Creamy Baked Shrimp Casserole You’ll Make on Repeat

If you’re craving a comforting and effortless healthy dinner seafood option, this creamy baked shrimp casserole is the answer. Featuring tender small shrimp, a rich cheese sauce, and soft buttery rice or pasta, this dish is perfect when you need quick and easy seafood dinner recipes that still feel special.

It’s one of the easiest shrimp casserole dishes to prepare simply mix, bake, and enjoy! Whether you’re using fresh shrimp or looking for a recipe with cooked shrimp, this casserole adapts beautifully.

Great for weeknights, potlucks, or anyone looking for easy shrimp dishes dinners that taste like restaurant comfort food at home.

Time Breakdown

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 6

Ingredients List

Casserole Base

• 1 lb small shrimp or medium shrimp (cooked or raw)
• 2 cups cooked rice or cooked pasta
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Cheese Sauce

• 1 cup shredded cheddar (your cheese shrimp element)
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1 tbsp flour (for thickening)
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt & pepper

Optional Add-ins

• Spinach
• Broccoli
• Red pepper flakes

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets only simple basics:

• Skillet
• Baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Cheese grater (if using fresh cheese)

Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

1. Preheat & prep
   Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter a baking dish.
2. Sauté aromatics
   In a skillet, melt butter → cook onion and garlic for 2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Make cheese sauce
   Add flour → stir.
   Pour in cream → whisk until slightly thick.
   Add cheddar + mozzarella → stir until melted.
4. Combine ingredients
   In a bowl, mix rice/pasta, shrimp, cheese sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Transfer & bake
   Spread mixture in baking dish → top with extra cheese.
   Bake 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
6. Serve warm
   Enjoy as a cozy main dish with salad or vegetables.

Pro Tips

• Use cooked shrimp to save prep time.
• Add broccoli for a healthy dinner seafood boost.
• Swap paprika for Cajun seasoning for extra flavor.
• Let casserole rest 5 minutes before serving it thickens beautifully.
• Add Parmesan on top for a crisp, golden crust.

Nutrition Table

Disclaimer

Nutrition values are approximate and depend on exact ingredients used.

Creamy Baked Shrimp Casserole You’ll Make on Repeat

A cozy, cheesy shrimp casserole made with tender shrimp, creamy sauce, and melty cheese. Perfect for quick seafood dinners on busy nights.

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Course: Casserole, Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Seafood Comfort Food

Calories: 520

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cups cooked rice or pasta
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Equipment

• skillet for sauce and sautéing
• mixing bowl for combining ingredients
• baking dish for baking casserole

Method

 

1. In a skillet, melt butter and sauté diced onion and garlic until soft and fragrant.
2. Add heavy cream, paprika, salt, pepper, and cheeses. Stir until melted into a creamy sauce.
3. In a large bowl, mix shrimp, cooked rice or pasta, and sauce until well combined.
4. Transfer to a greased baking dish and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Nutrition

Calories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 34gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 18gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 245mgSodium: 720mgPotassium: 340mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 950IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 330mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Use precooked shrimp or quickly sauté raw shrimp before baking. Swap rice for pasta or cauliflower rice to adapt. Can be prepped ahead and baked later. Add veggies like peas or spinach for extra nutrition.

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Conclusion

This creamy baked shrimp casserole is warm, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying perfect for families, gatherings, or anyone craving comfort food with a seafood twist. If you love the best shrimp recipes, this one is sure to become a weekly favorite!

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