Go Back
Delicious shrimp casserole topped with cheese and breadcrumbs, perfect for dinner.

Shrimp Casserole

This shrimp casserole is rich, creamy, and loaded with juicy shrimp, tender rice or pasta, and a cheesy topping. It’s an easy, comforting, and crowd-pleasing dish perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Serves 6–8
  • Base:
  • 500 g 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 1 bell pepper chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 cups cooked rice or pasta e.g. penne, egg noodles
  • 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning or Cajun seasoning optional
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • Creamy sauce:
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 500 ml 2 cups milk
  • 100 ml ½ cup heavy cream
  • ½ tsp Dijon mustard optional
  • 100 g 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
  • Topping optional:
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • arge skillet or sauté pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish
  • Saucepan (if making sauce separately)
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Oven

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the shrimp:
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  4. Add shrimp and season with salt, pepper, and optional seasoning.
  5. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until just pink. Remove and set aside.
  6. Sauté the vegetables:
  7. In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed.
  8. Sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic until soft and fragrant (about 5 minutes).
  9. Make the sauce:
  10. In a separate saucepan, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute.
  11. Slowly whisk in milk and cream. Cook, stirring, until thickened (about 5 minutes).
  12. Stir in mustard (if using), cheese, salt, and pepper.
  13. Combine and assemble:
  14. In a large bowl, combine cooked rice or pasta, sautéed vegetables, shrimp, and cheese sauce.
  15. Mix well and transfer to the prepared baking dish.
  16. Add topping (optional):
  17. In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and Parmesan.
  18. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
  19. Bake:
  20. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
  21. Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley.

Notes

Use cooked rice or pasta you have on hand — this is a great way to use leftovers.
Frozen shrimp works too — just thaw and pat dry before cooking.
Add spinach, mushrooms, or corn for extra veggies.
Can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking (add 5–10 minutes to bake time).