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Shrimp Casserole

A creamy, baked seafood dish combining tender shrimp, rice or pasta, cheeses, and a savory sauce, perfect for comforting family meals.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Comfort Food, Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Seafood, Southern
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

Seafood and Base Ingredients
  • 1.5 pounds raw large shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails removed
  • 2 cups cooked long-grain white rice or 8 ounces cooked penne Use pasta for a twist
Sauce Ingredients
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 cups milk
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine optional
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 0.5 teaspoon paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne optional for heat
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Topping Ingredients
  • 3/4 cup plain breadcrumbs or panko
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. If your shrimp are frozen, thaw under cold running water and pat dry to prevent excess liquid from making the sauce thin.
  2. Preheat your oven to 375°F while you assemble the components.
Sear the Shrimp
  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook 1-2 minutes per side until just pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
Make the Roux and Sauce
  1. Reduce heat to medium and melt the butter in the same skillet. Add chopped onion and cook 3-4 minutes until softened.
  2. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until a pale paste forms.
  3. Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream, then add white wine if using. Bring to a gentle simmer until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
Build the Flavor
  1. Turn off the heat and stir in cheddar and half the Parmesan until melted and smooth.
  2. Add lemon juice, paprika, thyme, cayenne if using, and season with salt and pepper. Fold in the cooked rice or pasta and the seared shrimp.
Transfer and Top
  1. Spoon the mixture into the prepared 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a small bowl, toss breadcrumbs with the remaining olive oil and remaining Parmesan, then sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
Bake
  1. Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until bubbling and the topping is golden brown. If topping browns too quickly, tent with foil for the last 5 minutes.
Rest and Garnish
  1. Remove from oven and let rest 5-10 minutes to set.
  2. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top and arrange reserved shrimp for presentation.
Serve
  1. Cut into squares and serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

This dish reheats well and can be made ahead by assembling and refrigerating. Adjust baking time if cooking from cold. Pair with steamed vegetables or crisp salad.