1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the lasagna noodles in salted boiling water until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and lay them flat on a sheet of parchment or a clean kitchen towel to prevent sticking.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Add the shrimp to the skillet, sprinkle with Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper, and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and chop roughly into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
5. In a separate bowl, gently fold the crab meat into the cooked shrimp, being careful not to break up the lumps too much. Add the lemon zest and chopped parsley to brighten the flavors.
6. To make the béchamel sauce, melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste and starts to smell nutty.
7. Slowly whisk in the warm milk, continuing to stir so the sauce thickens evenly. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using.
8. Remove the béchamel from heat and stir in half of the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
9. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with a pinch of salt and pepper.
10. Now to assemble: Spread a thin layer of béchamel sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Lay 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
11. Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by one-third of the shrimp-crab mixture. Top with a layer of béchamel and sprinkle with mozzarella.
12. Repeat layers twice more, finishing with noodles topped with béchamel, mozzarella, and the remaining Parmesan cheese.
13. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
14. Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes slicing easier.

When I first made this with Ouma, she reminded me to never rush the resting step—it’s where the magic happens. It’s also the perfect time to set the table and gather your loved ones close.