Delicious Shrimp Casserole Recipes for Every Occasion

Shrimp casserole sure can be a real crowd pleaser, mixing shrimp’s tasty flavor with the cozy warmth of a hot, baked meal. It offer a neat mix of textures and tastes, so its great for family dinners or when you got friends over. Its easy to make too, even if youre not a pro cook, you can whip it up fast and look like a chef.

Shrimp got a special place in cooking all over the world not just cause its yummy but also because it’s good for you. People has been eating it in fancy seafood dishes or southern comfort foods for ages. You can cook shrimp so many ways—stir fry, boil, bake—and it never gets borin; you can always try new stuff with spices, veggies, or pasta.

Casseroles itself are super flexible and you can change them to whats in your fridge or what you prefer. Add seasonal produce, experiment with different spices, or swap shrimp with chicken, tofu, or whatever you like. The best part is you throw everything in one dish, bake it, and bam—dinner’s ready with little clean up.

What is Shrimp Casserole?

This dish is basically shrimp mixed with stuff like pasta, rice, or veggies then cooked in a creamy or cheesy sauce. Its layerd up in a baking dish and then you top it with cheese or breadcrumbs so its got a crunchy bit on top. You bake it all together and you got a full meal in one pan.

There isnt really one single story where shrimp casserole came from. In the South, folks love shrimp and grits, so they started baking it like a casserole. Over in France and Italy, people used local cheeses and herbs to make shrimp bakes too. All these styles mixed up over time, so now we have lots of different recipes around the world.

Usually you need fresh or frozen shrimp, some creamy soup like mushroom or chicken, garlic, cheese, and veggies. You can sneak in corn, peas, bell peppers or beans—whatever you like or have. Some folks add cajun spice for a kick or olive oil and herbs for a mediterannean taste.

Health Benefits of Shrimp

Shrimp not only tastes good but it also is low in calories and packed with protein. A normal serving is under 100 calories but still gives you a bunch of protein thats great for muscles or just to keep you full.

Besides being a good protein, shrimp got vitamin B12 that helps with energy and brain stuff. Its also full of selenium, which is an antioxidant that fights off bad stuff in your body.

One cool thing is shrimp has omega-3 fats that are good for your heart, and it might even help lower blood pressure. Plus, shrimp has astaxanthin, a fancy antioxidant that could help your skin and calm inflammation.

But watch out if you allergic to shellfish—shrimp can give you serious reactions. Also its got more cholesterol than some other seafood, so if your doctor told you to watch cholesterol you might eat it less. Overall, in moderation, shrimp is a pretty healthy pick for meals.

III. Types of Shrimp Casseroles

• Classic Shrimp Casserole: This old school version usually has shrimp, rice, and a creamy soup sauce, topped with cheese.
• Shrimp and Rice Casserole: Tender shrimp mixed with fluffy rice, herbs, and spices for simple, hearty meal.
• Shrimp Pasta Casserole: Shrimp tossed with pasta in a rich cheese or cream sauce—super comforting.
• Spicy Shrimp and Corn Casserole: A zesty bake with shrimp, sweet corn, jalapeño, and crunchy chips on top.
• Cajun Shrimp Casserole: Bold cajun spices, sausage, bell peppers, and shrimp come together for a Southern kick.

IV. Detailed Recipe Section

A. Classic Shrimp Casserole Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh or frozen shrimp, peel and deveined
• 1 can cream of mushrom soup
• 2 cups shreded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups cooked rice
• Seasonings: 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon paprika

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. If needed, clean and devein the shrimp.
3. Cook the rice by following the package directions and set aside.
4. In a big bowl, mix shrimp, rice, cream of mushrom soup, and seasonings.
5. Spread the mix in a greased casserole dish.
6. Sprinkle shreded cheddar cheese on top.
7. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until it’s bubbly and the top is golden.

Advice

You can add broccoli or bell peppers to get more veggies and color. If shrimp isnt your thing, swap in chicken or even tofu. Put leftovers in fridge up to 3 days or freeze for a couple months. This casserole goes good with salad or garlic bread.

B. Shrimp and Rice Casserole Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup peas and carrots (frozen or fresh)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, stir cooked rice, shrimp, cream of chicken soup, peas, carrots, and garlic powder.
3. Transfer to a greased casserole dish and bake for 30–35 minutes.
4. Let it cool a bit, then serve warm and enjoy!

Advice

This is perfect for using up leftover rice. You can switch the veggies to whatever you got. It tastes great with a light vinaigrette salad.

C. Shrimp Pasta Casserole Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 ounces pasta (like penne or rotini)
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook pasta till al dente, drain and set aside.
3. In a bowl, mix pasta, shrimp, marinara sauce, and ricotta cheese.
4. Put it in a greased baking dish, top with mozzarella cheese.
5. Bake 25–30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Advice

Feel free to change pasta shapes or toss in veggies like spinach or mushrooms. This one also freezes well—just use an airtight container.

D. Spicy Shrimp and Corn Casserole Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cups corn (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup cream of celery soup
• 1 jalapeño pepper, chopped (optional)
• 1 cup crushed tortilla chips

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix shrimp, corn, cream of celery soup, and jalapeño.
3. Spread in a greased casserole dish and sprinkle crushed tortilla chips on top.
4. Bake 20–25 minutes until shrimp is cooked and top is crunchy.

Advice

This casserole packs a spicy punch. Adjust the jalapeño for more or less heat, and serve with sour cream to cool things down.

E. Cajun Shrimp Casserole Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 cup diced bell peppers
• 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix shrimp, rice, peppers, cream of mushroom soup, and Cajun seasoning.
3. Put the mixture into a greased casserole dish.
4. Bake for 30–35 minutes until shrimp are pink and it’s heated through.

Advice

If you love bold flavors, this one's for you. You can toss in sausage or swap shrimp for another protein to mix it up.

V. Tips for Making the Perfect Shrimp Casserole

• Choosing the right shrimp: Fresh shrimp taste best, but frozen ones work great if you thaw them right.
• Savvy seasoning tips: Garlic, paprika, or a squeeze of lemon can really boost flavors.
• Importance of texture: Add crunchy toppings like breadcrumbs or crushed crackers so its not all soft.
• Avoiding overcooking shrimp: Shrimp cook quick, so add them near the end to keep them tender, not rubbery.

VI. Frequently Asked Questions

What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup in shrimp casserole?

You can use homemade white sauce, cream of chicken soup, or even thickened vegetable broth if you want a lighter option.

Can I make shrimp casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can put it together in advance and keep it in the fridge. Just add a few extra minutes to baking if it’s coming straight from cold.

How do I reheat shrimp casserole without making it tough?

Warm it in the oven at a low temp (like 300°F or 150°C) until it’s hot. That way the shrimp stays juicy.

What sides pair well with shrimp casserole?

A fresh salad, crunchy coleslaw, or garlic bread are all great choices to go alongside.

Can I use frozen shrimp directly in the casserole?

Yes, but it’s best to thaw them first so everything cooks evenly.

Conclusion

Shrimp casseroles are a fun way to try new flavors with shrimp while keeping things simple. With loads of options—from mild and cheesy to spicy Cajun—you can mix, match, and make it your own. Gather your family or friends and dive into a one-dish meal that’s sure to impress.

shrimp casserole recipes

This delicious shrimp casserole brings together tender shrimp, hearty vegetables, and creamy sauce topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust. It's perfect for a family dinner or a potluck.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 People

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• 1 9x13 inch baking dish
• 1 large skillet
• 1 mixing bowl
• 1 wooden spoon or spatula
• 1 oven mitts

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup onion, diced
• 1 cup celery, diced
• 2 cups cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cups cooked rice Can substitute with cooked quinoa or couscous.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• to taste salt and pepper
• fresh parsley for garnish Optional.

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced bell pepper, onion, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
• Add the peeled shrimp to the skillet and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
• In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until fully combined.
• In the skillet with the shrimp and vegetables, add the cooked rice and then pour the soup mixture over the top. Stir until the ingredients are well combined.
• Transfer the shrimp mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
• Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Follow with an even layer of breadcrumbs.
• Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
• Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving.

Notes

You can substitute cooked quinoa or couscous for the rice for a different texture.

For added flavor, consider adding a splash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the mixture.

This dish can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat it in the oven before serving.