If you are searching for a dish that promises comfort with every bite, this Creamy Shrimp and Rice Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a harmonious blend of tender shrimp, fluffy rice, and a rich, cheesy sauce that comes together to create a soul-satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or special gatherings. Creamy and packed with flavors from Old Bay seasoning to fresh herbs, this casserole is easy to prepare yet feels delightfully indulgent. Once you try it, this recipe will likely become your go-to for a cozy and impressive seafood casserole.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Creamy Shrimp and Rice Casserole Recipe, you’ll use a straightforward set of ingredients that balance flavor, texture, and color beautifully. Each item in the list adds something special, from the creamy bases to the fresh vegetables, resulting in a dish that is as inviting visually as it is delicious.
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star seafood ingredient, providing a tender and slightly sweet bite.
- 2 cups cooked rice: Absorbs the creamy sauce and adds heartiness to the casserole.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Offers rich, melty goodness that binds everything together.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor for depth.
- 1 cup milk: Keeps the casserole moist and enhances creaminess.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Gives a luscious, velvety texture to the sauce.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Provides tang and an extra layer of creaminess.
- 1/2 cup chopped onion: Brings sweetness and fragrance when sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a warm, robust aroma that amplifies all flavors.
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced: Offers a slight crunch and vibrant color contrast.
- 1/2 cup celery, diced: Introduces a subtle crispness and earthiness.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Essential for sautéing and enriching the flavor base.
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning: The secret spice blend that perfectly complements shrimp.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Adds a smoky hint and warm color.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors throughout the casserole.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of gentle heat.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers a subtle herbal note.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Gives a Mediterranean touch and depth.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping): Creates a crunchy, golden topping for texture contrast.
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish): Adds freshness and a pop of green.
How to Make Creamy Shrimp and Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to ensure your creamy masterpiece won’t stick and cleanup stays easy.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat and add chopped onion, minced garlic, diced bell pepper, and celery. Let these cook gently for about 5 minutes until they become soft and fragrant—this step builds the flavorful foundation of your casserole.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the hot skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until they turn a lovely pink. Cooking the shrimp in the vegetable mixture allows their flavor to mingle beautifully before combining with the creamy sauce. Once done, remove the skillet from heat.
Step 4: Mix the Creamy Base
In a large bowl, stir together the cooked rice, shredded cheddar, grated Parmesan, milk, heavy cream, sour cream, and the seasonings including Old Bay, paprika, salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano. All these ingredients combine to create the luscious, flavorful creamy base that makes this dish irresistible.
Step 5: Combine Everything and Transfer
Fold the cooked shrimp and sautéed vegetables into the creamy rice mixture until everything is evenly combined. Pour this mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly for baking.
Step 6: Add a Crunchy Optional Topping
If you love a textural contrast, sprinkle the top with breadcrumbs. This little extra step will yield a crispy, golden crust that adds delightful variety with every bite.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top turns a beautiful golden brown. This baking step allows the flavors to meld and the cheese to melt into pure perfection.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Finish by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness that brightens the rich casserole beautifully.
How to Serve Creamy Shrimp and Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic choice to sprinkle over this casserole right before serving, offering a vibrant green contrast that lifts the dish visually and adds a mild herbal note. For an extra touch, you can add a squeeze of lemon juice to lighten the rich creaminess.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with simple, crisp sides like a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables such as asparagus or green beans. The lightness and crunch balance out the creamy, indulgent shrimp and rice, making your meal well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this casserole in individual ramekins topped with a sprinkle of paprika or finely chopped herbs. You could also add a handful of cooked spinach folded into the casserole before baking for added color and nutrition. Presentation can elevate this comforting dish to a festive centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Shrimp and Rice Casserole Recipe can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it chilled properly maintains its creaminess and flavor, so you can enjoy it as a quick, satisfying meal the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole before baking by covering it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. To bake from frozen, simply add 10 to 15 minutes to the baking time and cover with foil to prevent over-browning.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave, covered to retain moisture, or warm the entire dish in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. Adding a splash of milk before reheating can help renew the creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this casserole?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in your casserole.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like coconut milk, vegan sour cream, and dairy-free cheeses, though the flavor and texture will vary slightly.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Definitely. Assemble the casserole a day before and keep it covered in the fridge. Bake it fresh right before serving for the best taste and texture.
What can I substitute for Old Bay seasoning?
If you don’t have Old Bay, a mix of paprika, celery salt, black pepper, and a bit of cayenne pepper works well to mimic its distinctive flavor.
Is this recipe spicy?
This casserole has a mild warmth from the paprika and Old Bay but isn’t spicy. You can increase the heat by adding a pinch of cayenne if you prefer more kick.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend trying this Creamy Shrimp and Rice Casserole Recipe enough; it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Simple ingredients come together effortlessly to create a flavorful, rich casserole that’s sure to become a treasured favorite. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend get-together, this recipe will charm your taste buds and bring smiles around the table.
Print
Creamy Shrimp and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Shrimp Casserole is a creamy, flavorful dish perfect for a comforting family meal. It combines tender shrimp with cooked rice, a blend of cheeses, and a medley of sautéed vegetables, all baked to golden perfection with an optional crunchy breadcrumb topping. The recipe is seasoned with classic herbs and Old Bay seasoning to give it a delightful seafood flair.
Ingredients
Seafood and Dairy
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon butter
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
Staples and Seasonings
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Vegetables: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced bell pepper, and diced celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet with the vegetables. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove the skillet from heat to stop further cooking.
- Mix Casserole Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, milk, heavy cream, sour cream, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Stir well to create a creamy mixture.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir the cooked shrimp and sautéed vegetables into the rice and cheese mixture. Ensure everything is evenly distributed.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the combined shrimp and rice mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly for consistent cooking.
- Add Topping (Optional): Sprinkle the top of the casserole with breadcrumbs if you desire a crunchy, golden topping.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped parsley before serving for a fresh, herbal finish.
Notes
- Using cooked rice is recommended to prevent mushiness in the casserole.
- The breadcrumb topping is optional but adds a nice crunchy texture contrast.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the mixture.
- You can substitute shrimp with other seafood like crab or scallops if preferred.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp during sautéing to keep them tender.
