The Shrimp Casserole brings together everything we love in a comfort meal tender shrimp, creamy rice, and cheesy goodness all baked to perfection. This one-pan wonder is a weeknight hero that looks impressive but takes minimal effort to prepare. It’s a savory, rich dish that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
This dish is perfect when you’re craving something warm and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for your family or prepping a make-ahead meal, this shrimp casserole delivers on taste, ease, and comfort. It’s easily customizable and reheats beautifully, making it just as perfect for a cozy dinner as it is for next-day leftovers.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
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1 cup white rice
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2 cups chicken broth
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 tablespoon butter
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1/2 onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1/2 teaspoon paprika
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened.
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Stir in the rice and paprika, coating the rice with the butter and spices.
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Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cover, reduce heat, and cook for 10-12 minutes.
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Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper.
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Fold in shrimp and stir to combine.
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Transfer mixture into a baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
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Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until shrimp are cooked through.
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Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Creamy Shrimp Casserole: A Southern-Inspired Comfort Classic
When you think of comfort food, casseroles are often one of the first dishes that come to mind. They’re warm, hearty, often cheesy, and universally appealing. Now, imagine combining all of that comfort with the delicate flavor of tender shrimp, rich cream, and fluffy rice. That’s exactly what a Shrimp Casserole delivers a soul satisfying dish that celebrates simplicity, versatility, and flavor in every bite.
Shrimp Casserole is not just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s the kind of dish you make when you need a warm hug in the form of dinner or when you’re looking for something easy yet impressive to serve guests. This casserole is creamy, flavorful, and baked to golden perfection. But beyond its deliciousness lies a lot to love: the ease of preparation, the flexible ingredients, the health benefits of shrimp, and the endless ways you can tweak it to fit your personal taste or dietary needs.
A Brief History of Shrimp in Comfort Cuisine
Shrimp has long been a staple in many coastal cuisines around the world from the gumbo pots of Louisiana to the paella pans of Spain. In Southern American cooking, particularly in states like Louisiana, South Carolina, and Georgia, shrimp is a celebrated ingredient often used in stews, grits, boils, and bakes. The idea of folding shrimp into a casserole is a natural extension of this tradition.
What makes shrimp an ideal ingredient for casseroles is how quickly it cooks and how well it absorbs the surrounding flavors. It doesn’t require much to become tender and flavorful just a few minutes in a rich, bubbling sauce or broth will do the trick. In a casserole, shrimp pairs beautifully with rice or pasta and plays well with creamy sauces and cheeses.
The Flavor Profile: Creamy, Cheesy, and Balanced
The flavor of shrimp casserole is luxurious without being overwhelming. Thanks to the combination of heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and well-seasoned rice, the dish has a velvety texture and a savory depth. The shrimp add a slight sweetness and a subtle sea kissed flavor that keeps the dish from becoming too rich.
What truly sets this dish apart is the balance. The creaminess doesn’t overpower the shrimp, and the rice acts as a mild, fluffy vehicle that ties everything together. Onion and garlic provide aromatic depth, while paprika adds a mild warmth and color. Garnished with fresh parsley, the final dish is a comforting blend of textures and tastes.
Why It Works for Busy Weeknights
One of the biggest selling points of shrimp casserole is that it comes together quickly and easily. Many people shy away from cooking seafood at home, fearing it’s too complicated or delicate. This recipe proves otherwise. Since the shrimp are folded in just before baking, they stay tender without being overcooked. And because everything comes together in one skillet and one baking dish, clean-up is a breeze.
You can even prep parts of the recipe ahead of time. For instance, you can sauté the onion and garlic and pre-cook the rice earlier in the day, then simply combine everything and bake just before dinner. It’s perfect for weeknights when you need something easy but don’t want to compromise on flavor.
Customization Ideas: Make It Your Own
One of the best things about casseroles is their adaptability, and shrimp casserole is no exception. While the base version is absolutely delicious as-is, it also lends itself well to customization.
Here are a few ways to switch things up:
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Add Vegetables: Toss in chopped spinach, bell peppers, or frozen peas for added nutrition and texture. Spinach adds a bit of earthiness, while peppers bring sweetness and color.
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Use Different Cheeses: Swap out Parmesan for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even Gruyère for a different cheesy twist.
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Go Spicy: Add cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot sauce if you like a little heat.
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Make It Healthier: Replace heavy cream with half-and-half, Greek yogurt, or a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk. You can also use brown rice or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb version.
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Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top before baking for an added crunchy texture.
These variations allow you to tailor the casserole to suit your family’s preferences, dietary restrictions, or whatever ingredients you have on hand.
Nutritional Benefits of Shrimp
While shrimp casserole leans into creamy, indulgent flavors, shrimp itself is a nutritional powerhouse. It’s high in protein and low in fat, making it an excellent choice for those watching their calorie intake. Shrimp is also a great source of selenium, vitamin B12, and iodine all essential nutrients that support thyroid function, brain health, and immune strength.
Additionally, shrimp contains antioxidants like astaxanthin, which may offer anti-inflammatory benefits and support cardiovascular health. When balanced with healthy add-ins like vegetables and whole grains, shrimp casserole can be both comforting and nutritious.
What to Serve With Shrimp Casserole
Because shrimp casserole is rich and creamy, it pairs well with lighter, fresher side dishes that provide contrast in flavor and texture. Here are a few suggestions:
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Crisp Green Salad: A simple salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the casserole and adds a refreshing bite.
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Roasted Vegetables: Try asparagus, green beans, or broccoli with a touch of lemon zest.
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Garlic Bread: For a carb-on-carb indulgence, garlic bread is always a hit. The crusty texture contrasts beautifully with the creamy casserole.
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White Wine: A glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy sauce and delicate shrimp perfectly.
Make-Ahead and Leftovers
Another reason shrimp casserole earns its place in any home cook’s arsenal is its make ahead potential. You can assemble the entire casserole a day in advance, refrigerate it, and simply bake it when needed. This makes it an ideal choice for entertaining or meal prep.
Leftovers reheat well too just cover and pop into a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, or use the microwave for quick single servings. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re making a quiet weeknight dinner, preparing for Sunday supper, or cooking for a potluck, shrimp casserole fits the bill. It’s easy enough for everyday cooking but elegant enough to serve to guests. The aroma of it baking in the oven is reason enough to look forward to dinner.
In fact, this dish is a fantastic alternative to more traditional baked casseroles like chicken and rice or tuna noodle. It brings a bit of coastal flair and feels just a little more special especially when served with thoughtful sides and a touch of garnish.
Conclusion:
Shrimp Casserole is more than just a delicious recipe it’s a comforting, versatile, and convenient dish that offers everything you could want in a home-cooked meal. It’s a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something hearty and luxurious. The combination of shrimp, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked rice creates a rich and satisfying bite every time.
But what truly sets this dish apart is its flexibility. It’s a canvas for creativity, allowing you to adapt it to your dietary needs, flavor preferences, or the ingredients you have on hand. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, prepping meals ahead of time, or impressing guests at a gathering, shrimp casserole never disappoints.
It’s proof that good food doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, all it takes is a handful of quality ingredients, a warm oven, and a little inspiration to create a dish that brings comfort, nourishment, and joy to the table.