- Cook the ravioli according to package instructions, typically boiling in salted water for 3-4 minutes until they float to the surface. Drain and set aside, being careful not to overcook.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with the remaining Italian seasoning, stirring until well incorporated.
- Begin layering the lasagna: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Arrange a single layer of cooked ravioli across the bottom of the dish, slightly overlapping them.
- Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the ravioli, then arrange the seasoned shrimp evenly across the layer.
- Pour half of the remaining marinara sauce over the shrimp, then sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Repeat the layering process: another layer of ravioli, remaining ricotta, remaining shrimp, sauce, and cheeses.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, ensuring it doesn't touch the cheese surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes covered, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve hot with a side salad or garlic bread.
Tips
- Choose high-quality, fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
- Don't overcook the ravioli - they should be just al dente, as they'll continue cooking in the oven.
- Pat the shrimp dry before seasoning to ensure they brown nicely and don't release excess moisture.
- Use a good quality marinara sauce - it significantly impacts the overall taste of the dish.
- Let the lasagna rest after baking to allow the layers to set and make serving easier.
- For a crispy top, broil the lasagna for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking.
- If you prefer, you can substitute frozen ravioli, but thaw and drain them thoroughly.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like adding some fontina or provolone for extra depth.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 282kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 31g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 140mg
