Lasagna 5 Ways: The Ultimate Guide to Classic, Seafood & Creative Lasagna Recipes

Lasagna is one of the most beloved comfort foods in the world. With its rich layers of pasta, creamy cheese, flavorful sauces, and hearty fillings, lasagna is perfect for family dinners, special occasions, and make-ahead meals. What makes lasagna truly special is its versatility—you can customize it with meat, seafood, vegetables, or bold sauces to suit every taste.

In this ultimate guide, we’re sharing five incredible lasagna recipes made in completely different styles. From traditional Classic Lasagna to bold Chicken Buffalo Lasagna, each recipe is packed with flavor, easy to follow, and perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.


Classic Lasagna

Description

Classic Lasagna is a timeless Italian-style dish layered with seasoned ground beef, Italian sausage, rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella cheese.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 lb Italian sausage
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 jar marinara sauce
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 12 lasagna noodles
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella (for layering)

Instructions

  1. Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions and set aside.
  2. In a skillet, brown ground beef and Italian sausage with onion and garlic.
  3. Add marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, basil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer 15 minutes.
  4. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
  5. In a baking dish, layer sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella.
  6. Repeat layers and finish with mozzarella on top.
  7. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes.
  8. Rest 10 minutes before serving.

Seafood Lasagna

Description

Seafood Lasagna is a creamy, elegant dish layered with shrimp, lobster, crab meat, and a rich white sauce—perfect for special occasions.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb shrimp, chopped
  • ½ lb lobster, chopped
  • ½ lb lump crab meat
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups warm milk
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 12 lasagna noodles
  • 2½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • Fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Cook lasagna noodles and set aside.
  2. Sauté shrimp, lobster, and crab in butter with garlic, salt, pepper, and Old Bay. Set aside.
  3. In another pan, melt butter, whisk in flour, and cook 1 minute.
  4. Gradually add milk and cream, whisking until thick.
  5. Stir in Parmesan cheese and season to taste.
  6. Layer sauce, noodles, seafood, ricotta, and mozzarella in a baking dish.
  7. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40–45 minutes.
  8. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Eggplant Parmesan Lasagna

Description

Eggplant Parmesan Lasagna is a hearty vegetarian option made with breaded eggplant, marinara sauce, ricotta, and melted cheese.

Ingredients

  • 2 large eggplants, sliced lengthwise
  • Salt (for sweating eggplant)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 eggs, beaten
  • 2 cups Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Olive oil, for frying
  • 1½ cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese
  • Salt & black pepper
  • 3½ cups marinara sauce
  • 2½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil or parsley

Instructions

  1. Salt eggplant slices and let sit 30 minutes. Rinse and pat dry.
  2. Dredge eggplant in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan.
  3. Fry until golden and drain.
  4. Mix ricotta, egg, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
  5. Layer marinara, eggplant, ricotta, and mozzarella.
  6. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes.
  7. Garnish with basil or parsley before serving.

Chicken Alfredo Lasagna

Description

Chicken Alfredo Lasagna combines tender chicken with a rich garlic-Parmesan cream sauce for a luxurious, comforting meal.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups cooked chicken
  • Salt & black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ cup butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
  • Pinch nutmeg
  • 1½ cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese
  • Salt & pepper
  • 12 lasagna noodles
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Cook noodles and set aside.
  2. Melt butter, sauté garlic, add cream, Parmesan, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
  3. Mix ricotta, egg, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
  4. Season chicken with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  5. Layer sauce, noodles, chicken, ricotta, and mozzarella.
  6. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40–45 minutes.
  7. Garnish with parsley before serving.

Chicken Buffalo Lasagna

Description

Chicken Buffalo Lasagna is bold, spicy, and creamy—perfect for fans of buffalo wings and comfort food.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups cooked chicken
  • ¾ cup buffalo sauce
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups milk
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • Salt & black pepper
  • 1½ cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 12 lasagna noodles
  • Ranch or blue cheese dressing

Instructions

  1. Cook noodles and set aside.
  2. Toss chicken with buffalo sauce and melted butter.
  3. Make white sauce by melting butter, whisking in flour, then milk.
  4. Stir in sour cream, salt, and pepper.
  5. Mix ricotta with egg.
  6. Layer sauce, noodles, chicken, ricotta, mozzarella, and cheddar.
  7. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40 minutes.
  8. Drizzle with ranch or blue cheese before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make lasagna ahead of time?

Yes, lasagna can be assembled up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated.

2. Can I freeze lasagna?

Absolutely. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

3. Which lasagna is best for parties?

Classic Lasagna and Chicken Buffalo Lasagna are crowd favorites.

4. Can I substitute cottage cheese for ricotta?

Yes, cottage cheese works well as a substitute.

5. How do I prevent watery lasagna?

Drain ingredients well and allow lasagna to rest before slicing.

6. What side dishes go best with lasagna?

Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables pair perfectly.


Conclusion

These five lasagna recipes showcase just how versatile and comforting this classic dish can be. Whether you prefer the timeless flavor of Classic Lasagna, the elegance of Seafood Lasagna, the richness of Chicken Alfredo, or the bold heat of Chicken Buffalo Lasagna, there’s a recipe here for every craving and occasion.

Leave a Comment